Welcome to the This Is The North podcast, your source of transformative conversations - an intentional challenge to the systems holding back the North of England. Hosted by Alison Dunn, an award-winning charity chief executive and former solicitor. This podcast is supported by the Society Matters Foundation and is dedicated to curating and sharing knowledge, powering the change we need for a more equal and inclusive society.

In this episode, Alison speaks with Calum Grevers, a disability consultant, campaigner, and speaker who has built a remarkable advocacy career challenging how disabled people are seen, heard, and valued in society. Calum first gained national attention when he crowdfunded £50,000 for an accessible flat after facing a 1,000-day waiting list for social housing in Edinburgh — a campaign that completely transformed his life and opened doors to influence policy at the highest levels.

The conversation tackles one of society's most overlooked topics: disability and dating. When Alison asks Calum if he can remember seeing someone like him portrayed authentically on television, his answer is stark — he can't think of any positive examples. Only villains: bitter, vengeful characters whose disability makes them monsters rather than equals. This absence of authentic representation has real consequences, from everyday interactions to the brutal realities of online dating where Calum has faced shocking cruelty masked as curiosity.

Calum explains the crucial difference between the medical model of disability which focuses on individual limitations and the social model, which identifies societal barriers as the real problem. From inaccessible restaurants that limit social connections to misconceptions about workplace accommodations (the average cost is just £75), these barriers shape every aspect of disabled people's lives. The discussion reveals uncomfortable truths about why major media organisations call disability love stories "too controversial" and why we're more comfortable seeing disabled villains than disabled lovers. Calum's insights challenge listeners to examine their own assumptions about human worth, vulnerability, and the stories we tell ourselves to avoid confronting the reality that disability is simply part of human experience — one that any of us could join at any time.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome

01:13 – Misconceptions

06:40 – Barriers

16:23 – Disability And Dating

34:43 – Becoming an Ally

This episode forces an honest reckoning with how society treats its most vulnerable members and what that reveals about our collective values. Calum's story demonstrates that changing attitudes isn't just about kindness — it's about recognising that inclusion benefits everyone, because disability doesn't discriminate and most of us will need accessible spaces eventually. In a world that often treats disabled people as either inspiration or tragedy, this conversation offers something rarer: authentic humanity and practical wisdom for building a society that works for everyone.

Enjoyed this episode? Share this episode with someone who works in media, hiring, or accessibility. Most importantly, when you encounter a disabled person in daily life, just say hello. Change starts with recognition, and recognition starts with visibility.

Host: Alison Dunn

Guest: Calum Grevers

Produced by Purpose Made

Social Model of Disability

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