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It's getting spooky on Ladies of Liverpool! 🎃👻 This Halloween, Leanne is joined by Alex Brewster from Living Liverpool Tour for a journey through Merseyside's creepiest locations, chilling ghost stories and haunted history. From mysterious encounters in the Queensway Tunnel to the dark past of Newsham Park, prepare for a few scares, plenty of surprises and a proper Halloween treat! Together, they take listeners on a spooky journey through Merseyside, beginning with the eerie tales surrounding the Queensway Tunnel, before exploring more mysterious locations, unexplained encounters and the chilling history of Newsham Park and its former orphanage. Along the way, Alex shares the history behind these locations, separating local legends from historical events and revealing stories that might make you look at familiar Liverpool landmarks in a completely different light. With plenty of laughs, fascinating local history and a few moments guaranteed to send a shiver down your spine, this Halloween special is perfect for anyone who loves ghost stories, paranormal mysteries, haunted buildings and Liverpool history. So turn up the volume, switch off the lights and join Leanne and Alex for a spooky trip around Merseyside. And don't forget to share this episode with anyone who loves a good ghost story! Happy Halloween from Ladies of Liverpool! 🎃👻 Follow Alex at Living Liverpool Tour on social media for more fascinating stories about Liverpool and Merseyside. Hosted by: Leanne CampbellSpecial Guest: Alex Brewster – Living Liverpool TourSponsored by: Diane Marshall Hair Extensions #LadiesOfLiverpool #LiverpoolGhostStories #HalloweenPodcast #HauntedLiverpool #LivingLiverpoolTour #LiverpoolHistory #Merseyside #NewshamPark #Paranormal #GhostStories

This week on Ladies of Liverpool, we welcome Sharon Munroe, founder of Equilibrium Northwest CIC and winner of the Merseyside Women of the Year Inspirational Women Award. Sharon shares her remarkable journey from a difficult childhood in Birkenhead to becoming a driving force for positive change in her community. An honest and inspiring conversation about resilience, overcoming adversity and helping others. Growing up in poverty and experiencing childhood trauma, domestic abuse and significant personal challenges, Sharon's early life was far from easy. But rather than allowing those experiences to define her future, she has used them to help others facing similar difficulties. Sharon opens up about her upbringing on the Wirral, the challenges she faced as a teenager and a life-changing assault that left her with serious injuries. She explains how her recovery led her into education, studying health inequalities and discovering her passion for supporting vulnerable people and families. The conversation explores how Sharon founded Equilibrium Northwest CIC in 2014 and went on to transform a community centre in Birkenhead into a welcoming space offering practical support, wellbeing activities, children's holiday programmes, mental health awareness, training, affordable services and a community supermarket. Sharon also discusses the organisation's work supporting families through the cost-of-living crisis, its annual Christmas Day dinners and fundraising efforts, and its plans to expand support for families with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). From childhood adversity to receiving recognition at the Merseyside Women of the Year Awards, Sharon's story highlights the importance of community, determination and creating opportunities for others. It's a powerful conversation about resilience, mental health, social inequality, women's achievements and the difference one person can make in their local community. Listen now to hear Sharon's story and discover the work Equilibrium Northwest is doing to support families and communities across Birkenhead, the Wirral and Merseyside.

This week, Leanne is joined by Jude McMaster, founder of Pearls Project, an incredible Liverpool organisation supporting women involved in sex work and those facing homelessness, trauma, addiction and exploitation.Jude shares how a night outreach almost 20 years ago changed the course of her life, and how Pearls Project is helping women across the city through compassion, practical support and, sometimes, simply being there when somebody needs it most. Leanne and Jude have an important and moving conversation about the women in our city who can so easily be overlooked. Jude's journey began almost 20 years ago when she volunteered on a night outreach supporting women involved in street sex work in Liverpool. What started with handing out sandwiches, hot drinks and essentials gradually became something much bigger, eventually leading to the creation of Pearls Project in 2012. Jude talks openly about the realities faced by many of the women she works with, including homelessness, domestic violence, trauma, addiction, exploitation and what she describes as “survival sex” – situations where women may turn to sex work simply to pay for food, accommodation or other basic needs.But this episode is also about looking beyond labels. Jude explains why Pearls Project focuses on the whole person rather than simply the problems they are facing. From accompanying someone to a health appointment to wellbeing groups, swimming, walks, trips to the beach and even helping one woman rediscover her love of horse riding, sometimes the smallest steps can make an enormous difference. The conversation also explores hidden homelessness among women, the barriers vulnerable people can face when trying to access health, housing and addiction services, and why traditional systems don't always work for somebody living with trauma. At the heart of Pearls Project is a simple idea: meet women where they are, listen without judgement and give them back a sense of choice and control over their own lives.Jude also explains how people across Liverpool can support the project, whether through volunteering, fundraising, sponsorship or donating everyday essentials and gifts. It's a powerful conversation about dignity, compassion and community – and a reminder that behind every statistic is an individual with their own story, talents, hopes and ambitions.

This week, we are joined by Michelle O’Dwyer, chef, founder of Bay Tree Cookery CIC and Merseyside Woman of the Year 2026. Michelle shares the incredible community work behind her award, from bringing hundreds of people together on Christmas Day to supporting veterans and fundraising through some seriously tough challenges. She also opens up about her own journey with trauma, giving up alcohol and learning to turn some of the hardest experiences of her life into what she now calls her “superpower.”

This week, Leanne is joined by STEM ambassador and aerospace engineer Kristin Pearson-Rampeearee to talk about smashing stereotypes, women in engineering and inspiring the next generation to think bigger. Kristin shares her journey into aerospace, the challenges of working in a male-dominated industry and why she’s passionate about showing young women that a career in STEM really can be for them.

Part 2 of our episode with Love Island’s Robyn Langton. Robyn joins Leanne for the first episode of a brand-new season of Ladies of Liverpool. Robyn lifts the lid on life inside the villa, what really happens when the cameras stop rolling, and how her life has changed since leaving the show.  This week on Ladies of Liverpool, Leanne Campbell is joined by Robyn Langton from Love Island Season 13 for a funny, open and refreshingly honest conversation about her whirlwind experience on one of the UK’s biggest reality TV shows. Robyn reveals how applying for Love Island started as a bit of a joke, before she suddenly found herself going through the casting process and heading to Majorca. She talks about leaving behind her career as a quantity surveyor, entering the villa as an original Islander, the friendships she formed and what it was really like trying to find a connection while surrounded by cameras 24/7. She also takes us behind the scenes of the Love Island villa, from producers communicating through what the Islanders nicknamed the “Voice of God”, to trying to second-guess the next twist and discovering just how different the villa feels when you're actually living in it. But what happens when Love Island ends? Robyn opens up about the side viewers rarely see: suddenly being recognised in public, dealing with management and contracts, navigating new opportunities and trying to work out what comes next when you've never worked in the entertainment industry before. Robyn also shares what she wants to do with her new platform, including her passion for DJing, plans to create her own event brand and ambitions to move into presenting. And, of course, Leanne gets the latest on Robyn's love life – including why finding a relationship isn't at the top of her list right now. From Love Island and reality TV to dating, careers, Liverpool nightlife, DJing and life after the villa, it's a proper Ladies of Liverpool chat with plenty of laughs along the way.

Love Island’s Robyn Langton joins Leanne for the first episode of a brand-new season of Ladies of Liverpool. Robyn lifts the lid on life inside the villa, what really happens when the cameras stop rolling, and how her life has changed since leaving the show. This week on Ladies of Liverpool, Leanne Campbell is joined by Robyn Langton from Love Island Season 13 for a funny, open and refreshingly honest conversation about her whirlwind experience on one of the UK’s biggest reality TV shows. Robyn reveals how applying for Love Island started as a bit of a joke, before she suddenly found herself going through the casting process and heading to Majorca. She talks about leaving behind her career as a quantity surveyor, entering the villa as an original Islander, the friendships she formed and what it was really like trying to find a connection while surrounded by cameras 24/7. She also takes us behind the scenes of the Love Island villa, from producers communicating through what the Islanders nicknamed the “Voice of God”, to trying to second-guess the next twist and discovering just how different the villa feels when you're actually living in it. But what happens when Love Island ends? Robyn opens up about the side viewers rarely see: suddenly being recognised in public, dealing with management and contracts, navigating new opportunities and trying to work out what comes next when you've never worked in the entertainment industry before. Robyn also shares what she wants to do with her new platform, including her passion for DJing, plans to create her own event brand and ambitions to move into presenting. And, of course, Leanne gets the latest on Robyn's love life – including why finding a relationship isn't at the top of her list right now. From Love Island and reality TV to dating, careers, Liverpool nightlife, DJing and life after the villa, it's a proper Ladies of Liverpool chat with plenty of laughs along the way.

In this inspiring episode, we’re joined by Jai and Nikki from Nightingales Recovery CIC to hear about the incredible work they’re doing across Wirral to support people affected by addiction, homelessness, loneliness and poverty. From providing affordable, nutritious meals to creating safe spaces for recovery, Nightingales is helping people rebuild their lives with dignity, community and absolutely no judgement. About this episodeNightingales Recovery CIC is a community-led recovery organisation based in Birkenhead, supporting people affected by drug and alcohol addiction while also helping anyone who needs food, companionship or a safe place to turn. As Jai explains in the episode, their approach goes far beyond addiction support. Nightingales helps people who are homeless, people struggling financially, people experiencing loneliness and those simply looking for somewhere welcoming where they can ask for help without feeling judged. A huge part of that work is food. Twice a week, Nightingales opens its doors in the evening and provides more than 100 people with a hot meal, snacks, fruit, water and soup. Their message is simple: they don’t just feed the homeless — they feed the hungry. That can include people sleeping rough, people in recovery and even people who are working but simply cannot afford to cover the basics. Nikki Hayward, founder and director of Nightingales Recovery CIC, also shares how the project began after people using local drug and alcohol services said they desperately needed a safe place where they could meet, connect and work towards recovery. What started with a tiny café selling inexpensive food and drinks has grown into a much wider recovery community offering support groups, wellbeing activities, access to fitness facilities, recovery services and therapeutic support. The episode also explores the growing impact of ketamine addiction among young people, something Nikki says Nightingales is increasingly seeing first-hand. They discuss the devastating physical effects, the impact on families and the need for specialist support for young people and their parents. Nightingales works hard to make accessing support feel as normal and welcoming as possible. Rather than walking into a clinical environment, someone struggling with addiction can simply visit one of the cafés, have a coffee and quietly ask a member of staff for help or an assessment. Many members of the team are themselves recovery champions, having come through services before going on to work within the organisation — giving Nightingales the lived experience that sits at the heart of its approach. The episode also looks at the organisation’s social enterprise model. Rather than relying entirely on donations, money spent in its cafés helps support its wider community and recovery work. So even something as simple as buying a coffee, lunch or one of their homemade dog treats can contribute to the work they’re doing. Nightingales Recovery Café and Hub can be found at: 88–90 Argyle StreetBirkenheadWirralCH41 6AGThere are also café locations in West Kirby and at Victoria Central Hospital in Wallasey. Nightingales Hub is also recognised as part of the wider Wirral Ways drug and alcohol recovery network. Find out more about Nightingales Recovery:Website:https://nightingalesrecovery.org.uk/Follow Nightingales Recovery on Facebook and Instagram for updates, support information and fundraising. Support Nightingales RecoveryNightingales relies on community support to continue providing hot meals, recovery services, emotional support and a safe, welcoming space for people facing addiction, homelessness, isolation and financial hardship. The team is also working to develop its Gather & Graze space, helping create more opportunities for community activities, wellbeing sessions and events that can support the wider work of Nightingales Recovery. If you’d like to support their work, you can donate via their GoFundMe: GoFundMe – Support Nightingales Recovery’s Amazing Work:https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-nightingales-recoveryEvery donation, no matter the size, helps Nightingales continue supporting people across Wirral who need food, connection and a route into recovery. Topics in this episode: Nightingales Recovery CIC, Nightingales Recovery Café, addiction recovery, drug and alcohol support, Wirral recovery services, Birkenhead, West Kirby, ketamine addiction, youth addiction, homelessness, food poverty, community support, mental health, recovery champions, lived experience, affordable food, social enterprise, wellbeing support, drug rehabilitation, alcohol recovery and community fundraising.

In this powerful and moving episode, we’re joined by Sarah from the Claire House Therapies and Wellbeing team and Katie, who shares the story of her beautiful daughter Ava and the incredible support Claire House gave their family, both during Ava’s life and after she sadly passed away. Together, they shine a light on the vital work Claire House does for children and their families, the plans for a full children’s hospice in Liverpool, and why they need the support of the community to make it happen. About this episodeClaire House Children’s Hospice provides specialist care and support for seriously and terminally ill children, as well as their parents, siblings and wider families. Sarah shares both her professional and personal connection to this work. As part of the Therapies and Wellbeing team, she supports families throughout some of the most difficult experiences imaginable, with services ranging from counselling and psychotherapy to wider emotional and practical support. Katie also shares the incredibly personal story of her daughter Ava. After initially developing normally, Ava was diagnosed with the rare condition metachromatic leukodystrophy shortly after turning two. Katie talks openly about how quickly life changed for their family, the support Claire House provided and the way its team helped them continue to create experiences and precious memories together. She also speaks movingly about Ava’s final days and the care Claire House continued to provide after her death — allowing Katie to concentrate on simply being Ava’s mum at a time when her family needed support the most. The episode also looks towards the future of Claire House Liverpool. Plans are underway to transform the charity’s West Derby site into a full 24/7 children’s hospice, bringing specialist care closer to families across Liverpool and the surrounding area. Plans include overnight respite care, end-of-life care, private Butterfly Suites, a hydrotherapy pool, therapeutic spaces and support for the whole family. But making those plans a reality requires significant ongoing fundraising. Whether it's making a donation, organising a sponsored walk or bake sale, taking on a challenge, fundraising at work, volunteering or simply sharing the work of Claire House with others, every bit of support can make a difference. Katie and her family continue to fundraise in Ava’s memory, including an annual walk around the first May bank holiday, raising money to support Claire House and its Butterfly Suite. Find out more and support Claire House Children’s Hospice:Claire House website:https://www.clairehouse.org.uk/Donate to Claire House:https://www.clairehouse.org.uk/get-involved/support-us/set-up-a-regular-donation/Follow Claire House on social media and find out about upcoming fundraising events, volunteering opportunities and ways you can get involved. Topics in this episode: Claire House Children’s Hospice, Claire House Liverpool, children's hospice care, Liverpool charities, West Derby, palliative care, bereavement support, family support, therapies and wellbeing, metachromatic leukodystrophy, Butterfly Suites, hydrotherapy, respite care, end-of-life care, children's charities and fundraising.

This week on Ladies of Liverpool, Leanne is joined by Jenna Bradshaw, a foster carer who opens up about the incredible journey that led her and her family into fostering. It's an honest, heartfelt and eye-opening conversation that breaks down some of the biggest misconceptions around foster care, explores the realities of welcoming children into your home, and highlights the life-changing difference foster carers can make. Whether you've ever considered fostering or simply want to hear an inspiring story, this is an episode you won't want to miss. From initially considering adoption to becoming a foster family, Jenna shares how she and her husband made the decision to open their home to children in need. She talks honestly about the assessment process, balancing family life and work, the support available to foster carers, and the rewards and challenges that come with caring for vulnerable children. Together, they tackle common myths surrounding foster care, discuss why there is such a growing need for foster families across the UK, and explain how fostering can have a lasting impact on both the children being cared for and the families who welcome them in. Whether you're curious about becoming a foster carer, interested in learning more about the foster care system, or simply love hearing inspiring real-life stories, this episode offers warmth, honesty and valuable insight into one of the most important roles a person can take on. In this episode you'll hear about: What it's really like to become a foster carer. The differences between fostering and adoption. Supporting children through difficult times. Family life as a foster family. The importance of support networks for foster carers. Why more people should consider fostering. A powerful, compassionate conversation that could change the way you think about fostering—and perhaps even inspire someone to take the first step.

This week on Ladies of Liverpool, Leanne is joined by social media sensation Rosie the Fearless for an episode packed with laughs, honest chat and brilliant stories from start to finish. Rosie opens up about her journey from creating comedy content behind the scenes to becoming one of the internet's most recognisable Scouse personalities. She talks about overcoming her nerves about posting on Instagram, why her hilarious character videos resonate with millions of people, and how social media has completely changed her life. The conversation also takes us behind the scenes of Rosie's acting career, from TV auditions and reality television to her ghost-hunting adventures exploring some of the UK's most haunted locations. She shares what it's really like chasing opportunities in the entertainment industry, the unforgettable experiences she's had along the way, and the moments that have shaped her career. As always with Rosie, the laughs never stop. From outrageous everyday observations to hilarious behind-the-scenes moments, she has Leanne in stitches throughout. But alongside the comedy, there's plenty of heart too, as Rosie reflects on confidence, following your instincts, embracing opportunities and staying true to yourself. It's funny, fascinating and full of genuine warmth – a proper feel-good episode with one of Liverpool's funniest voices. If you need a laugh this week, this is the episode for you. Follow Rosie the Fearless:📸 Instagram: @rosiethefearless🎵 TikTok: @rosiethefearless📘 Facebook: Rosie the Fearless

This week, we're joined by Liverpool's own Megan, the founder behind Red Run – one of the UK's fastest-growing sportswear brands. Born and built in Liverpool, Red Run has gone from strength to strength, and Megan shares the story behind its incredible success, the challenges of scaling a rapidly growing business, and the lessons she's learned along the way. It's an inspiring conversation that shines a light on another brilliant woman from Liverpool making her mark and proving that big success can start right here at home.

This week, we sit down with Keri and Alex, the masterminds behind Sapphic Socials Liverpool. They share how they built a thriving grassroots movement for queer women, the changing face of Liverpool Pride, and the chaos of their wildly popular community events. Hit play to hear how they are reshaping the city’s queer nightlife! Connect with our guests: Instagram: @sapphic_liverpool Tickets & Events: Sapphic Socials Eventbrite

This week, we're joined by the incredible Leanne Lucas, who shares how she's found a new purpose following the horrific Southport attack that changed her life forever. Leanne opens up about her recovery, the strength she's discovered along the way, and why she's now dedicated to creating positive change through her campaign, Let's Be Blunt. Together, we discuss the importance of knife safety awareness, education, and the power of turning unimaginable tragedy into action.

This week on the podcast, we're joined by former Lioness and Liverpool FC legend Natasha Dowie. Now an ambassador for the Liverpool FC Foundation, Natasha joins us to chat about the Foundation's fantastic Run to Anfield 5K, the incredible work it does across our communities, and why she's so passionate about giving back. We also look back on her trailblazing career in women's football, the progress she's seen in the game, and the legacy she's helping to build for the next generation.