Dis-labled: Disabled Voices, Real Stories

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This week, we took a break from our usual show to visit the amazing Chickenshed Theatre Company, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

We got a special tour, went behind the scenes, and met some of the fantastic team who make it all happen.

Our guide for the afternoon was Matthew Lyons, head of Young Company, and we also had the pleasure of meeting Maya and Shiloh, who shared their love for this incredible theatre.

We were blown away by how Chickenshed celebrates inclusivity and brings people of all abilities and backgrounds together through the power of theatre.

It was an inspiring and fun day. Let us tell you all about it!

For more information on Chickenshed click 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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In Part 2 of these very special episodes, the girls are taking over the podcast!

In this episode, we're joined by our special guest, Dr Dhavale, to discuss women's health. If you're affected by anything you hear today or would like to explore any relevant topics further, please don't hesitate to get in touch on the email below.

**Warning! A quick note before we start: this episode is a little different. We're delving into women's health, specifically periods, with a group of girls from Community Focus and Dr. Dhavale.

This discussion is meant to support girls, parents, and carers who might find these topics tricky to talk about or don't have someone to turn to.

While we've approached this with care, some may find parts of the conversation a bit sensitive. We hope it's helpful and empowering for everyone listening.**

Some useful links:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pre-menstrual-syndrome/

https://www.laroche-posay.co.uk/

Project Managers: Andrea Rai, Flo Alfrey & 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 Part 1 of these very special episodes, the girls are taking over the podcast!

We hear from those of us who work and explore the kinds of jobs we'd love to have when we're ready to start our careers. We discuss new slang, the exhaustion of masking our disabilities, and how we have fun -  including our favourite fidget toys!

00:01:30 - Intro
00:02:01 - What's going on?
00:04:47 - Working as a nursery assistant
00:06:05 - Volunteering
00:07:02 - Starting to think about getting jobs
00:07:43 - Assistant gymnastics coach
00:08:19 - Sophia talks about her work aspirations
00:10:07 - Slang words
00:12:28 - What we do to have fun
00:15:21 - Social burn-out
00:16:13 - Masking
00:21:21 - Fidget toys
00:25:03 - Poetry Corner
00:26:39 - Final Thoughts

All enquiries: [email protected] or [email protected]

Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/

Tutors: Andrea Rai, Flo Alfrey & 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, Jonathan talks about his LOTNA group, which stands for The League of the Non-Aligned – a social group of sci-fi fans based in London who enjoy all forms of sci-fi and cult TV.

He also discusses the LOTNA board games evening he attended and reviews the game Ticket to Ride.

Gila reviews an app called Finch, designed to help reduce anxiety, we chat about our favourite songs and  Havva sings a song in cat language!

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

Are self-checkouts making shopping harder for disabled people?

In this episode of Dis-labled, the team share their experiences of navigating supermarkets, self-checkouts and everyday accessibility challenges. From confusing technology to long waits for assistance, we discuss how modern shopping can sometimes create unexpected barriers.

We also enjoy two original poems, including Havva's imaginative poem about her cat Mapule and Carol's atmospheric winter poem. Carol talks about her writing process, where her ideas come from and why poetry has become such an important creative outlet.

Plus, we chat about cinemas, bowling, weddings, favourite films and life at Community Focus.

00:01:27 - Intro
00:02:17 - What's going on?
00:10:05 - The Good News
00:10:23 - Weather Woman
00:11:09 - Poetry Corner
00:16:22 - It's My Life
00:22:44 - Cinemas discussion
00:24:34 - Joke Corner
00:25:59 - What does cruel to be kind mean?
00:27:20 - 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 this episode, we discuss how we feel about labels (and being labeled), talk about keeping fit, and share tips on finding the perfect gym to get you moving. And finally, Carol is back to share another one of her incredible poems. It’s a mix of motivation, chat, and creativity, so let’s dive in!

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 interview our newest member, Carol, and chat about National Days—plus, we choose what we would make into a national celebration! Phill tells some jokes, and we share our experiences, both good and bad, from our shopping trips. Gila bravely opens up about her recent autism diagnosis. So stay tuned!

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're thrilled to introduce our brand-new CF choir, guided by our wonderful singing teacher, Sarah. We'll be diving into some fabulous songs, including True Colours and A Million Dreams, while also learning vocal techniques to strengthen our voices. There's so much more in store, so stay tuned as we embark on this exciting musical journey together. Be sure to check out Ruby's solo performance at the beginning of the episode - there was not a dry eye in the house!

If you’ve enjoyed our show and think it deserves a review, please consider leaving one wherever you listen to podcasts. Even more importantly, share it with just one person you think would enjoy it too. Word of mouth is the most powerful way for podcasts to grow. Thank you for tuning in!

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

Celebrating South Asian Heritage Month with BAWA: enjoying traditional clothing, Bollywood dancing, crafts, & interviews highlighting cultural unity.

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

Join us for another Summer Holiday special as we welcome back our favorite holiday podcasters! In this episode, we're diving into the unique experiences of going on holiday with a disability, sharing creative ideas for making the most out of staying at home, and shining a spotlight on JollyDays, the amazing holiday company that specialises in crafting unforgettable getaways for people with disabilities. Plus, get ready for some fun as we challenge you to a thrilling game of "Guess Who?"

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