DISCOVER Voices | disAbility Cornwall & IoS

Carers Rights Day Special: Michelle's Story | Care to Speak #2

Join us as we mark Carers Rights Day with an interview featuring Michelle, a dedicated double carer. Michelle opens up about her life as a carer for her husband Paul, who faces ongoing health challenges, and her 24-year-old son Lewis, who is autistic, has cerebral palsy and complex needs.
Michelle shares her family’s journey, from navigating the demands of caregiving to cherishing moments of joy and resilience. She talks about her younger son Ashley, a young carer, and the challenges he faced growing up in a caregiving household.
This conversation sheds light on the realities of caregiving, the emotional impact, and the strength it takes to keep going while supporting loved ones. Michelle also discusses the importance of recognising oneself as a carer and embracing the rights and support available.
Carers Rights Day reminds us of the essential role carers play and the need to support them.
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Please consider subscribing to our YouTube Channel! And if you want the audio-only version, please search for the podcast title on all major audio platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts & Amazon Music. DISCOVER Voices is a brand-new podcast network that discusses life through the lens of people living with long-term health conditions or disabilities. We welcome a variety of hosts all with their own podcast series, giving their own outlook and take on topics and discussions that are close to their heart. Our first podcast host is Dr Theo Blackmore, the residential researcher at disAbility Cornwall, a Disabled Peoples’ Organisation based in Hayle, Cornwall.
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Discover Voices (c) 2024, a production by registered charity, disAbility Cornwall & Isles of Scilly.

Lived Experience as a Carer | Care to Speak #1

Welcome to the first Care to Speak Podcast, hosted by carer Stephen Horscroft! We dive into the real-life stories and challenges faced by carers across Cornwall. Each episode brings you first-hand insights from people who dedicate their lives to caring for loved ones, offering a true and honest look at the joys, struggles and complexities of lived experience being a carer.
In this series, we tackle a range of topics affecting carers today, from navigating government support and understanding Personal Independence Payment (PIP) to managing mental health, practicing mindfulness and the realities of balancing work with caregiving duties. We also explore broader societal issues, like the pressing need for improved funding, accessibility and the growing demand for a National Care Service attached to the NHS.
Through our guests’ stories, we aim to raise awareness of the challenges carers face, shed light on the support they deserve and spark conversations about changes needed in society to better support these unsung heroes. Whether you’re a carer yourself, a friend or family member, or simply interested in understanding the caregiving experience, this podcast offers valuable perspectives and inspiration. Join us as we bring carers’ voices to the forefront and advocate for a more caring, inclusive society.
In this episode, Catherine shares her unique perspective and experiences as a carer, highlighting the many challenges and rewards that come with caring for a loved one. Join us as she discusses her journey from how she became a carer to the daily tasks and responsibilities she faces.
Discover Catherine’s insights into what it truly means to be a carer and the essential support needed for carers nationwide.
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Please consider subscribing to our YouTube Channel! And if you want the audio-only version, please search for the podcast title on all major audio platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts & Amazon Music. DISCOVER Voices is a brand-new podcast network that discusses life through the lens of people living with long-term health conditions or disabilities. We welcome a variety of hosts all with their own podcast series, giving their own outlook and take on topics and discussions that are close to their heart. Our first podcast host is Dr Theo Blackmore, the residential researcher at disAbility Cornwall, a Disabled Peoples’ Organisation based in Hayle, Cornwall.
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Discover Voices (c) 2024, a production by registered charity, disAbility Cornwall & Isles of Scilly.

Is it suitable to use the phrase 'Learning Disability?' | The Advocacy Fellows #10

The Advocacy Fellows discuss the use of the language 'learning disability' and whether it is a positive or negative phrase.
The Advocacy Fellows: heroes voicing for and empowering young adults with learning disabilities, learn more about this disAbility Cornwall service here: https://www.disabilitycornwall.org.uk/services/the-advocacy-fellows
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Discover Voices (c) 2024, a production by registered charity, disAbility Cornwall & Isles of Scilly.

Understanding Autism: Communication Challenges | The Advocacy Fellows #9 (Short Version)

Join us as Aiden and Vicky explore the experiences of young autistic people, focusing on communication challenges and sensory processing differences. Understanding autistic individuals' need for clear, direct communication and the importance of autonomy in their lives. 
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Discover Voices (c) 2024, a production by registered charity, disAbility Cornwall & Isles of Scilly.

Understanding Autism: Communication Challenges | The Advocacy Fellows #9

Join us as Aiden and Vicky explore the experiences of young autistic people, focusing on communication challenges and sensory processing differences. Understanding autistic individuals' need for clear, direct communication and the importance of autonomy in their lives. 
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Discover Voices (c) 2024, a production by registered charity, disAbility Cornwall & Isles of Scilly.

The value of social activities and hobbies | The Advocacy Fellows #8

In honour of #learningdisabilityweek, Max, Siobhan, Jamie and new Advocacy Fellow Kieran discuss the importance of friendships, staying social and talk about their favourite hobbies.
According to charity Mencap, young adults with learning disabilities take part in fewer activities and hobbies than their peers.
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Discover Voices (c) 2024, a production by registered charity, disAbility Cornwall & Isles of Scilly

LIVE in Belfast with Helen Laverty Learning Disability Nurse Conference | The Advocacy Fellows #7

The Advocacy fellows are live at Queens University Belfast at the annual Learning Disabilities Conference hosted by Helen Laverty and Positive Choices. Positive Choices is led by Helen Laverty, Professional Lead for learning disability & mental health nursing at the University of Nottingham.
Collectively, Positive Choices is the biggest social network/community of practice for student nurses, registered nurses, people with a learning disability and those who love them across the five nations.
Helen describes herself as passionate about making sure people with a learning disablity get what others would typically take for granted. The Fellows ask her what got her into learning disability nursing and importantly, what pets does she have!
Want to know more about Learning Disability Nursing?
Email Helen at: Helen.laverty@nottingham.ac.uk
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Discover Voices (c) 2024, a production by registered charity, disAbility Cornwall & Isles of Scilly.

Lets talk about housing for people with learning disabilities | The Advocacy Fellows #6

People with a learning disability have a right to live in the community with everyone else and make choices about the way they live. So this week, The Advocacy Fellows talk about all things housing as Angie tells the rest of the Fellows the positives and negatives of living in her own place.
Recording courtesy of KMF Radio and Events.
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Discover Voices (c) 2023, a production by registered charity, disAbility Cornwall & Isles of Scilly.

Interview with Becci Gowers from IgniteYou | The Advocacy Fellows #5

The Advocacy Fellows sit down with Becci Gowers, Director and Founder of IgniteYou. IgniteYou empowers people to take ownership of their health through movement, nutrition and coaching. Becci is passionate about dance and believes it can be a universal language and can be a tool to allow people to grow. She talks to The Advocacy Fellows about dance, healthy eating and her experience on Britain's Got Talent.
In 2005, Becci embarked on her journey in the world of dance, subsequently earning her qualification as a Dance Teacher in 2006 from the United Kingdom Alliance. A founding member of the renowned dance troupe Flava, she achieved the remarkable feat of reaching the live Semi-Finals on Britain's Got Talent in 2008, showcasing her talents before Simon Cowell. Following this success, the troupe toured globally, captivating audiences with their performances and imparting their dance expertise through teaching engagements.
Learn more about IgniteYou here: https://www.igniteyou.org.uk/
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Discover Voices (c) 2023, a production by registered charity, disAbility Cornwall & Isles of Scilly.

The group review their seasonal holidays｜The Advocacy Fellows #4

The Advocacy Fellows are back in the Studio at KMF Radio in Redruth to review the last seasonal holiday back in December. They discuss all things presents and family traditions, and their love for a quiet time when on a holiday break.
The Advocacy Fellows: heroes voicing for and empowering young adults with learning disabilities.
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Discover Voices (c) 2023, a production by registered charity, disAbility Cornwall & Isles of Scilly.