DISCOVER Voices | disAbility Cornwall & IoS

Mental Health, Labels & Lived Experience | Conversations with Dr Theo Blackmore #26 w/ Jerry Padfield

This episode of Discover Voices brings together Dr Theo Blackmore and Jerry Padfield for a deeply personal conversation about mental health, identity, and the evolving language we use to talk about lived experience.
 
From being sectioned under the Mental Health Act to co-producing research that challenges and reshapes services, Jerry shares his powerful journey and why some people now call themselves ‘service refusers’.
 
In partnership with Bath Spa University, this conversation is part of the Discover Voices podcast series -placing real voices and lived experience at the centre.
Dr Theo Blackmore is the Senior Research Fellow for the We Are The People project, with Bath Spa University.You can find out more here: www.bathspa.ac.uk/projects/we-are-the-people/Please consider subscribing to our YouTube Channel! And if you want the audio-only version, please search DISCOVER Voices 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. We try our very best to make these podcasts as accessible as possible, that includes captioning every video with closed captions.
 
We apologise in advance for any slight grammatical errors with the captioning. Discover Voices (c) 2025, a production by registered charity, disAbility Cornwall & Isles of Scilly.

MS Awareness and the Merlin Centre | Conversations with Dr Theo Blackmore #25 w/ Tracey Phillips

In this episode of Discover Voices, Dr Theo Blackmore speaks with Tracey Phillips, a trustee of the Merlin Neuro Therapy Centre and a volunteer with the MS Society in South and West Cornwall.
 
Timed with MS Awareness Week, this conversation explores Tracey's personal journey, the critical role of the Merlin Centre in supporting people with neurological conditions, and the importance of therapies like oxygen and hydrotherapy.
 
From surviving the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic to becoming a social hub for users and volunteers, the Merlin Centre remains a vital lifeline for many across Cornwall. Learn more about the Centre's services, community impact, and how it continues to empower people through care, connection, and innovation.
Visit the Merlin site for more information: https://www.merlincentre.org.uk/

The Impact of Oliver McGowan’s Story on People with Learning Disabilities | The Advocacy Fellows #12

In this episode of The Advocacy Fellows Podcast, we explore the tragic yet powerful story of Oliver McGowan, an autistic young man with a learning disability whose avoidable death highlighted critical gaps in healthcare.
We discuss the importance of the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training, designed to educate healthcare professionals on supporting individuals with autism and learning disabilities. The Fellows also share their personal experiences, both positive and negative, navigating hospitals and healthcare services in Cornwall.
Our heartfelt thoughts go out to Oliver McGowan’s family. His story has led to vital changes, including the introduction of mandatory training for healthcare staff on autism and learning disabilities.
Key topics include:🔹 The need for better staff training in autism and learning disabilities🔹 First-hand experiences of healthcare, from misdiagnoses to compassionate care🔹 How improved communication and accessibility can transform healthcare for all
A big thank you to everyone who took part in this episode and to Nick at KMF Radio for helping us bring these vital conversations to life.
Join us as we amplify the voices of young adults with learning disabilities and advocate for change.
🎧 Listen now and support our mission for better, more inclusive healthcare.
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Please consider subscribing to our YouTube Channel! And if you want the audio-only version, please search DISCOVER Voices 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. 
We try our very best to make these podcasts as accessible as possible, that includes captioning every video with closed captions. We apologise in advance for any slight grammatical errors with the captioning. 
Discover Voices (c) 2025, a production by registered charity, disAbility Cornwall & Isles of Scilly.

Parenting, Advocacy & Overcoming Barriers: A Carer’s Story | Care to Speak #4

In this episode of the Care to Speak podcast, we sit down with Phil Dunston, a dedicated carer and advocate, to discuss his remarkable journey of raising and supporting a family with unique challenges. As a father of three adopted children - two with significant disabilities - Phil shares his experiences navigating the complex world of caregiving, the emotional highs and lows, and the systemic barriers that often make life more difficult than it needs to be.  
Phil reflects on the lessons he’s learned, the misconceptions surrounding disability and caregiving, and how his own background shaped his approach. He also sheds light on the unnecessary complications within the support system, from dealing with councils to accessing essential services. This conversation is an honest look at both the struggles and rewards of being a carer, offering valuable insights for anyone supporting a loved one or working within the sector.  
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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) 2025, a production by registered charity, disAbility Cornwall & Isles of Scilly.

Living with Young Onset Dementia | Cornwall Memory Cafe Podcast #21

Join Anna Lempriere, Wayfinder for the Cornwall Memory Cafe Network and disAbility Cornwall, as she interviews experts and people with lived experience to provide essential insights, advice, and support for carers and people living with dementia. In this episode, Anna welcomes Zoe Baxter, a valued member of the Young Onset Memory Café, a unique space for those diagnosed with dementia under 65. Together, they explore the challenges, experiences, and support available for individuals and families navigating young-onset dementia.
 
✨ This series is designed to be relaxed, inclusive, and welcoming—so sit back, listen in, and share with your friends.
📌 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications to stay updated with our latest episodes!
Contact us via email at cmcn@disabilitycornwall.org.uk to find out more about the Young Onset Dementia Group
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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.

Self-advocacy and Disability Rights | Conversations with Dr Theo Blackmore #24 w/ Christopher Jordan

For our latest podcast, we have decided to upload an archived interview with the late Mr Christopher Jordan, known to us all as Chris. Chris was a very busy and active member of the disability community including Treasurer for disAbility Cornwall & Isles of Scilly and Cornwall People First, and a town Councillor for Tuckingmill Council. 
After his recent passing, we share this interview with our host Theo in his memory. He will be very much missed. ❤️
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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) 2025, a production by registered charity, disAbility Cornwall & Isles of Scilly.

Distress with Dementia | Dementia Toolkit Series | Cornwall Memory Cafe Podcast #20

Join Anna Lempriere, Host for the Cornwall Memory Cafe Network and disAbility Cornwall, as she interviews experts and those with lived experience to provide essential insights, advice, and support for carers and people living with dementia.
In this episode, Anna speaks with Dr. Vicky Brown, a psychiatrist specializing in later life, about distress in dementia—what it means, why it happens, and how to navigate its challenges. From memory loss to changes in perception and behavior, this conversation sheds light on the realities of dementia and offers valuable guidance for both carers and those diagnosed.
🔹 Topics covered:✔️ Understanding distress in dementia✔️ The impact of memory loss and perception changes✔️ Why terms like “challenging behavior” can feel judgmental✔️ How caregivers can manage emotional and practical challenges
✨ This series is designed to be relaxed, inclusive, and welcoming—so sit back, listen in, and share with your friends.

Young Adults with Learning Disabilities: Reflections on 2024 & Hopes for 2025 | Advocacy Fellows #11

In this episode of the Advocacy Fellows Podcast, the team reflects on the highs and lows of 2024, sharing their personal highlights, challenges, and favorite memories. They also look ahead to 2025, discussing their hopes and aspirations for the new year.
 
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) 2025, a production by registered charity, disAbility Cornwall & Isles of Scilly

Supporting Carers at Work: Robert Rush on Empathy, Flexibility & Leadership | Care to Speak #3

This episode features Robert Rush, Managing Director of PFA Research, a leading market research agency based in Cornwall. In this episode, Robert shares candid reflections on the challenges of balancing personal and professional life as a business leader. Drawing from his own experiences, he emphasises the importance of understanding and supporting employees’ personal lives to foster a productive and empathetic workplace. With stories of his team navigating personal challenges over the years, Robert highlights the importance of a supportive work culture built on understanding, adaptability, and mutual respect. He reflects on the lasting lessons from the pandemic and the value of embracing flexibility as a cornerstone of modern leadership - Discover Voices (c) 2024, a production by registered charity, disAbility Cornwall & Isles of Scilly.

Young Onset Dementia Group | Cornwall Memory Cafe Podcast #19

🎙️ Happy New Year 2025! In this heartfelt episode, Anna Lempriere hosts the first podcast of the year for the Cornwall Memory Café Network, brought to you by disAbility Cornwall & IoS and Cornwall Memory Café Network🌟
This week, Anna sits down with an inspiring group of individuals - Jeremy, Zoe, Tim, Jane, Stuart, and Sharon - who share their experiences as members of the pioneering Young Onset Dementia Group. Together, they discuss the importance of creating spaces tailored for individuals under 65 with dementia, offering connection, support, and a sense of belonging. 💬❤️
📖Learn about the difference between young onset and early onset dementia and why tailored groups like this are essential for younger individuals navigating this journey
🌸 From practical advice to emotional support, the group reflects on how sessions such as gong baths, eco-art workshops, aromatherapy, and mindfulness have made a meaningful impact on their lives. They share how these experiences have fostered community, joy and resilience.
☕ Coffee, cake, and connection - the group emphasises how these simple moments of camaraderie make a world of difference. Plus, hear exciting plans for 2025, including new activities like cooking days and structured self-care practices to further enrich the group’s offerings.
✨ Whether you’re living with young onset dementia, supporting someone who is, or simply seeking to learn more, this podcast offers a wealth of insight and inspiration
🔗 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more conversations that bring us all closer together. 💙Contact us via email at cmcn@disabilitycornwall.org.uk to find out more about the Young Onset Dementia Group