In this episode of Initial Step, we sit down with Curtis James. Media creator, community activist, and co-founder of Class Divide. We trace his journey from growing up on a council estate in Brighton to building a platform that's tackling systemic inequality head-on.

Curtis opens up about the barriers he faced early on, the moments that shaped his resilience, and how those experiences pushed him toward using media as a tool for change. We dig into his work with Class Divide, exploring how the organisation is challenging entrenched inequalities in education. Why access, representation, and community support matter so much for people from working-class backgrounds.

This conversation is about more than one person's story. It's a look at how lived experience can become the foundation for real, lasting change and what it takes to keep pushing forward when the odds aren't stacked in your favour.

In this episode:

- Growing up on a Brighton council estate

- The path into media and community activism

- Founding and building Class Divide

- Tackling inequality in education and the arts

- The role of community support in personal resilience

🔔 Subscribe for more inspirational stories and insights into those from working class and low socioeconomic backgrounds!

👍 Like this if you enjoyed Curtis' journey!

🗣️ Comment below with your thoughts and questions for Curtis

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- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/initialstep.co.uk/

- Apple podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/initial-step/id1758128198

- Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5ZizcM5a2HEQKcaAPToysk?si=79fb1e8a830a4ec9

- Linktree - https://linktr.ee/initialstep

Follow Curtis James

- Instagram -

Curtis - @oswald808

Class Divide - @divideclass

- Website - https://www.wearefieldwork.com/

- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtisjames/

Image Credit - Alma Haser

https://almahaser.com/

https://www.instagram.com/almahaser/?hl=en

Thanks for listening!

#initialstep #workingclass #lowsocioeconomicbackground #creativeindustry #TVandFilm #Advertising #PRandMarketing #CreativeJourney #CareerInspiration #anyonecanachievesuccess #ClassDivide #WorkingClassVoices #CommunityActivism #Brighton

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In this insightful conversation, Nell, creator of Class Therapy. Explores the intersections of class, mental health, and therapy. We dig into why working-class experiences are so often overlooked in mainstream mental health spaces, the real barriers that keep people from accessing support, and the innovative approaches Nell is championing to make therapy more inclusive and accessible for everyone.

Whether you're a mental health professional, someone navigating therapy access issues, or simply interested in how class shapes our emotional lives, this conversation offers valuable perspective on building a more equitable mental health landscape.

In this episode:

🔹 Why working-class experiences are often invisible in therapy spaces

🔹 The structural and financial barriers to mental health support

🔹 Practical, innovative approaches to inclusive therapy

🔹 What Class Therapy is doing differently

🔔 Subscribe for more inspirational stories and insights into those from working class and low socioeconomic backgrounds!

👍 Like this if you enjoyed Nell's journey!

🗣️ Comment below with your thoughts and questions for Nell!

Follow Us:

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/initialstep.co.uk/

- Twitter - https://x.com/step_initial

- Apple podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/initial-step/id1758128198

- Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5ZizcM5a2HEQKcaAPToysk?si=79fb1e8a830a4ec9

- Linktree - https://linktr.ee/initialstep

Follow Nell

- Instagram - @class.therapy

- Instagram - @nellashtherapy

- Substack - https://classtherapy.substack.com/

Thanks for listening!

#initialstep #workingclass #lowsocioeconomicbackground #creativeindustry #TVandFilm #Advertising #PRandMarketing #CreativeJourney #CareerInspiration #anyonecanachievesuccess #classtherapy

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In this powerful episode, autistic filmmaker John Clark opens up about his remarkable journey, from growing up working class in Essex to making impactful films and championing neurodivergent voices in the industry. John shares the real challenges of breaking into film as a neurodivergent person, the weight of masking, and why perseverance and community are everything in a creative career.

We also dive into the Oliver McGowan Training Program and its vital role in improving understanding and practice around autism, disability and why representation both on and off screen matters more than ever.

🔔 Subscribe for more inspirational stories and insights into those from working class and low socioeconomic backgrounds!

👍 Like this video if you enjoyed Johns journey!

🗣️ Comment below with your thoughts and questions for John!

Follow Us:

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/initialstep.co.uk/

- Twitter - https://x.com/step_initial

- Apple podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/initial-step/id1758128198

- Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5ZizcM5a2HEQKcaAPToysk?si=79fb1e8a830a4ec9

- Linktree - https://linktr.ee/initialstep

Follow John

- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jclx1v/

- Instagram - @JCLX1V

-Linktree - www.linktree.com/JCLX1V

Thanks for listening!

#initialstep #workingclass #lowsocioeconomicbackground #creativeindustry #TVandFilm #Advertising #PRandMarketing #CreativeJourney #CareerInspiration #anyonecanachievesuccess #autism #neurodiversity

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