DISCOVER Voices | disAbility Cornwall & IoS

Making Nature Accessible | Cornwall Memory Cafe Podcast #14

In this episode of our podcast, host Anna Lempriere from the Cornwall Memory Cafe Network speaks with featured guests Katie and Claire from Sensory Trust, a national charity focused on connecting people with nature and promoting inclusive access to the outdoors.
Join us as we explore how Sensory Trust’s Creative Spaces project organises dementia-friendly walking groups across Cornwall, providing opportunities for social connection and wellbeing. The walks are designed to be gentle and accessible, allowing participants to connect with nature in a safe, supportive environment. Also discussed is the deeper connection people experience through sensory engagement and storytelling during these walks.
For more information on dementia-friendly walking groups, visit https://www.sensorytrust.org.uk/projects/dementia
For an up-to-date list of walks, see 'What's on' at https://www.sensorytrust.org.uk/events
Please consider subscribing to our YouTube Channel! 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.

Makaton: Making Communication Accessible For All | Cornwall Memory Cafe Podcast #13

In this insightful episode of our podcast, host Anna Lempriere from the Cornwall Memory Cafe Network sits down with Saskia Dady, a Makaton tutor and ambassador, to delve into the world of Makaton and its transformative power in communication. Saskia, who has been working with Makaton since 1998, shares her journey from the NHS to becoming a freelance tutor, helping children and adults with communication difficulties through signs and symbols.
The conversation covers Saskia’s extensive experience with Makaton, from supporting children with speech and language challenges to leading community choirs that combine signing and singing. She passionately explains how Makaton can bridge communication gaps, especially in inclusive settings like nurseries, care homes, and community centers. Saskia also discusses her work with the TalkMoreCornwall initiative and the creation of accessible programs like signing workshops for people living with dementia.
Listeners will be inspired by Saskia’s dedication to making communication more accessible for all, and her innovative approach to teaching through music. Whether you're a caregiver, educator, or just curious about Makaton, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tips. Don't miss out—listen, learn, and share with your community!
For more information and to connect with Saskia or explore Makaton resources, visit our website or follow the links provided in the description: https://talkmorecornwall.co.uk/
Please consider subscribing to our YouTube Channel! 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

Living Well with Dementia ft LivDem | Cornwall Memory Cafe Podcast #12

In this episode, Anna is joined by two distinguished guests: Rick Chesterton, a Professor of Dementia Research at the University of the West of England (UWE) in Bristol, and Dr. Emily Dodds, a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Public Health and Wellbeing at UWE Bristol. Rick shares his journey into dementia research, which began in 1990 when he started working as a clinical psychologist with dementia patients. Over the years, his interest grew, and he began running groups and conducting research to better understand and support those living with dementia. He emphasises the importance of group settings where individuals can share their experiences and coping strategies, which he believes can be very beneficial.
Rick and his colleague, Ian Marshall, developed a course called "Living Well with Dementia," which has evolved over the years. This course is designed to help individuals with dementia and their families navigate the challenges they face by providing a structured yet flexible approach to discussing and managing the condition. The course spans eight weeks and covers various aspects of living with dementia, from everyday frustrations to strategies for maintaining a good quality of life.
Emily Dodds discusses her career path, which started with a degree in psychology and a dissertation on dementia and Alzheimer's. She initially worked as a support worker for people living with dementia before transitioning into mental health and public health. Emily's personal connection to dementia through her grandparents, who lived in Cornwall, has fueled her passion for the field. She highlights the importance of community and the supportive role of the Living Well with Dementia course.
The course, Rick explains, is based on the principle that talking about dementia can be incredibly difficult and often avoided. By bringing people together who share similar experiences, the course creates a safe space where individuals can discuss their everyday challenges and emotions related to dementia. The approach is gradual, starting with more general topics and slowly delving into more specific aspects of dementia. This method helps participants feel more comfortable and supported as they open up about their experiences.
Rick and Emily also touch on the importance of training facilitators who can deliver the course effectively in various communities. They acknowledge the challenges posed by the "postcode lottery," where access to such programs can vary significantly based on location. Their vision for the future includes wider availability of these courses across different regions to ensure more people can benefit from them.
The podcast episode underscores the need for better post-diagnostic support for people with dementia. While the diagnosis process has become quicker, the support that follows is often inconsistent. Rick and Emily advocate for a more integrated approach where individuals are directed to supportive programs like Living Well with Dementia immediately after diagnosis, providing a softer and more supportive transition into managing their condition.
Listeners are encouraged to share the podcast to help spread awareness and support, and those interested in the course or in becoming facilitators are invited to reach out for more information. The episode concludes with a call for better funding and resource allocation to ensure consistent and comprehensive support for those living with dementia across all regions.
Learn more about LivDem here: https://www.livdem.co.uk/  
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

How Makaton helps people with dementia ft. TALKmoreCornwall | Cornwall Memory Cafe Podcast #11

Today Anna interviews Ellie Whittaker, licensed Makaton tutor from TALKmoreCORNWALL, about how Makaton has value as a communication tool for people with dementia, memory loss or people that have had a stroke. Makaton is an extremely powerful communication tool with over 100,000 children and adults using Makaton symbols and signs, either as their main method of communication or as a way to support speech. 
Did you know, that there is less cognitive load when someone uses their hands to communicate? This is why Makaton can be an extremely useful communication tool for people with memory loss and dementia. Ellie from TALKmoreCORNWALL believes we can collectively do more to help people with cognitive conditions like dementia, memory loss or people that have had a stroke learn this sign language and ease their communication needs.
For more information on TALKmoreCORNWALL, go to: https://talkmorecornwall.co.uk/
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Discover Voices (c) 2024, a production by registered charity, disAbility Cornwall & Isles of Scilly.

Free Courses for Carers: Invaluable work of Promas | Cornwall Memory Cafe Podcast #10

Join our podcast host, Anna Lempriere, as she interviews Jenny and Bernie from Promas CIC. Promas CIC offers a range of free courses written and designed with the help of carers to help manage your caring role, access social events, and much more.
Discover the family model of care where 95%+ of Promas team members have been carers themselves. They provide a council and coaching support line for emotional, psychological, and all sorts of support and signposting. The biggest benefit is reducing carer stress. Being a carer is often stressful and isolating, especially when caring for a loved one. Promas CIC creates an incredible, warm, loving, inclusive, and informative community to help carers feel supported, learn new skills, and know they're not alone.
Explore their offerings here: https://promas.co.uk/
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Discover Voices (c) 2024, a production by registered charity, disAbility Cornwall & Isles of Scilly

The Life-Changing Work of an Admiral Nurse | Cornwall Memory Cafe Podcast #9

Our Cornwall Memory Cafe Wayfinder and podcast Host Anna Lempriere interviews the two fantastic Admiral Nurses Caroline Ellis and Sarah Arundell, both part of the Integrated Admiral Nurse Service with Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust and Dementia UK. They discuss the important work Admiral Nurses do in Cornwall.
Admiral Nurses, specialised dementia caregivers backed by Dementia UK, offer transformative assistance to families impacted by various forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. Their mission is to enable individuals with dementia to maintain independence while providing vital support to their caregivers, ensuring they have the resilience to navigate difficult times and the capacity to cherish moments of joy. These dedicated nurses operate across a spectrum of settings, from community services and GP practices to NHS hospitals, care facilities, and hospices.
Ask for help, contact the Admiral Nurses no matter what the issue on:
rcht.admiralnurse@nhs.net
07823535934
Admiral Nurses are part Dementia UK: https://www.dementiauk.org/information-and-support/how-we-can-support-you/what-is-an-admiral-nurse

Building Relationships Between Young Adults & Older People | Cornwall Memory Cafe Podcast #8

This week, Marie from disAbility Cornwall & CAAP joins our Wayfinders to talk about the significance of The Moment Makers: building intergenerational relationships between young adults with learning difficulties and older people in the Memory Cafe Network.
Find out more about Marie's Moment Makers project: https://www.disabilitycornwall.org.uk/services/the-moment-makers
Visit the Cornwall Memory Cafe Network for further information: https://www.cornwallmemorycafes.co.uk/
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Discover Voices (c) 2023, a production by registered charity, disAbility Cornwall & Isles of Scilly

Live at Launceston Memory Cafe with Founder Cym Downing | Cornwall Memory Cafe Podcast #7

Our wonderful Wayfinders and Hosts of the Cornwall Memory Cafe Podcast bring you a live episode as they sit down with Cym Downing, Founder of the first-ever Memory Cafe which is situated Launceston.
Cym Downing talks about how and why she founded the Memory Cafe, the importance of local community support and the invaluable help the Memory Cafes have on so many lives. We also discover the opinions of carers who have experience with supporting loved ones with forms of memory loss; the carers speak of hardship and isolation and why the Memory Cafes are so indispensable. In 2020, Cym was awarded with the Cornwall Civic Award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to community life in Cornwall.
Launceston Memory Cafe is a charity in its own right but also a proud constituent of the Cornwall Memory Cafe Network. Launceston Memory Cafe introduced this groundbreaking approach into the Duchy. Taking inspiration from Launceston, the Cafe Network grew into what it is today, an almost 50 Memory Cafe strong network with over 400 volunteers!
Learn more about the Launceston Memory Cafe: https://launcestonmemorycafe.co.uk/
Visit the Cornwall Memory Cafe Network for further information: https://www.cornwallmemorycafes.co.uk/
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Discover Voices (c) 2023, a production by registered charity, disAbility Cornwall & Isles of Scilly

Psychiatrist Informs Us About Dementia Prevention | Cornwall Memory Cafe Podcast #6

Dementia and memory loss prevention: ''It's never too early, and it's almost never too late!''
Since the 90's... there has not been a single pharmaceutical drug to treat dementia that has been successfully implemented within the UK; this has led Dr Vicky Brown to pursue a career in dementia prevention.
Our Memory Cafe Wayfinders and stupendous podcast Hosts Anna & Jules interview Dr. Vicky Brown, a Psychiatrist and Consultant specialising in dementia and memory loss prevention. Vicky gives some valuable tips on how to prevent dementia and cognitive memory loss and presents the importance of living an active healthy lifestyle, which includes managing your cholesterol, reducing your risk of loneliness and getting plenty of cognitive stimulation including checking your hearing levels.
To find out more about the Cornwall Memory Cafe Network, go to: https://www.cornwallmemorycafes.co.uk/
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Discover Voices (c) 2023, a production by registered charity, disAbility Cornwall & Isles of Scilly

Cornwall's NHS Lead for Dementia: Championing Dementia Awareness | Cornwall Memory Cafe Podcast #5

Today Wayfinders and hosts Anna and Jules are joined by NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly System Lead for dementia, Dr Allison Hibbert. Allison describes her role as a championing role for people living with dementia and their loved ones and support network. They talk about the need to destigmatise dementia, what to expect along the journey of their care once they've been diagnosed and explain what a primary care dementia practitioner does.
To find out more about the Cornwall Memory Cafe Network, go to: https://www.cornwallmemorycafes.co.uk/
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Discover Voices (c) 2023, a production by registered charity, disAbility Cornwall & Isles of Scilly