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Approximately 2 million people in the UK are affected by seasonal affective disorder, according to the NHS. Symptoms usually appear and disappear with changes in the weather, daylight hours, and temperature. So how can our faith help us combat the winter blues? And is there any solace in God’s word about the change of seasons? Rachael Newham, a Theology of Mental Health specialist, spoke to Esther Higham.
Released on 23 Oct 2025
One in six UK adults take antidepressants—yet mental health is still a taboo topic in many churches. Dr Rob Waller, Consultant Psychiatrist and co-founder of the Mind and Soul Foundation, and Dr Lavanya Dua, former GP, pastor, and speaker, joined Esther Higham to explore why it’s so hard to open up about these struggles in Christian communities.
David Smith MP, the Government’s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion and Belief—tasked with championing religious freedom worldwide—joins Esther Higham to discuss how both of his new roles are progressing, and how his faith is woven into his work.
Comedian and actor Sir Lenny Henry has called for the UK to pay reparations. Chancellor Rachel Reeves says it would bankrupt the country. Lord Nigel Biggar—Anglican priest, theologian, and author of Reparations: Slavery and the Tyranny of Imaginary Guilt—joined Esther Higham to explore whether the UK and the Church should pay for their involvement in the transatlantic slave trade.
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