In episode two of Art to Heart, the podcast where filmmakers talk health, Jacob Perrin and Kondwani Chirwa talk with Dr Sarah Skyrme, a social researcher and filmmaker based in the North West of England .  

Sarah is the mind behind ‘In Spate’, a short, animated film focusing on Hepatitis C, a serious viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver. Drawing from her own experiences living with Hep C, Sarah crafted a real, though-provoking piece alongside her wonderful crew. 

Throughout this episode, Sarah discusses her own lived-health experiences, how she began her filmmaking journey, and her time at The Manchester Health Film Festival 2024, where ‘In Spate’ was screened   

For more Art to Heart and Manchester Health Film Festival content, check out @MHeFF_Official on all social media platforms   

We are calling all filmmakers who have produced or are producing films around health to submit to the Manchester Health Film Festival, to have a chance of winning £1000. Check out our LinkTree below for more details! 

Sarah’s website:  https://sarahskyrme.uk/topic/in-spate/

The Blood Project:  https://www.thebloodproject.com/seeing-the-patient/

The Manchester Health Film Festival Linktree:  https://linktr.ee/manchesterhealthfilmfestival

 #film #movie #filmmaker #interview #hepatitisc #animation #Mheff24 #Mheff26

We hope you enjoy this episode 😃

Do you have a health story to share? Or know someone who would be interested? - We hope to connect with you @Freshrbcic or via email-  [email protected]

Your support helps more voices be heard through this platform. To sponsor an episode of Everyday People Talking Heath podcast , get in touch at [email protected]

What is SEP?Silent Elephant Project (SEP) gives marginalised life limiting and long-term health conditions a platform, through creative and interactive projects. ‘An elephant in the room’ is an English-language metaphorical idiom for an obvious problem no one wants to discuss, or a condition no one wants challenge. This phrase has coined the main objective of the SEP. For more info - https://www.freshrb.com/health-podcast-uk

 https://www.freshrb.com/silentelephantproject

Long-term conditions affect millions of us here in the UK. They don’t just exist in hospitals or clinics, they’re part of daily routines, family life, friendships, and futures.

In this episode, Kondwani (podcast host) shares real stories — based on lived health experiences. He will take you on a journey reflecting on how those voices can change the way health research, public awareness, and public health are done… Why? - because behind every statistic is a person and every story makes a difference.

The following stories are snippets from conversations I have had with individuals sharing their stories with here on Everyday People Talking Health podcast. All full episodes are available on Spotify and other podcast platforms.

We hope you enjoy this episode 😃

Do you have a health story to share? Or know someone who would be interested? - We hope to connect with you @Freshrbcic or via email-  [email protected]

Support/sponsor an episode or production of Everyday People Talking Heath podcast by getting in touch at [email protected]

What is SEP?Silent Elephant Project (SEP) gives marginalised life limiting and long-term health conditions a platform, through creative and interactive projects. ‘An elephant in the room’ is an English-language metaphorical idiom for an obvious problem no one wants to discuss, or a condition no one wants challenge. This phrase has coined the main objective of the SEP.For more info - https://www.freshrb.com/health-podcast-uk

 https://www.freshrb.com/silentelephantproject

Holly opens up about her journey with Endometriosis, sharing what it truly meant to receive her diagnosis and how it has shaped daily life for both her and her partner, Jake. Their story sheds light on the struggles couples face, while also offering an inspiring glimpse into their resilience and aspirations as they look to the future.

Endometriosis is the second most common gynaecological condition in the UK affecting 1 in 10 women. On average it takes 8 years 10 months from the first GP visit to get a diagnosis. 

We hope you enjoy this episode 🙂

Do you have a health story to share? Or know someone who would be interested? - We hope to connect with you @Freshrbcic or via email-  [email protected]

Support/sponsor an episode or production of Everyday People Talking Heath podcast by getting in touch at [email protected]

What is SEP?Silent Elephant Project (SEP) gives marginalised life limiting and long-term health conditions a platform, through creative and interactive projects. ‘An elephant in the room’ is an English-language metaphorical idiom for an obvious problem no one wants to discuss, or a condition no one wants challenge. More info - https://www.freshrb.com/health-podcast-uk

Diagnosed with Scoliosis at a young age of 12, Bethany reflects on how she managed to navigate and adapt to this reality. She takes us on a journey of someone who was a young carer for her sibling, living with a health condition whilst at school, and now working in public health impacting communities.

Quotes from Bethany’s story:

“I grew up as a ‘secondary’ unpaid carer to my older, disabled sister, Abigail, who was born with Hydrocephalus (fluid on the brain), which resulted in an acquired brain injury – ‘organic personality disorder’ which presents similarly but not exactly like Autism.”

“Scoliosis, simply put, is a ‘sideways’ curvature of the spine. It can occur at any age, mine occurred during adolescence and was idiopathic (AIS). Most Scoliosis doesn’t require surgery but around 10% of Scoliosis patients do. I had mine at 14 years old. I had a 70 degree C-curve of my spine.” 

Around 2-3% of adolescents develop scoliosis, with the majority of cases appearing between 11 and 14 years of age.

Support/sponsor an episode or production of Everyday People Talking Heath podcast by getting in touch via email ⁠[email protected]⁠

We hope you enjoy this episode 😃

Do you have a health story to share? Or know someone who would be interested? - We hope to connect with you @Freshrbcic or via email- [email protected]⁠⁠

What is SEP?Silent Elephant Project (SEP) gives marginalised life limiting and long-term health conditions a platform, through creative and interactive projects. ‘An elephant in the room’ is an English-language metaphorical idiom for an obvious problem no one wants to discuss, or a condition no one wants challenge. This phrase has coined the main objective of the SEP. For more info - https://www.freshrb.com/health-podcast-uk

Clara Fernández Pakter is a Manchester-based freelance creative practitioner, performer, and emerging DJ/music producer with roots in theatre and Afro-Latin music. Clara shares her experiences of Menopause and how it impacts her daily life. Passionate about connecting people through music and movement, she brings over 25 years of experience across Argentina, Spain, and the UK. She is now expanding into sound and music technology, currently completing a Music Technology & Production qualification at The Manchester College. This episode forms part of Clara's mission to give other women a voice by sharing their journey of "the-M-word".

Clara Fernández Pakter :

• Instagram: @expandetucuerpo

• Website: https://www.mamitachiedzalovesystem.com/
• Share your written or voice note testimonials to  [email protected]
  

Episode credits:

• Clara Fernández Pakter : Co-host/collaborator, sound & podcast editor

Support/sponsor an episode or production of Everyday People Talking Heath podcast by getting in touch at [email protected]

We hope you enjoy this episode 😃

Do you have a health story to share? Or know someone who would be interested? - We hope to connect with you @Freshrbcic or via email-  [email protected]

What is SEP?Silent Elephant Project (SEP) gives marginalised life limiting and long-term health conditions a platform, through creative and interactive projects. ‘An elephant in the room’ is an English-language metaphorical idiom for an obvious problem no one wants to discuss, or a condition no one wants challenge. This phrase has coined the main objective of the SEP.For more info - https://www.freshrb.com/silentelephantproject

Mathew was diagnosed with Kidney failure as a young boy post-viral infection. He shares life in Scotland during kidney disease diagnosis and further treatments in his later years here in Manchester, and how these experiences influenced work in public health engagement.

Every day 23 people start treatment for kidney failure. Your support for ⁠Kidney research⁠ will help transform treatments for people living kidney disease [kidneyresearchuk.org]

Hemodialysis is a treatment that replaces the work of your own kidneys to clear wastes and extra fluid from your blood. This is done using a special filter called a dialyzer or artificial kidney. 

Support/sponsor an episode or production of Everyday People Talking Heath podcast by getting in touch at [email protected]

We hope you enjoy this episode 😃

Do you have a health story to share? Or know someone who would be interested? - We hope to connect with you @Freshrbcic or via email-  [email protected]

What is SEP?Silent Elephant Project (SEP) gives marginalised life limiting and long-term health conditions a platform, through creative and interactive projects. ‘An elephant in the room’ is an English-language metaphorical idiom for an obvious problem no one wants to discuss, or a condition no one wants challenge. This phrase has coined the main objective of the SEP.For more info - https://www.freshrb.com/silentelephantproject

Filmmaker Jacob Perrin and actor Jonny Vernon discuss ‘The Frog in the Well’, a short film addressing themes of mens mental health and suicide prevention. The film focuses on the character of Lewis, as his plans to end his own life are interrupted by a kindhearted stranger.

Throughout this conversation, we touch on topics such as the inspiration for the film, the production itself and the project's premiere at The Manchester Health Film Festival 2024. The film will premiere online on 11/05/25, on the Health Films SEP Youtube Channel.

According to Samaritans, Males aged 45-49 years were found to have the highest suicide rate (25.3 per 100,000). Research shows that communities play a crucial role in suicide prevention.

Support/sponsor an episode or production of Everyday People Talking Heath podcast by getting in touch at [email protected]

We hope you enjoy this episode 😃

Do you have a health story to share? Or know someone who would be interested? - We hope to connect with you @Freshrbcic or via email-  [email protected]

What is SEP? - Silent Elephant Project (SEP) gives marginalised life limiting and long-term health conditions a platform, through creative and interactive projects. ‘An elephant in the room’ is an English-language metaphorical idiom for an obvious problem no one wants to discuss, or a condition no one wants challenge. This phrase has coined the main objective of the SEP.For more info - https://www.freshrb.com/silentelephantproject

Elaine, a Chester based creative shares her dad's Vascular dementia diagnosis journey with us and how it changed her lifestyle around. We discuss how Elaine and her family discovered her dad had dementia, the impact this had on her and the rest of her family and how the support from her friends and family was so crucial through the times where she had to adapt to a different version of her dad with the disease taking over.

1 in 11 people over 65 have dementia in the UK, the number of people with dementia is increasing with people living longer in the UK. [NHS]

Links and support services:

• Dementia Together Wirral - https://dementiatogetherwirral.org/
• Alzheimer’s Society - https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/
• Free resources to support communities help people with dementia to live positively - https://www.madebymortals.org/dementia-resource/  made as a co-production with Together Dementia Support - https://www.togetherdementiasupport.org/

Episode credits:

• Kate Mardon - Podcast editor & contributor

You can support/sponsor an episode or production of Everyday People Talking Heath podcast by getting in touch at [email protected]

We hope you enjoy this episode 😃

Do you have a health story to share? Or know someone who would be interested? - We hope to connect with you @Freshrbcic or via email-  [email protected]

What is SEP?Silent Elephant Project (SEP) gives marginalised life limiting and long-term health conditions a platform, through creative and interactive projects. ‘An elephant in the room’ is an English-language metaphorical idiom for an obvious problem no one wants to discuss, or a condition no one wants challenge. This phrase has coined the main objective of the SEP.For more info - https://www.freshrb.com/silentelephantproject

Sara Poskitt, a Leeds based creative and property developer shares her diagnosis journey through the pandemic and living with Coeliac Disease. We discuss how systems around us impact our experiences of health, work and life. Connect with Sara and discover her work at LOMOT Property

Coeliac disease is a condition that affects at least 1 in every 100 people in the UK [NHS]. Only 36% who have the condition have been diagnosed which means there are currently nearly half a million people who have coeliac disease but don’t yet know [Coeliac UK].

Support/sponsor an episode or production of Everyday People Talking Heath podcast 

We hope you enjoy this episode 😃

Do you have a health story to share? Or know someone who would be interested? - We hope to connect with you @Freshrbcic or via email-  [email protected]

What is SEP?Silent Elephant Project (SEP) gives marginalised life limiting and long-term health conditions a platform, through creative and interactive projects. ‘An elephant in the room’ is an English-language metaphorical idiom for an obvious problem no one wants to discuss, or a condition no one wants challenge. This phrase has coined the main objective of the SEP.For more info - https://www.freshrb.com/silentelephantproject

Long-term health conditions don’t just impact individuals; they have significant economic consequences. In the UK, these conditions make up around 50% of GP appointments and 70% of hospital bed days.

It’s estimated that unpaid carers contribute around £132 billion to the UK economy each year—that’s almost the equivalent of the NHS budget.

The World Economic Forum estimates that chronic diseases could cost the global economy $47 trillion by 2030 due to lost productivity and increased healthcare demands.

Support/sponsor the production and running of Everyday People Talking Heath podcast 

We hope you enjoy this episode 😃

Do you have a health story to share? Or know someone who would be interested? - We hope to connect with you @Freshrbcic or via email-  [email protected]

What is SEP?Silent Elephant Project (SEP) gives marginalised life limiting and long-term health conditions a platform, through creative and interactive projects. ‘An elephant in the room’ is an English-language metaphorical idiom for an obvious problem no one wants to discuss, or a condition no one wants challenge. This phrase has coined the main objective of the SEP.For more info - https://www.freshrb.com/silentelephantproject