DISCOVER Voices | disAbility Cornwall & IoS

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 themse...

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...

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. T...

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 bar...

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. Tog...

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 o...

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...

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 serv...

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...

🎙️ 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 On...

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 a...

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 tackl...

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 _ Discover Voices (c) 2024, a production by registered...

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.  _ Discover Voices (c) 2024, a production by registered charity, disAbility Cornwall & Isles of Scilly

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. -- Discover Voices (c) 2024, a production by registered charity, disAbility Cornwall &a...

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,...

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. _ Discover Voices (c) 2023, a production by registered charity,...

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 G...

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. - Discover Voices (c) 2023, a production by registered charity, disA...

Our amazing Advocacy Fellows interview Kate Evan-Hughes, Strategic Director for Together for Families who strives to ensure the support and protection of children and families. The Advocacy Fellows ask about Kate's journey to becoming Strategic Director, school placements for children with special education needs and who will be the parent carer voice in Cornwall? The Advocacy Fellows: heroes voic...

The Advocacy Fellows talk to Alison Bulman, Cornwall Council's Director of Care and Wellbeing about all things social care... and dogs! They explore various topics, from personal achievements in the first year to Cornwall Council's support in finding Personal Assistants. Discussing the financial aspects of activities, initiatives in rural areas and the potential use of shared prosperity funds for...

Welcome to the podcast! This new podcast series is hosted by The Advocacy Fellows: heroes voicing for and empowering young adults with learning disabilities. The team start the first episode by celebrating Disability History Month by asking their friends the following set of questions: What do you enjoy about your life the most? What is not good about having a disability? And if you had a magic wa...

Join our host Anna Lempriere, Content Creator and Podcast host for the Cornwall Memory Cafe Network and Sophie Essex, Community Engagement Officer for Shared Lives South West. Whether you're looking for respite care, a long-term placement, or are interested in becoming a Shared Lives carer, this episode offers insights and practical advice. Discover more about: Accessing respite or long-term place...

Join our host Anna Lempriere, Content Creator and Podcast host for the Cornwall Memory Cafe Network and Gayle Andrews, Cornwall Team Lead for the Filo Project, as they share valuable insights and practical advice for carers and people living with dementia. Anna and Gayle discuss the inspiring work of The Filo Project, an award-winning not-for-profit organisation transforming the lives of older adu...

In this episode of the Cornwall Memory Cafe Network Podcast, host Anna Lempriere sits down with Jane and Jay from the Cornwall Rural Community Charity (CRCC) to explore the transformative power of technology for people living with dementia and their carers, and facilitate insights about the vital role technology can play in improving the quality of life for those navigating the challenges of demen...