Up, Up and Away - the digital health podcast
On Up, Up and Away we speak to thought-leaders and opinion formers in the world of digital health, be that clinicians, patients, young people or other tech innovators. We find out what things are making a real difference.
Our talented team specialise in creating digitally enabled self-management programmes to the NHS for young people. We've spent the past eight years or so developing the Digital Health Passport - an evidence-based mobile app, which improves skills, knowledge and confidence to manage long-term conditions like asthma, epilepsy and sickle cell disease.
Up, Up and Away - the digital health podcast
Mum on a Mission: Agnes Agyepong on Clean Air, Maternal Health & Mental Resilience
In this powerful episode (timed to coincide with the build up to this year's Clean Air Day on 19th June), Dom Burch is joined by Agnes Agyepong—maternal health advocate, founder of Black Child, Clean Air, and creator of the Glow Mama Awards.
Agnes shares how her personal experience of being ignored as a mother led her to uncover the hidden impact of air pollution on children’s health, particularly in Black and working-class communities.
She opens up about battling suicidal thoughts while pregnant, and how she transformed pain into purpose—campaigning for environmental and maternal health justice, and building one of the UK’s largest digital awards for mums on social media.
You’ll hear about:
- The systemic challenges facing Black mothers in the NHS
- How air pollution nearly claimed her daughter’s life—and sparked a nationwide campaign
- The birth of Black Child, Clean Air and its viral impact
- Agnes’s journey through maternal mental health and the healing power of affirmation
- The creation of Glow Mama and its mission to celebrate motherhood in all its forms
- What digital health innovators need to get right for parents
Agnes is a force of nature. Her story is a call to action—for belief, community, and change.
⚠️ Trigger Warning
This episode includes discussion of maternal mental health and suicidal thoughts. If you’ve been affected, support is available. (See below.)
🧠 Support and Resources
- Samaritans (24/7): Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org
- PANDAS Foundation (Perinatal Mental Health): pandasfoundation.org.uk | 0808 1961 776
- Mind (Mental Health Support): mind.org.uk
- Maternal Mental Health Alliance: maternalmentalhealthalliance.org
🔗 Connect with Agnes
- Website: globalcmh.org
- Instagram: @globalchildandmaternalhealth
- LinkedIn: Agnes Agyepong
