Dis-labled: Disabled Voices, Real Stories

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What does independence really mean when you have a disability? And how do you find the confidence to take those first steps?

In this encouraging episode of Dis-labled, we explore the challenges and achievements of becoming more independent.

Lizzie shares how she overcame her anxiety about public transport through travel training and is now preparing for work placements. Gila discusses managing anxiety and her ambition to move into supported living, while Jonathan reflects on overcoming self-doubt and recognising his progress.

We also hear about Amir's working week, and Carol shares an original poem about freedom.

For parents, carers and anyone thinking about the future, this is a reassuring conversation about confidence, patience and the importance of the right support.

Because independence doesn't mean doing everything alone. Sometimes it starts with someone believing in us until we're ready to believe in ourselves.

00:00 Dis-labled Opening Theme
00:17 A Message to Our Listeners
00:35 What Does Independence Really Mean?
01:22 Meet the Presenters
01:44 Jonathan's Recovery and Progress
02:40 Lizzie's New Work Placement
03:59 Gila on Stress and Overthinking
05:36 Finding a Balance After Education
08:31 Amir Talks About His Working Week
08:57 Exploring Independence with a Disability
09:33 Jonathan on Confidence and Self-Doubt
10:34 Lizzie's Journey Towards Independent Travel
13:20 Gila on Anxiety and Everyday Journeys
14:52 Recognising How Far We've Come
17:03 Jonathan on Feeling Proud of Himself
17:40 How Long Does Independence Take?
20:12 Gila's Independence and Electric Wheelchair
20:54 Jonathan on Going Out Independently
21:32 Lizzie's First Independent Journeys
23:10 What Do We Want to Learn Next?
24:27 Gila's Ambition for Supported Living
25:48 Carol's Poem About Freedom
27:16 Independence: The Good and the Difficult
27:30 Lizzie's Encouraging Message
28:23 Closing Reflections

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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What happens when a community shop, an inclusive arts organisation and a group of talented young artists come together?

In this special episode, the Dis-labled Podcast visits Philanthropy in Palmers Green, an independent community shop founded by Esther and Phil with a very different approach to retail. Philanthropy puts people and community at the heart of what it does, with 65% of its profits supporting the local community, including adults with learning difficulties and people experiencing mental health difficulties. It also creates paid work opportunities and supports local projects and initiatives. 

For Community Focus, Philanthropy has become much more than somewhere to display our students' work. Through our ARTiculate programme and Skills Club, Esther and Phil have generously shared their space, knowledge and experience, helping our artists take their creativity beyond the studio and into a real retail environment.

Our podcasters visit the shop to interview Esther, Phil, volunteers and customers, while exploring how the relationship developed. Along the way, they put their own interviewing, presenting, communication and podcasting skills into practice in a busy community setting.

We also look back at some of the creative collaborations that have grown from the partnership. ARTiculate students have produced artwork, cards, T-shirts, eye masks and other products for Philanthropy, as well as developing an ambitious sustainable denim upcycling project. Students experimented with embroidery, crochet, printing and design, helped merchandise their work and created the shop window display. Every piece produced for the denim project sold, with one even making its way to a festival in Australia. 

For the students, seeing something they have designed displayed, valued and bought by a customer is an experience that goes far beyond making art. It builds confidence, develops transferable skills and shows that their creativity has a place and a value in the wider community. Flo describes Philanthropy as providing a space where students can develop as artists, collaborate, form friendships and learn skills that can otherwise be difficult to access as they get older. 

This episode is a celebration of a relationship that means a great deal to Community Focus and ARTiculate, and a brilliant example of what can happen when local organisations share their skills, resources and ideas.

Visit Philanthropy

Philanthropy is packed with vintage and pre-loved clothing, furniture, homeware, artwork and unusual finds, with a strong focus on reuse, upcycling and community.

Philanthropy
248 Green Lanes
Palmers Green
London
N13 5TU

Instagram: @PhilanthropyLondon

If you're in Palmers Green, go in, have a look around and say hello to Esther, Phil and the team. As the shop's own volunteers describe it in the episode, it's not simply somewhere to shop, but a community hub that gives back to the community.

00:00 Philanthropy: A Community Shop Built on Creativity & Collaboration
00:16 Community Focus & ARTiculate Visit Philanthropy in Palmers Green
01:23 Inside Philanthropy: Vintage Style, Handmade Products & a Community Feel
02:24 Why Esther & Phil Created a Different Kind of Community Shop
03:18 Giving Back: Supporting Learning Disabilities, Mental Health & Local Projects
04:18 How Philanthropy Was Built as an Independent, Self-Funded Business
05:16 Why Customers Love the Philanthropy Shopping Experience
06:02 Meet the Customers & Volunteers Behind the Community Hub
07:21 Upcycling Furniture: Giving Quality Vintage Pieces a New Life
09:18 How ARTiculate Discovered Philanthropy
10:02 Rebuilding the High Street & Bringing People Back to Palmers Green
11:30 Community Focus Meets Philanthropy: How the Creative Partnership Began
12:12 Celebrating Different Art & Showcasing Community Focus Artists
13:36 Sustainability, Creativity & the ARTiculate Upcycling Project
15:12 ARTiculate Students on Learning Embroidery, Design & New Creative Skills
16:46 Yasmine's Upcycled Denim Dress: From Five Months of Work to the First Sale
18:28 Every Piece Sold! Celebrating the Success of the Denim Collection
18:57 Building Confidence, Transferable Skills & Real-World Retail Experience
20:43 Designing Products for Sale: Learning from Philanthropy
21:20 Pride Designs, Identity & Creative Expression
22:48 What's Next for the Philanthropy & ARTiculate Partnership?
23:50 What the Partnership Has Meant to Community Focus Students
24:29 Turning Creativity into Opportunity: Art, Retail & Sustainable Income
25:14 "A Little Part of You Out in the World": The Value of Selling Your Art
27:39 Thank You Philanthropy: Celebrating Creativity, Skills & Collaboration
28:04 Visit Philanthropy in Palmers Green

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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What happens when three different conditions affect almost every part of your day?

In Episode 78 of Dis-labled, our very own Jonathan takes centre stage for an honest, revealing and often funny conversation in our Living With series.

Jonathan lives with colitis, autism and ADHD, and he explains how these conditions affect everything from his daily routine and ability to leave the house to his concentration, relationships and mental health.

He talks candidly about his colitis diagnosis, the challenges of living with a condition that isn't always visible, and why his autism and ADHD can sometimes make everyday situations particularly difficult.

But there's plenty of humour and personality too! Jonathan shares his love of gaming, YouTube, woodwork and music, including Queen, Paul McCartney and Jeff Wayne's War of the Worlds.

In a moving update recorded after the original interview, Jonathan also talks about recovering from a serious road accident and the support he's received from the Dis-labled team.

00:00 Welcome to Dis-labled
00:17 Living with Colitis, Autism & ADHD: Introducing Jonathan
01:11 Jonathan's Story Begins
01:35 Getting to Know Jonathan: Hobbies and Interests
02:40 What Is Colitis and How Does It Affect Everyday Life?
05:40 Colitis, Weight Loss and Diagnosis
07:25 Living with Autism and ADHD
08:30 ADHD, Concentration and a Constantly Busy Mind
10:00 A Typical Day Living with Colitis
12:44 When Did Jonathan's Colitis Begin?
13:30 Mental Health, Loneliness and Life Before Diagnosis
14:50 Gaming, YouTube and Switching Off
15:54 Music, Concerts and Paul McCartney
17:24 The Anxiety of Living with Multiple Conditions
18:36 Autism, ADHD and Masking
19:58 Hidden Disabilities: "You Don't Look Disabled"
21:03 Shutdowns and Managing Overwhelm
21:39 How Dis-labled Has Helped Jonathan
22:47 Woodwork, Creativity and Personal Achievements
23:44 Jonathan's Perfect Day
24:31 Dream Concerts and a Love of Queen
25:22 A Serious Road Accident: Jonathan's Recovery
26:45 The Accident and Ambulance Journey
27:21 Welcoming Jonathan Back to Dis-labled
27:44 Final Thoughts and Messages from the Team
28:27 Closing Theme

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 our last episode we began exploring the relationship between autism and empathy. 

Today we're continuing that conversation as our ARTiculate Skills Club students talk about what empathy actually feels like, why it can sometimes be overwhelming, and why every autistic person's experience is different.

These are real conversations, real experiences and real opinions from autistic people themselves.

00:00 Feeling Too Much: Autism, Hyper-Empathy and Emotions
00:19 Autism & Empathy: Can Autistic People Feel Too Much?
01:32 Catching Up With the Dis-labled Team
04:17 Yasmine on Acting, Self-Expression & Chickenshed Theatre
06:40 What Does Empathy Actually Feel Like?
08:43 Hyper-Empathy: Feeling Other People's Emotions Intensely
09:40 When Someone Else's Pain Becomes Overwhelming
11:00 Why Empathy Can Sometimes Look Cold
12:30 Walking Away Doesn't Always Mean You Don't Care
14:13 "Autistic People Don't Have Empathy": Challenging the Myth
15:16 How the Autism Empathy Stereotype Makes Us Feel
15:26 Do You Need Empathy to Be a Good Person?
16:54 Rain Man, The Good Doctor & Autism Stereotypes
18:55 Sophia's Experience: Sometimes More Empathy, Sometimes Less
20:40 Do Autistic People Sometimes Feel Emotions Too Much?
21:00 Trust, Family & Finding It Difficult to Open Up
22:05 Managing Strong Emotions & Finding Ways to Calm Down
23:18 Autistic Meltdowns, Sensory Overload & Self-Regulation
24:01 Emotional Dysregulation: Feeling Things Intensely
25:00 Feeling Emotions Without Showing Them
26:17 Is Empathy a Spectrum for Everyone?
27:42 Final Thoughts From the Dis-labled Team

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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Today we're exploring a stereotype that many autistic people have heard for years: that autistic people don't have empathy. Is it true? Or is it one of the biggest misunderstandings about autism?

Our ARTiculate Skills Club students share their own experiences, challenge common myths and explain why empathy isn't always expressed in the way people expect.

To find out more about Skills Club please contact Flo Alfrey on 020 3743 2326, or email [email protected]

00:00 Do Autistic People Lack Empathy? Challenging the Biggest Myth
00:18 Autism, Empathy & Challenging the Stereotype
02:05 What Is Empathy & How Do People Show It?
02:59 Sensory Overload: When Caring Can Look Like You Don't Care
03:53 Caring for Someone When You Struggle to Show It
04:21 Grief, Autism & Not Knowing How to React
07:46 Different Ways of Experiencing Grief
09:53 Jordan Remembers His Sister Leah
11:49 Understanding Emotions Later: When Feelings Are Hard to Identify
14:43 Autism, Social Misunderstandings & Awkward Moments
17:03 A Funny Misunderstanding About Magic: The Gathering
19:00 What Do Autistic People Bring to Friendships & Relationships?
20:00 Challenging the Autistic Genius Stereotype
20:31 Different Perspectives, Friendship & Breaking Down Stereotypes
22:27 Honesty, Trust, Kindness & Caring for Other People
23:31 What Do We Wish People Understood About Autism & Empathy?
24:00 "We're All People": Dave Strings on Being Singled Out
24:41 Feeling Differently Doesn't Mean We Don't Care
25:50 Build a Connection With the Person, Not the Condition
26:38 Empathy vs Compassion: Why They Aren't the Same Thing
27:08 Final Thoughts: Understanding Each Other
28:31 About Community Focus Inclusive Arts

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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What makes a festival truly inclusive?

In this special episode of the Dis-labled Podcast, our team heads to Disability Festival in the Park in Wanstead, Redbridge, to meet the people, charities and community organisations helping to make one of London's most accessible festivals a reality.

Join Marcus, Andrea, Milan, Carol, Remy and the team as they speak to organisers, exhibitors and festival-goers about why this unique event is so important. Discover how accessible festivals can build confidence, reduce isolation, celebrate disabled talent and bring communities together.

You'll hear from organisations supporting disabled people across London, alongside reflections from our own presenters after a memorable day filled with music, creativity, information and community spirit. 

Featured organisations and guests include:

• Disability Festival in the Park – A fully accessible annual festival celebrating disability, inclusion and community in Redbridge. More information: www.disabilityfestival.co.uk
• One Place East – Supporting disabled people and people with health conditions across Redbridge and East London through advocacy, activities and peer support. Tel: 020 8925 2435. 
• CFDN (Community Fellowship for Disability Network) – Providing activities, holidays, social groups and community support for disabled people and their families across Essex and East London. 
• Uniting Friends – A community art group showcasing artwork created by neurodivergent artists through printmaking and creative workshops. 
• Medipro Care – A domiciliary care provider based in Ilford, introduced during the festival. 
• PUYORG CIC – A community interest company supporting women and young children through community activities and support services. 

Whether you attended the festival or are discovering it for the first time, this episode celebrates what's possible when disabled people are at the heart of designing inclusive communities.

00:00 Disability Festival in the Park: More Than Just a Festival
00:16 What Is Disability Festival in the Park? Community, Accessibility & Belonging
02:46 Milan & the Community Focus Team Arrive at Disability Festival in the Park
03:15 Pardib from Redbridge: How Disability Festival in the Park Is Growing
04:26 Dan from CFTN: Friendship, Social Activities & Disability Support Across East London
06:09 Tracy from Uniting Friends: Neurodivergent Artists, Printmaking & All We Need Is Love
07:25 Josephine Raj: Medipro Care & PUYORG Supporting Adults, Women & Young People
08:18 Remy Reviews the Festival: Accessibility, Wheelchair Services & Disability Inclusion
09:47 Andy Murphy from One Place East: Disability Support, Activities & Community in Redbridge
10:23 One Place East Gaming Group: Mental Health, Learning Disabilities & Social Connection
12:23 How Disability Festival in the Park Grew into a Pan-Disability Event
13:38 Remy & Andy: Making Disability Services Accessible Across More of London
15:29 Music, Performance & Hidden Talents: Building Confidence Through the Festival Stage
17:02 One Place East Comedy Workshops: Confidence, Mental Health & Performing Live
19:22 Milan Meets Ben: Why an Accessible Festival Matters
19:58 Andrea Reports from the Festival: Music, Dancing & an Amazing Atmosphere
20:34 Milan Asks the Community Focus Team for Their Festival Highlights
21:05 Flo, Ella, Remy, Corrie & Dean Share Their Final Thoughts
22:56 Heading Home: Community Focus Says Goodbye to Disability Festival in the Park
23:23 Milan Signs Off from Disability Festival in the Park
23:52 Community Focus Extra: Phillip on Joining an Interview Panel
25:03 What Phillip Learnt About Interviewing & Putting People at Ease
25:52 25 Years at Community Focus: Phillip on Becoming a Trustee
27:11 Jokes, Interviews & No Spoilers: Phillip Reflects on the Experience
28:11 A Cheer for Phillip & Closing the Episode

Find out more about the Dis-labled Podcast:
Community Focus Inclusive Arts – www.communityfocus.co.uk

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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What is it like living with autism, muscular dystrophy and speech and language difficulties?

In this episode of Dis-labled, Gila shares an honest and emotional account of her daily life. She talks about work, friendships, independence, anxiety, using a wheelchair, and the challenges of navigating a world that doesn't always understand disability.

Gila also opens up about masking, hiding her true feelings, and the pressure to appear happy when things are difficult. Along the way, she reflects on how far she has come, the obstacles she has overcome, and why learning to accept herself has been such an important journey.

This is a powerful conversation about disability, identity, resilience and being yourself.

00:00 Living with Autism & Muscular Dystrophy: Gila's Story
01:00 Meet Gila: Autism, Muscular Dystrophy & Speech and Language Difficulties
02:35 Managing Tiredness, Energy & Everyday Life with Muscular Dystrophy
03:26 Physical Disability: The Things Other People Take for Granted
04:12 Wheelchairs, Stairlifts & Conserving Energy to Stay Independent
05:01 Using a Wheelchair: Staring, Accessibility & Asking for Help
05:38 Physiotherapy, Muscle Tightness & Managing a Physical Disability
06:37 "Why Is She in a Wheelchair if She Can Walk?" Challenging Disability Assumptions
07:33 Everyday Accessibility: Walking, Wheelchairs & Card Payment Machines
08:54 Why Asking for Help Can Be Difficult When You Have a Disability
10:09 Autism & Masking: "You See Me Happy, But Inside I'm Not Okay"
12:12 Trust, Emotions & the Difficulty of Letting People See the Real You
13:17 "I Feel Like I'm Masking With You": An Emotional Moment
14:31 Unmasking, Insecurity & Learning to Be Yourself
15:29 Falling, Mobility & Learning to Live Life on Your Own Terms
16:25 Friendship, Baking, Meditation & Finding Ways to Switch Off
19:22 Carol's Poem "Mind": Feeling Different, Isolated & Wanting to Be Heard
22:19 What Gila Wishes People Understood About Her Disability
23:49 Overcoming Obstacles: "I'm Still Going With My Disability"
25:12 From Masking to "I'm Amazing": Gila Reflects on How Far She's Come
26:30 Self-Acceptance, Positivity & Learning to Love Yourself
28:24 Closing Thoughts | Dis-labled Podcast

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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What becomes possible when disabled and neurodivergent people are genuinely listened to, supported and included?

Recorded live at the Community Focus Summer Festival, this special Dis-labled forum brings together students, speakers, artists, parents, carers and community leaders to share powerful stories of confidence, creativity, employment and belonging.

Hear how opportunities like podcasting, art, creative writing and inclusive workplaces have helped people find their voice, build confidence and become active members of their communities.

Featuring Carol's moving poem Unmasking, Marcus sharing his experience of living with Multiple Sclerosis, Gila from CJ's Bakery, author Vicky Martin, audience contributions, and more.

If you're passionate about disability, inclusion and hearing real stories from real people, this is an episode not to miss.

00:00 Introduction | Community Focus Inclusive Arts, Disability Podcast & Live Forum

01:19 How the Dis-labled Podcast Began | National Lottery Funding, Giving Disabled People a Voice, 70 Episodes of Inclusion

02:39 The Purpose of the Forum | Disability Inclusion, Neurodiversity, Listening to Disabled People, Success Stories

03:11 Meet the Panel | Artists, Authors, Community Leaders, Inclusive Employment & Lived Experience

04:04 Building Self Confidence | Autism, Body Image, Fashion, Self Acceptance, Positive Mindset & Unmasking

07:49 Carol's Powerful Poem 'Unmasking' | Masking, Autism, Mental Health, Identity, Disability Acceptance & Self Worth

09:48 Writing Authentic Autistic Characters | Vicky Martin, Oak Lodge School, Creative Writing, Drama & Neurodivergent Voices

13:00 CJ's Bakery | Meaningful Employment for Adults with Learning Disabilities, Supported Work & Inclusive Business

15:37 From Oak Lodge School Shop to Finches Café | Community Inclusion, Barista Training, Supported Employment & Independent Living

19:17 Marcus's Story | Living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Hidden Disability, Art, Confidence & Finding Your Voice

21:02 Audience Discussion | Why Having a Voice Matters, Disability Advocacy, Representation & Being Heard

23:04 Cory on Community Focus | Art, Creativity, Confidence, Belonging & Inclusive Communities

24:24 Parents' Perspective | Equal Opportunities, Disability Equality, Creative Expression & Supporting Disabled Adults

25:04 A Parent Reflects | Autism Then and Now, Bullying, Asperger's, Community Support & How Things Have Changed

26:34 Looking Ahead | Building Stronger Disability Communities, Parent Support Groups, Inclusive Choir & Future Podcast Projects

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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Hello and welcome to another episode of the Dis-labled Podcast.

We're really pleased you've joined us because today is a very special episode.

Over the past three years, we've shared our stories, talked honestly about disability and neurodiversity, had lots of laughs, met some incredible guests and, most importantly, created a place where people can speak openly and be listened to.

Today we're celebrating everything we've achieved together, because we've got some exciting news to share.

We'll be looking back at some of our favourite moments, talking about what being part of the podcast has meant to us, and saying a very special thank you to the people who have helped make it all possible.

So, let's get started!

00:00 Welcome to the Dis-labled Podcast
00:18 Meet the Team: Weekly Catch-up & Why We Love Podcasting
04:45 Big News! National Lottery Community Fund Awards Three Years of Funding
07:05 From Lunch Pod to Dis-labled: How the Podcast Began
09:20 What's Next? Choir, Parent Groups, Schools & Community Projects
12:30 Building Confidence Through Podcasting: What Dis-labled Means to Us
16:36 Favourite Episodes: Self-Confidence, Masking, Poetry & Living with Multiple Sclerosis
25:00 Final Reflections: Thank You, Future Plans & Why Disabled Voices Matter
28:27 Thanks for Listening

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

Dick Van Dyke (of Mary Poppins fame) is now 100 years old, says that staying positive and not holding onto anger is the secret to staying young - and science seems to agree.

Studies show that optimistic people can live around 11 to 15 percent longer, and in some cases even up to 10 years more.

So today, we’re diving into the power of humour, joy, and a positive mindset.

We’re asking: what genuinely makes you laugh no matter your mood? Who are the people that always lift your spirits? And just how important is humour when you’re having a tough day?

We’ll explore whether laughter can really improve your wellbeing, share the jokes and moments that have stuck with us for years, and talk about our go-to ways to cheer ourselves up.

00:01:22 - Intro
00:02:02 - The Good News: Gila's new electric wheelchair
00:06:54 - What makes us laugh every time, no matter the mood?
00:14:14 - Who makes us laugh?
00:18:38 - How important is humour when we're having a tough day?
00:22:14 - Can humour make us laugh and cry at the same time?
00:27:37 - Final Thoughts

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