Ladies of Liverpool

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.

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, 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.

In this inspiring episode, we’re joined by Michelle from Zoe's Place to share the remarkable story of how the children’s hospice was saved from closure.She reflects on the powerful community effort that secured its future, why vital funding is still urgently needed, and the exciting plans ahead to continue supporting families who rely on its care.A heartfelt conversation about resilience, hope, and what’s next for Zoe’s Place.