What does meaningful social impact look like when you're responsible for an entire region? How can local investment tackle poverty, improve men's mental health and create better opportunities for young people?

David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, talks to James about how local leadership can make a tangible difference to people's lives, from community-led initiatives and green social prescribing to skills, tourism and regional economic growth.

David's route into politics was far from conventional. After running a successful retail business, he became frustrated by the inequalities and underinvestment he saw around him. Personal experiences, including losing his father and witnessing the pressures facing public services, helped shape his decision to pursue a different kind of impact.

In this episode:

• Devolution and local leadership: Why giving regions more control over decisions and investment could help tackle long-standing inequalities.
• Community wealth building: How to keep more investment circulating within local economies and support homegrown businesses.
• Men's mental health: How David's own experience of grief prompted him to champion earlier intervention and community-based support.
• Green social prescribing: How York and North Yorkshire's national parks and green spaces are being used to support people experiencing anxiety, loneliness and stress.
• The role of charities and social enterprises: Why trusted local organisations can reach people in ways that traditional public services sometimes cannot.

LINKS:

https://yorknorthyorks-ca.gov.uk/mayors-fund-boosts-mens-mental-health-projects/

https://yorknorthyorks-ca.gov.uk/natural-health-service/

https://www.thepurposebrief.org.uk/