The MacIntyre Podcast

In this episode, we talk with MacIntyre’s Sarah Kilby about what Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) really means, and why MacIntyre puts compassion first. Drawing on more than three decades in social care, alongside her own lived experience of neurodiversity and family life, Sarah explains how behaviour is often a form of communication rather than something to be “managed” or controlled. Together, t...

In this episode, we speak with dementia campaigner and long-time MacIntyre collaborator Beth Britton about her personal journey into the sector, shaped by caring for her father, and the work she has led since. We explore Beth’s longstanding partnership with MacIntyre, the growing link between learning disability - in particular Down Syndrome - and dementia, and the development of new, sector-leadi...

In this episode we hear from Matty Caine of First Person Project , who is also a Trustee at MacIntyre. Matty worked as a registered mental health nurse for many years before a personal loss gave him the final push he needed to set up the community social enterprise First Person Project, dedicated to providing innovative mental health services and community connections in Liverpool. Listen to disco...

In this episode, we are joined by a familiar voice at MacIntyre: Nicola Payne, former podcast host and now Best Practice Manager, to talk about her 20-year journey with the organisation and the launch of an ambitious new way of working, the Innovation Hub. Nicola reflects on starting out as a support worker in Milton Keynes moving through roles in our community coffee shop, dementia-focused projec...

In this episode we talk with MacIntyre's Cath Kelly, Area Manager in Greater Manchester. She describes MacIntyre's successful involvement in the Homes not Hospitals initiative. Far too many people with learning disabilities and/or mental health issues are trapped in long-stay secure hospitals, often for years, causing huge distress to the person, and at huge expense to the taxpayer. Cath describes...

In this episode to mark Safeguarding Week 2025, we're delighted to welcome Stuart Sale, the CEO of the Ann Craft Trust charity. MacIntyre works closely with Ann Craft Trust, which was set up 30 years ago to support people with a learning disability to live full, rich lives, while remaining safe. In this episode, Stuart discusses the way in which Ann Craft Trust supports MacIntyre and our Head of C...

We hear from Carly Morrissey, MacIntyre's Area Manager for Wrexham and The Wirral, about the proactive approach MacIntyre takes to Safeguarding, supported by 'critical friend' The Ann Craft Trust. Carly outlines the differences and similarities between the Welsh and English jurisdictions, and how she and all MacIntyre's staff are continually learning and challenging outdated practices. She recogni...

In this special episode we hear about their different (and similar) experiences of living with ADHD from father and son duo Duncan and William Strachan.

In this episode we talk to guests Angela Catley a consultant with MacIntyre, and Connor, who is part of MacIntyre's i4t training team and also draws on our support in Chesterfield . We discuss how Angela has been using her external perspective to work with staff teams in Chesterfield to develop new ideas and look at Everyone Everywhere with new eyes. We also hear from Angela about her project with...

At MacIntyre No Limits™ we offer community-based bespoke education packages to young people aged 16-24 who have a variety of additional needs including learning disabilities, autism, ADHD, specific learning disabilities such as dyslexia, and social and emotional needs.  In today's conversation, Bruce Smith, Head of No Limits describes the advantages and the difference we can make. Find out more at...

We had a very special guest to help us celebrate Families Week in 2025. Karen Gunn is one of the daughters of Ken and Marjorie Newton Wright, MacIntyre's founders. Here she shares some incredible stories of what she describes as the "chaos" of MacIntyre's early days, and how proud and moved she is to know her parents' vision continues. And we talk to Nicola Payne, MacIntyre's Families Manager, abo...

In this episode we hear from Jess Sutton, MacIntyre's Autism Self-Advocacy Lead, and Sonya Cox, one of our Best Practice Facilitators. They share their personal stories in the context of all the resources MacIntyre provides to support autistic people, including MacIntyre's online events, which are open to everyone.

In this episode, we talk to Kathryn Yates, MacIntyre's Culture and Communities Manager, and Sian Lockwood, long-term friend and advisor to MacIntyre. We find out how the Everyone Everywhere concept came about, how we're helping people, and how the ripples of community growth are spreading across the country.

In this episode, we welcome a very special guest, MacIntyre's Chief Executive, Sarah Burslem, who tells us about her role, why she still goes to bed every night feeling proud of what MacIntyre does, and why there is no better career than in social care or special education.

Nicola and Tess are sharing an exciting change to the MacIntyre Families' Podcast , take a listen to find out more

In conversation with some of the team behind the scenes who run this wonderful group. To share good practice and learning on a wide platform, always hearing from guest speakers. Beth Britton, Nicola Payne, and Meg Wilding share why they are all so passionate about the Dementia Special Interest Group

Take a listen to Beth, Meg, and Nicky in conversation about the wonderful DSIG . Find out how you can get involved in MacIntyre's Dementia Special Interest Group and how it has become such a strong group that supports everyone in learning about dementia over the past 10 years .

MacIntyre has created a pack to support families and circles of support to be prepared for the future. In this podcast you will hear from a family member, Jo Allmond, and Debs Aspland from Life Aspland sharing what is preparing to support and why should you sign up to receive the pack.

In this episode conversation takes place with ARC England's Clive Parry, and the team behind the loss and bereavement workshop, Beth Britton, and Jess Hiles. An example of true co-production.

Paul Payne talks about his role of 18 years at MacIntyre and the importance of working together and connecting with people with a learning disability and working together for the best outcome.

Beth Britton and Nicola Payne chat about the focus and commitment MacIntyre has when supporting people living with dementia and a learning disability. Beth talks about World Alzheimer's Month and how you can support a loved one or yourself to be aware of the risk reductions a person can do and potentially even prevent the onset of dementia

In this episode, you will hear from 3 members of MacIntyre staff who are involved in the Victoria and Stuart Project. The project enables conversations to start and people with learning disabilities to think about their own futures and plan a good death. David, Mika, and Meg share how they are involved and what this project can offer people.

Hear from Julie and Sue who share information on books beyond words and how you can go about setting up a book club. Also, Rachel Furniss talks passionately about how MacIntyre uses this great resource and how the books supports many people to understand difficult topics.

Hearing Debs Aspland talk about the importance of connecting and welcoming families, and sharing information about the wonderful Let's Come Together forum.