Did you know 83,840 children are currently in care and 9,000 additional foster carers are needed in the UK. These are shocking statistics, and highlight the urgent need for innovation and support within the foster care system.

In this episode host Annie Legge speaks with Rasheda Fry, founder of Fosterli, a platform aimed at improving the fostering process through technology. They discuss the alarming statistics surrounding foster care in the UK, the challenges faced by foster carers, and how Fosterli seeks to streamline the assessment process to make it more efficient and human-centered.

Rasheda shares her personal journey as a social worker and a parent, the startup challenges she faced, and the importance of community support and innovation in the fostering sector.

The conversation also touches on the role of AI in social care and the vision for a more effective fostering system.

For more resources from this episode, visit our ⁠podcast page⁠.

Host Arielle Tye in conversation with Mary Stevens, Experiments Program Manager at Friends of the Earth, exploring the intersection of AI and environmental justice.

In this chat with Arielle, Mary delves into the potential of AI to drive positive change while addressing its environmental risks. Mary shares insights from her work on creating a balanced narrative between AI's utopian and dystopian possibilities, emphasising the importance of values-led technology use.

Discover practical steps organisations can take to harness AI responsibly and the role of advocacy in shaping a sustainable tech future.

For more resources from this episode, visit our podcast page.

In this episode of the Tech4Good South West podcast, host Arielle Tye speaks with Matt Bakall, a digital youth work specialist working at Space Youth Services, about digital youth work.

They discuss the evolution of youth work in the digital age, the importance of meeting young people where they are, and the challenges and opportunities presented by technology.

Matt shares insights on defining digital youth work, the need for training future youth workers, and the concept of 'Tech for Good' as an approach to using technology to positively impact young people's lives.

spaceyouthservices.org

Join us on the Tech for Good Southwest podcast as we delve into the inspiring journey of Luke Ashman, co-founder of Not Impossible.

Discover how this innovative platform is revolutionising work experience for young people by connecting them with meaningful placements. From the challenges of building a purpose-driven business to the impact of micro-placements, Luke shares insights on creating opportunities and fostering social mobility.

Tune in to explore the power of technology in driving positive change and learn how Not Impossible is making a difference in the Southwest and beyond.

For more information, visit their website at teamnotimpossible.com.

What happens when your smartphone becomes your biggest enemy in managing ADHD? In this powerful conversation, Annie sits down with Alastair Brayne, founder of Unbreakable (formerly MyCoPilot.ai), who turned his personal struggle with organisation, planning and digital addiction into a mission to help others.

Alastair shares the raw reality of building a startup while neurodivergent, from developing "a really dumb little app" in his bedroom to creating an AI-powered platform that provides compassionate support for people with ADHD. We dive deep into the neuroscience behind why smartphones can make ADHD symptoms worse, the challenges of securing funding as a neurodiverse founder, and the personal cost of pursuing a mission-driven business.

This episode explores the darker side of our relationship with technology, the power of AI to heal rather than harm, and what it truly means to build "Tech for Good" - even when it feels like an act of revenge against the systems that failed you.

Key Topics:

• Digital addiction and ADHD
• Building inclusive technology for neurodiversity
• The startup journey and mental health
• AI as a tool for compassionate support
• Community building in the tech space

A perfect listen for entrepreneurs, anyone interested in mental health tech, or those curious about the intersection of neurodiversity and innovation.

Connect with Alastair:

Find Alastair on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/albrayne

Unbreakable website: icanbeunbreakable.com (formerly MyCoPilot.ai: mycopilot.ai)

All links and the full episode at our website ⁠tech4goodsouthwest.org/podcast⁠

In this episode of the Tech4Good South West podcast, host Arielle Tye speaks with Weronika Stelma, co-founder and CEO of Weaving Change, a social enterprise focused on sustainable fashion.

They discuss the launch of their app, Swerve, which aims to help users digitise their wardrobes and make sustainable fashion choices. Weronica shares her journey from a chemistry background to creating a tech startup, the challenges of funding, and the ethical considerations of using AI in fashion. The conversation highlights the importance of using technology for social good and the future of digital fashion.

Takeaways

• Weaving Change focuses on making sustainable fashion accessible.
• The Swerve app allows users to digitize their wardrobes.
• Only 10% of clothes in wardrobes are regularly worn.
• Funding is crucial for startups in the social enterprise space.
• Aura is an outfit recommendation algorithm based on personal style.
• Ethical considerations in AI development are essential.
• Digital fashion is the future of the industry.
• Understanding the impact of technology on the environment is vital.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Tech for Good South West

01:45 Sustainable Fashion and Weaving Change

05:05 The Journey of Weaving Change

09:00 Funding and Business Model

11:20 Developing the Aura Algorithm

15:41 Ethical Considerations in AI and Fashion

21:29 Future Plans for Weaving Change

24:24 Defining Tech for Good

In this episode, we talk with Neil Morris, co-founder of Kelpi, about his journey from tech entrepreneur to impact leader with a mission to reduce plastic waste through innovative, seaweed-based packaging solutions. Neil discusses the challenges of scaling impact sustainably, including the tough decisions Kelpi has made to avoid partnerships that could compromise their mission. He shares insights into the role of purpose-driven leadership in building a business focused on people, planet, and profit, and why resilience and principled choices are key to driving change.

Join us as we explore how Kelpi is working to create a plastic-free future and the essential role of leadership in shaping a sustainable tech for good movement.

https://www.kelpi.net/

Promoting STEM education and environmental awareness among children through The Adventures of Scout. In this engaging conversation, co-founders Nick Parker and Matt Baron of The Adventures of Scout discuss their mission to inspire the next generation through children's literature focused on environmental awareness and STEM education. They share insights into their creative process, the impact of their books on children, and the importance of community engagement and partnerships. The discussion also highlights the role of technology in education and their vision for future growth and impact.

“Technology is at the forefront of everything."

The Adventures of Scout is a children's book series that aims to inspire the next generation of problem solvers to protect the planet, promoting STEM education and environmental awareness among children.

takeaways

• Tech4Good South West aims to amplify technology's positive impact.
• The Adventures of Scout is designed to inspire young problem solvers.
• The creative process involved extensive brainstorming and collaboration.
• Scout's books have reached over a quarter of a million children.
• Partnerships with organizations enhance the reach and impact of Scout.
• Technology plays a crucial role in modern education and outreach.
• Environmental awareness is a key theme in Scout's stories.
• Collaboration is essential for driving real change in communities.
• Future plans include expanding Scout's brand and educational resources.
• Community engagement is vital for promoting literacy and environmental stewardship.

https://www.the3engineers.com/