Trust links is a local independent charity aiming to improve mental health, wellbeing and the environment in Essex. They organise therapeutic gardening, recovery classes, social activities, employment training, environmental workshops and more. From the beginnings with a 1 acre garden in Westcliff 25 years ago, they now employ 65 staff across 7 sites. 170 volunteers are involved in numerous roles. Last year they had direct contact with 4,500 users and 7,000 people in total. From 8th of September a well-being app will be available. They are also now working with Mind in Mid and South Essex to develop Healthy Minds hubs offering 6 week programmes.

For more information check out the website.

https://www.trustlinks.org.

Playlist

JP Cooper – Walking on sunshine. Recent release.

Joan Armatrading – Love and affection – one of the tracks chosen by Tim Lee, studio guest last week. He talked the Retreat House at Pleshey, four miles north of Chelmsford, as the perfect place to spiritually  reconnect with nature and with God. You can visit for a day, organise your own time or go to an organised event. Tim is leading a walking retreat there the first week in August next year. More information can be found on the website https://www.retreathousepleshey.com

Paul Carrick – Cold light of day – from his 2025 album -,The country side of Paul Carrick.

Bruce Springsteen – Unsatisfied heat – from his recently released album of previously unreleased tracks from across his career.

Sister Sledge – We are family – 1979 Canada no 1, USA no 2, UK no 8. Top 10 in 2 more countries. 1993 UK no 5, Ireland no 6. Matthew chose this track as everyone involved with Trustlinks feels like a bid family.

ELO – Mr Blue Sky – 1978 UK no 6. Continuing popularity mean UK sales/streams of 2.4 million. USA sales/streams over 3 million. Matthew said there is lots of evidence of the positive effects on wellbeing  of  being engaging with nature. He noted the lyrics of this track includes dealing with depression. He also loves playing this track with the jazz group he has recently joined.

Tears for Fears – Sowing the seeds of love – 1989 Canada no 1, USA no 2, UK no 5. Top 10 in 6 more countries. Top 20 in another 7 countries. For Matthew, Trustlinks are sowing the seeds of love through their activities.

Birthdays competition

Mumford & Sons – Caroline – from the 2025 album – Rushmere – UK no 1, Top 10 in 5 more countries. USA no 19. Bassist in the band Ted Dwane is 41 years old today.

Spencer Davis Group – Keep on running – 1965 UK no 1. Top 10 in 5 more countries. USA no 76. Drummer with the band Pete York is 83 years old.

Tanita Tikaram – Good tradition – 1988 UK no 10, Top 10 in 3 more countries.  Tanita is 56 years old.

Thanks to Chris, Bob and Sarah in Harlow, Chris in Guildford, Matthew in the studio, Patrick in Ingatestone, Alan and Laura in York and Sian in Queensland for taking part. The winner today in a high scoring hame with 6 points was Alan in York.

Tony Di Bart – The real thing. Patrick requested this 1994 UK no1 & Top 20 in 3 more countries.

Chart this week in 1967.

No 2 The Beatles – All you need is love – No 1 UK, USA & at least 10 more countries. Global sales of over 3 million. Played live on the Our World global link TV show to over 40 countries. No 37 in Rolling Stone 500 Greatest songs of all time. Anthem for the summer of love.

No 10 Pink Floyd – See Emily play – UK no 6, Ireland no 10. A classic of psychedelic pop.

No 12 Mamas and the Papas – Creeque Alley – UK no 9. Canada no 1. USA no 5. Top 20 in 4 more countries.

Quincey Jones – Soul Bossanova. 1962 track featured in the 1997 film Austin Powers – man of mystery

Deacon Blue – People come first – from 2025 album – Great Western Road – UK no 3.

Next week my studio guest is  Lynne Dejoodt from CHESS homeless. She will update us with the Turning point project  and other news. This includes Rob Saggs taking part in the London to Brighton sponsored cycle ride on 14th of September.

On the 29th I am joined by Mike Power from the Board of Trustees of the Mission to Seafarers. They support the 1.9 million seafarers of all nationalities, genders and ranks around the world. He will be talking about a recent trip to South America.

https://wwww.missiontoseafarers.org

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