DISCOVER Voices | disAbility Cornwall & IoS

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

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

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