Welcome to Season 2 of the Able to Care Podcast! 🎉 And launch of the ablehub.uk membership site. 

Join host Andy Baker in this powerful season launch episode featuring Olympic medallist and British javelin icon, Fatima Whitbread. Dive into an inspiring discussion on resilience, advocacy, and transformation within the UK care system.

Fatima’s story—from her challenging childhood in the care system to her rise as a legendary athlete—reveals a remarkable dedication to uplifting children in care. With her UK campaign, she aims to unite social workers, caregivers, and educators to create a collaborative support network that truly empowers vulnerable young people. Listen as Fatima shares her journey, the importance of mentorship, community action, and her bold vision for a compassionate and effective care system.

This episode is a must-listen for caregivers, educators, social workers, and advocates committed to making a positive difference in children’s lives. 🎧

Resources Mentioned:

• Fatima’s UK Campaign: Advocating for a unified, supportive care system in the UK.

Key Messages:

1. The Power of Resilience and Purpose
   

Key Timestamps:

• 00:00:02 - Welcome to Season 2 of the Able to Care Podcast with Andy Baker

Stay Connected!

Looking for More Resources?

Welcome to the final episode of Season 1 of the Able to Care Podcast! In this special episode, host Andy Baker reflects on the journey so far, sharing insights into how the podcast has grown since it first launched in August 2023. Andy takes us back to the very first episode, featuring co-host Nadine Sutton, where they discussed dementia, stigmatisation, and misconceptions about this condition. From initial nerves to personal growth, Andy reveals how the podcast has evolved over the past year.

In this episode, we revisit important topics such as:

• Common misconceptions about dementia and Alzheimer’s

Andy and Nadine dive deep into how dementia affects memory, perception, and behaviour, offering insights into the challenges faced by both those living with dementia and their caregivers. Through personal stories, they explore ways to reframe dementia in a more positive and compassionate light, including the importance of engaging with emotional memories, even when logical memory fades.

Key Takeaways:

• Dementia is not just memory loss or a normal part of ageing; it is a complex brain condition with over 400 types.

Resources Mentioned:

• Dementia Awareness Month: Focus on improving understanding and reducing stigma

Join Us for Season 2!

Sponsored by:

Please subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode. We'll see you back for Season 2!

#AbleToCarePodcast #DementiaAwareness #EndTheStigma #CaregiverSupport #AlzheimersEducation #BrainHealth #UnderstandingDementia #PositiveCare #CarerCommunity #MentalHealthAwareness #PodcastSeasonFinale #CareTraining #CareProfessionals #EmotionalConnections #StigmaFree

Episode Description:

Key Topics Covered:

The Challenges of Diagnosing Autism in Girls:

Alex’s Journey with Her Daughter’s Diagnosis:

The Impact of Masking and Misunderstandings:

Alex’s Self-Discovery of Autism:

Benefits of Diagnosis and Acceptance:

Positives of Autism and Embracing Differences:

Key Quotes:

• "When your expectations are up here, they're always going to fall short, and unfortunately, that's one of the problems they see in themselves." — Andy Baker

Resources Mentioned:

• ABLE Training's free course on autism awareness and understanding in girls. https://hub.able-training.co.uk/courses/autism-women-girls/

Takeaway Message:

Connect with Us:

In this special episode of the Able to Care podcast, host Andy Baker takes a moment to reflect on the incredible journey of Season 1. After more than a year and a half since starting the podcast with just one episode a month, Andy shares how the podcast has evolved, now releasing two episodes per week. He speaks candidly about the meaningful connections he’s made, the growth of the podcast, and his excitement for the future, with Season 2 set to launch on 5th November.

Reflecting on the Podcast’s Growth: Andy talks about how the podcast started as a way to give back and connect with others, but over time, it has become much more. He now releases weekly interviews alongside solo episodes, which has led to incredible engagement and connections with listeners.

The Impact of the Podcast: Andy shares the deep impact the podcast has had, including some of the episodes that stand out to him:

• Panorama Review Episode: One of the earlier episodes where Andy and co-host Nadine discussed a Panorama investigation into abuse in a hospital setting. This episode opened important conversations around improving care, without demonising the care industry. It was a catalyst for opening up dialogue around gaps in knowledge and understanding.

Andy teases what’s to come in Season 2, with new episodes launching on 5th November. He mentions exciting guest interviews already lined up and shares his enthusiasm for continuing both interview and solo episodes.

The Able Hub Launch: Andy introduces the Able Hub, a new initiative launching in November, which will provide free resources, e-learning, and accessible materials to help caregivers, teachers, and parents expand their knowledge and skills.

Revisiting Classic Episodes: Over the next few weeks, the podcast will re-release some of its most impactful episodes, giving listeners a chance to revisit powerful discussions or catch up on what they may have missed. These "classic" episodes will be highlighted every Tuesday.

A Call to Share and Engage: Andy encourages listeners to share their favourite episodes, give feedback, and connect with others who might benefit from the discussions. He emphasises the importance of continuing to spread knowledge and support within the caregiving community.

As Season 1 comes to an end, Andy thanks listeners for their ongoing support and engagement. He reflects on the power of the podcast in creating a space for open, honest conversations and looks forward to the launch of Season 2.

Don’t forget to tune in on 5th November for the Season 2 premiere!

Key Episodes Mentioned:

• Panorama Undercover Hospital Review (Episode 03)

Connect with Us:

• If you’ve found value in this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and share it with your network.

As we draw season 1 of The Able to Care Podcast, to a close we revisit some old favourite episodes from our very first year. Season two starts on the 5th of November - remember remember!

On this recording Andy Baker and co-host Nadine Sutton are joined by stand-up comedian and disability advocate Benny Shakes. Benny shares his inspiring journey living with cerebral palsy (CP) and how it has shaped his career as a speaker and comedian. He discusses his challenges growing up, the stigma around disabilities, and his mission to raise awareness through his comedy and talks in schools.

Benny opens up about his childhood experiences, including how he wasn't fully aware of his condition until his teenage years, and how that realisation impacted his mental health. He talks candidly about the difficult times he faced, including turning to alcohol, and how he eventually found his purpose through comedy. Benny also reflects on the role his parents played in helping him navigate his disability and how their push for independence helped him become the person he is today.

Key Points Discussed:

• Benny’s journey with spastic cerebral palsy, from diagnosis at a young age to finding his identity as a teenager.

Benny's unique perspective, humour, and resilience make this episode an enlightening listen for anyone interested in disability awareness, mental health, and personal growth.

Connect with Benny Shakes:

• Website: Blue Badge Bunch

Be sure to check out Benny's latest comedy show Benny Shakes Gets Respect and his book Blue Badge Bunch with Benny Shakes, available on Amazon. You can also reach out to Benny for signed copies or bookings via the contact information provided on his website.

Enjoyed this episode? Don't miss out on future conversations! Make sure to subscribe to our podcast for upcoming episodes featuring insightful guests and fantastic hosts.

 Stay connected! Follow us on social media @abletraining on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram, @abletocarepodcast on TikTok)  for behind-the-scenes content, updates, and community engagement.

 Want to delve deeper into topics discussed on the show? Visit our training website  https://www.able-training.co.uk/  for valuable resources and courses to support caregivers on their journey.

 Thank you for listening! Your support means the world to us. Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations

In this episode of the Able to Care podcast, host Andy Baker delves into the widely known Kubler-Ross model, or the Five Stages of Grief. While commonly linked to the experience of losing a loved one, Andy reveals how these stages—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—apply to a range of significant life changes, from job loss to major personal transitions. With personal insights and real-life examples, Andy explains how grief is not a straightforward, linear process but rather one that can revisit us unexpectedly. This episode highlights the importance of empathy, understanding, and supporting others through their unique grief journeys. Tune in to learn how recognising these stages can help both in self-reflection and in offering support to those facing loss.

Key Messages:

1. The Universal Nature of Grief
   

Key Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction 

00:22 – Overview of the Kubler-Ross Model

01:08 – Denial: First Stage of Grief

03:13 – Anger: Processing the Reality of Loss

05:34 – Bargaining: Searching for Control

07:56 – Depression: Acknowledging the Emotional Weight

10:06 – Acceptance & Moving Forward

15:11 – Empathy and Supporting Others in Grief

Enjoyed this episode? Don't miss out on future conversations! Make sure to subscribe to our podcast for upcoming episodes featuring insightful guests and fantastic hosts.

 Stay connected! Follow us on social media @abletraining on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram, @abletocarepodcast on TikTok)  for behind-the-scenes content, updates, and community engagement.

 Want to delve deeper into topics discussed on the show? Visit our training website  https://www.able-training.co.uk/  for valuable resources and courses to support caregivers on their journey.

 Thank you for listening! Your support means the world to us. Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations

In this episode of the Able to Care podcast, host Andy Baker speaks with Kate Thubron, a trained occupational therapist and dementia care expert. Kate shares her journey from working in multiple care settings across the UK and abroad, to her passion for improving dementia care through the Montessori approach and cognitive stimulation therapy (CST). Kate discusses her experiences working with Teepa Snow’s Positive Approaches to Care model and how mindfulness and meditation practices enhance her training.

Key Messages:

1. Personalised Dementia Care with the Montessori Approach
   

Key Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction and Sponsorship

00:01:00 - Kate's Career Background

00:06:30 - Working Overseas in Mombasa

00:12:00 - The Montessori Approach to Dementia Care

00:18:30 - Addressing Risk and Maintaining Independence

00:24:00 - Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) Overview

00:50:00 - Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Enjoyed this episode? Don't miss out on future conversations! Make sure to subscribe to our podcast for upcoming episodes featuring insightful guests and fantastic hosts.

In this episode of the Able to Care podcast, host Andy Baker delves into an effective negotiation technique that’s versatile enough to be used in a variety of settings – from managing relationships within a household to navigating conflicts in the workplace. Inspired by an approach he discovered in a book on ADHD, Andy shares how this strategy can help set rules and boundaries in a fair and non-confrontational manner, giving all parties a voice. Whether you're a caregiver, teacher, or parent, this episode offers practical tools to resolve conflicts and improve collaboration with those you support.

Looking for more on this topic?

Check out Andy's upcoming book Targeting the Positive, launching in November 2024, which provides in-depth strategies on managing behaviours and building positive relationships.

Key Messages:

The collaborative negotiation technique allows all parties, including caregivers and children, to express their viewpoints and jointly find a solution.

It encourages the use of non-confrontational language, reducing defensiveness and promoting understanding.

The strategy is flexible enough to be applied to a range of scenarios, from managing behaviours in children with ADHD or PDA to resolving disputes in professional settings.

Key Timestamps:

[00:00:25] – Introduction to the negotiation technique.

[00:01:00] – How the technique applies to children with ADHD or PDA.

[00:03:00] – Setting rules and boundaries collaboratively.

[00:05:00] – Example: Addressing morning routine challenges with children.

[00:08:00] – Using the technique in professional and personal relationships.

[00:11:00] – Voting on proposed solutions: A fair and visual approach.

[00:14:00] – How to brainstorm and evaluate ideas with plus and minus ratings.

[00:17:00] – The importance of maintaining boundaries with empathy and understanding.

Enjoyed this episode? Don't miss out on future conversations! Make sure to subscribe to our podcast for upcoming episodes featuring insightful guests and fantastic hosts.

Stay connected! Follow us on social media @abletraining on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram, @abletocarepodcast on TikTok) for behind-the-scenes content, updates, and community engagement.

Want to delve deeper into topics discussed on the show? Visit our training website https://www.able-training.co.uk/ for valuable resources and courses to support caregivers on their journey.

Thank you for listening! Your support means the world to us. Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations

In this episode of the Able to Care podcast, host Andy Baker explores the essential topic of whistleblowing and creating a speaking up culture within organisations. Joined by Sean Keep, founder and co-director of SaySo, an independent whistleblowing service, the episode dives into how whistleblowing works and the importance of fostering a transparent and open environment. This benefits both businesses and staff by improving workplace safety and culture. With over 30 years of experience in law enforcement, Sean shares his expertise in safeguarding vulnerable individuals, why whistleblowing is important, and how it prevents serious incidents through early reporting. Learn how independent whistleblowing services like SaySo protect staff, answer questions like can whistleblowing be anonymous, enhance trust, and save organisations time and money by addressing problems early on.

SaySo: https://www.say-so.co.uk/

Key Messages:

Independent whistleblowing services like SaySo provide a safe and anonymous platform for staff to report concerns, leading to early intervention and preventing larger issues from escalating.

Building a speaking up culture improves staff morale, reduces turnover, and leads to better business outcomes by addressing the problems early.

The negative connotations of whistle blowing should be shifted towards positive reporting, focusing on early intervention and maintaining high care standards.

Key Timestamps:

[00:00:25] – Introduction to whistleblowing and speaking up in care organisations.

[00:01:00] – Sean Keep’s background in public protection and safeguarding.

[00:02:15] – Founding of SaySo: Addressing the need for independent reporting in care.

[00:08:00] – Encouraging early reporting to prevent serious incidents in care homes.

[00:18:00] – Challenges of implementing a speaking-up culture and staff fears.

[00:29:00] – Financial benefits of early reporting: Saving £20,000 per incident.

[00:39:00] – Reframing ‘whistleblowing’ as proactive reporting and early intervention.

[00:52:00] – Steps to build a speaking-up culture with independent services.

Enjoyed this episode? Don't miss out on future conversations! Make sure to subscribe to our podcast for upcoming episodes featuring insightful guests and fantastic hosts. Stay connected! Follow us on social media @abletraining on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram, @abletocarepodcast on TikTok) for behind-the-scenes content, updates, and community engagement. Want to delve deeper into topics discussed on the show? Visit our training website https://www.able-training.co.uk/ for valuable resources and courses to support caregivers on their journey. Thank you for listening! Your support means the world to us. Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations

#Whistleblowing #SpeakingUp #CareSector #Safeguarding #PublicProtection #CareHomes #StaffWellbeing #IncidentReporting #SaySoService #SpeakUpCulture #CareStaffSupport #IndependentReporting #WorkplaceSafety #EarlyIntervention #CareProvider #EmployeeVoice #WhistleblowerProtection #HealthcareLeadership #CaregiverSupport #PreventingAbuse #HowWhistleblowingWorks #CanWhistleblowingBeAnonymous #WhyWhistleblowingIsImportant #WhistleblowingWhoToReportTo

In this episode of the Able to Care podcast, Andy Baker delves into the Incredible 5-Point Scale, a simple yet effective tool originally developed to help individuals on the autistic spectrum understand and manage their emotions. Andy explains how this scale can be used as a powerful tool for emotional literacy and self-regulation, not only for children but also for caregivers and adults. Learn how this system helps track emotional intensity, develop awareness, and foster better communication, all while offering practical tips for implementing it in everyday life.

5 Point Scale Website: https://www.5pointscale.com/

Key Timestamps:

00:00:00- Introduction to the Incredible 5-Point Scale

00:01:02 - Explaining the Scale's Purpose

00:02:55 - Emotional Literacy and Management

00:04:19 - Levels of the 5-Point Scale

00:07:27 - Using the Scale for Self-Care and Caregiving

00:13:29 - Practical Tips for Implementing the Scale

Key Messages:

Understanding Emotional Intensity:

The Incredible 5-Point Scale helps individuals better comprehend and communicate their emotional intensity, offering a simple framework for managing emotions from calm to full distress.

A Tool for Caregivers and Adults:

Originally designed for children, the scale is also a valuable self-care tool for adults and caregivers, enhancing emotional awareness and improving interactions with those they support.

Practical Emotional Management:

By identifying emotional states and learning coping strategies, the scale allows individuals to take action at the right moment, preventing emotional escalation and fostering healthier responses.

Enjoyed this episode? Don't miss out on future conversations! Make sure to subscribe to our podcast for upcoming episodes featuring insightful guests and fantastic hosts. Stay connected! Follow us on social media @abletraining on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram, @abletocarepodcast on TikTok) for behind-the-scenes content, updates, and community engagement. Want to delve deeper into topics discussed on the show? Visit our training website https://www.able-training.co.uk/ for valuable resources and courses to support caregivers on their journey. Thank you for listening! Your support means the world to us. Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations