Dis-labled: Disabled Voices, Real Stories

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In this special half term episode, we’re diving into some big topics and plenty of laughs. First up, we’re talking accessibility—everything from getting into buildings to accessing meaningful work, and why these things matter.

Then, Richard wows us with his amazing party trick—you won’t want to miss it! We also chat about our hobbies, share a few laughs over our favourite TV comedies, and swap some feel-good recommendations.

Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell.

Editor: Phil Powell

Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell
Editor: Phil Powell

Huge thanks to the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk

All enquiries: [email protected]
Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/

Theme Music: Rastko Rasic & the students of Community FocusOther Music: Jazzy Frenchy by ⁠⁠⁠Benjamin Tissot

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We welcome back friend of the show, Remi!

She tells us all about the Be:Loved night, we catch up on how everyone’s doing, and we hear Carol’s Talking Tale.

Remi also shares her struggle to get power-assisted wheels — proving once again that if you want something done properly, you’ve sometimes you’ve got to do it yourself!

You can find info on the Be:Loved event Remi mentioned here.

You can find Remi's YouTube channel here.

Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell.

Editor: Phil Powell

Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell
Editor: Phil Powell

Huge thanks to the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk

All enquiries: [email protected]
Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/

Theme Music: Rastko Rasic & the students of Community FocusOther Music: Jazzy Frenchy by ⁠⁠⁠Benjamin Tissot

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How do you go from studying chemistry to becoming a professional artist?

In this episode of Dis-labled, we meet artist and Community Focus tutor Flo Perry. Flo shares her unusual journey from university chemistry labs to a successful career in art, explains why she chose to follow her passion, and offers advice for anyone dreaming of a creative future.

We discuss painting, creativity, inspiration, favourite artworks, life as a self-taught artist, and what it's really like earning a living through art. Along the way, our presenters ask some wonderfully unexpected questions about ugly portraits, rollercoaster paintings, swimming in green ponds and even what colours smell like.

If you want to be an artist — you can! Just stick with it, and keep practising.

To see more of Flo's work, visit her website here.

00:01:22 - Intro
00:02:17 - We welcome Flo Perry
00:04:56 - Why did Flo give up chemistry to become an artist?
00:11:06 - Flo's love of ponds
00:12:34 - When did Flo start making art?
00:14:15 - Has Flo ever cried over a piece of art?
00:18:44 - Flo's show and tell
00:22:47 - How long has Flo been a tutor?
00:27:29 - Final Thoughts

Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell.

Editor: Phil Powell

Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell
Editor: Phil Powell

Huge thanks to the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk

All enquiries: [email protected]
Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/

Theme Music: Rastko Rasic & the students of Community FocusOther Music: Jazzy Frenchy by ⁠⁠⁠Benjamin Tissot

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In today's episode, we are thrilled to be back with the CF choir, guided by our singing teacher Sarah.

We'll be exploring some brilliant tunes, such as Sunshine on My Shoulders and Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go! while learning vocal techniques to help develop and support our voices.

We also chat with some of our singers to discover why music means so much to them. Stay tuned, and sing along with us if you know the words!

Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell.

Editor: Phil Powell

Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell
Editor: Phil Powell

Huge thanks to the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk

All enquiries: [email protected]
Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/

Theme Music: Rastko Rasic & the students of Community FocusOther Music: Jazzy Frenchy by ⁠⁠⁠Benjamin Tissot

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Dis-labled, we meet Hasel, an artist who shares her journey of living with Asperger's syndrome (AS) and how art has transformed her confidence, communication and wellbeing.

Hasel explains how she discovered art during lockdown, why creativity helps her express herself, and how drawing and painting have helped her connect with others. We also hear Carol's beautiful poem My Place and discuss how opening up on the podcast has helped us find our voices and build confidence.

00:00:00 - Start
00:01:13 - Intro
00:01:56 - We meet Hasel
00:02:26 - What's going on?
00:13:09 - How does making art help?
00:15:02 - How art has helped Hasel's Aspergers
00:17:14 - Aspergers is a hidden disability
00:17:34 - How art has helped Hasel's confidence
00:20:22 - Art as therapy
00:22:30 - The future
00:23:57 - Poetry Corner
00:26:27 - Final Thoughts

If you enjoy the episode, please like, subscribe and share to help more people discover Dis-labled.

Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell.

Editor: Phil Powell

Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell
Editor: Phil Powell

Huge thanks to the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk

All enquiries: [email protected]
Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/

Theme Music: Rastko Rasic & the students of Community FocusOther Music: Jazzy Frenchy by ⁠⁠⁠Benjamin Tissot

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In this episode, we welcome our newest member, Maria, and get to know her story. We ask about her life experiences and discover how she navigates the world with restricted eyesight—always with resilience and an incredible sense of humour.

Later, Gila shares an honest and heartfelt review of her experience using a Fitbit. She opens up about the anxiety it triggered and how being constantly monitored 24/7 took a toll on her well-being. Tune in to hear how she reclaimed peace by stepping away from the pressure of data-driven health tracking.

Lastly we celebrate our 1000th download and give ourselves a well deserved pat on the back.

To apply for a 'Hidden Disabilities' lanyard, visit: https://hdsunflower.com/

Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell.

Editor: Phil Powell

Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell
Editor: Phil Powell

Huge thanks to the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk

All enquiries: [email protected]
Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/

Theme Music: Rastko Rasic & the students of Community FocusOther Music: Jazzy Frenchy by ⁠⁠⁠Benjamin Tissot

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It’s Pride Week at Community Focus – and we’re throwing the spotlight on one of London’s most joyful, inclusive celebrations of all: Bubble Club!

This week, we’re stepping away from our usual format to dive into the world of Bubble Club – an immersive nightclub in East London co-created by people with learning disabilities, and proudly celebrating its 20th anniversary.

In the lead-up to their most recent club night, we got an exclusive look behind the scenes: from their creative workshop space to the unforgettable night itself. We met the brilliant team making it all happen, including club manager Iona Ascherson, the unstoppable Tilley, and Del (the piggie) – all sharing their love for this groundbreaking community.

Bubble Club isn’t just a night out – it’s a movement. A place where people of all abilities and backgrounds come together to dance, express, and celebrate who they are.

Join us as we celebrate Pride, inclusion, creativity, and 20 years of unforgettable nights at Bubble Club.

For more information on Bubble Club, click here.

To book the next club night (the 20th birthday party), click here.

For more information on Tilley and Del (the piggie), click here.

Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell
Editor: Phil Powell

Huge thanks to the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk

All enquiries: [email protected]
Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/

Theme Music: Rastko Rasic & the students of Community FocusOther Music: Jazzy Frenchy by ⁠⁠⁠Benjamin Tissot

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode Oak Lodge School is taking over the show – cue the cheers! 🎉

Meet our brilliant new pupil podcasters from Oak Lodge as they jump behind the mic for the very first time and share a bit about themselves and their interests. Then, the takeover continues with an exclusive interview with Head Teacher Miss Walker, we meet Carol and Yasmin for a behind-the-scenes visit to the Oak Lodge Shop, and a fun chat with Mr. Shirley, one of the school’s amazing teachers.

Get ready for an inspiring, heartwarming, and totally unique glimpse into life at Oak Lodge!

Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell.

Editor: Phil Powell

Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell
Editor: Phil Powell

Huge thanks to the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk

All enquiries: [email protected]
Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/

Theme Music: Rastko Rasic & the students of Community FocusOther Music: Jazzy Frenchy by ⁠⁠⁠Benjamin Tissot

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, we’ve been taken over by our brilliant young ARTiculate group—a creative collective of young people with additional needs who use the arts to express their views and experiences.

This time, we’re talking all about employability. We share stories about our jobs, discuss some of the challenges we’ve faced in the workplace, and we’re delighted to welcome Stuart Downie—an expert in employment for people with additional needs, to answer some of our questions. So tune in, listen and learn!

Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell.

Editor: Phil Powell

Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell
Editor: Phil Powell

Huge thanks to the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk

All enquiries: [email protected]
Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/

Theme Music: Rastko Rasic & the students of Community FocusOther Music: Jazzy Frenchy by ⁠⁠⁠Benjamin Tissot

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, we dive into the world of live music to ask: are concerts and gigs truly accessible for people with disabilities? We share some of our own experiences to find out. 

We also reflect on our visit to CJ’s Bakery—where delicious cakes are made with care, and meaningful employment is offered to a brilliant team of people with learning disabilities. And finally, Poetry Corner makes its return! This week, our featured poets are Carol and Babak.

Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell.

Editor: Phil Powell

Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell
Editor: Phil Powell

Huge thanks to the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk

All enquiries: [email protected]
Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/

Theme Music: Rastko Rasic & the students of Community FocusOther Music: Jazzy Frenchy by ⁠⁠⁠Benjamin Tissot