Finding the right home after a life-changing injury is about far more than bricks and mortar. In this episode of the Identity First Podcast, Stephanie Fleet is joined by Louise Colohan, Head of Property Finding at Stephen Docker Associates, to explore one of the most complex – yet often overlooked – aspects of rehabilitation.

Louise shares her extensive experience of sourcing, securing and adapting properties that genuinely meet the long-term needs of clients with catastrophic injuries. From navigating an increasingly challenging property market to liaising with estate agents, landlords, solicitors, deputies, occupational therapists and case managers, she explains why communication, transparency and early planning are the foundations of a successful move.

The conversation explores the realities of rental and purchase properties, funding arrangements, accessibility adaptations, managing expectations and overcoming the many obstacles that can delay a client's journey towards independence. Louise also discusses emerging changes in the housing market, including the Renters' Reform Bill, and highlights why greater understanding within the property industry could dramatically improve outcomes for people supported through personal injury and clinical negligence claims.

Above all, this episode reminds us that housing isn't simply a practical consideration—it can be one of the most powerful rehabilitation interventions available. The right environment doesn't just remove barriers; it restores independence, supports recovery and enables people to rebuild their lives with confidence.

Whether you're a case manager, therapist, solicitor or rehabilitation professional, this insightful discussion offers practical advice, fresh perspectives and a deeper appreciation of the pivotal role that housing plays in delivering truly person-centred care.

In this episode of Identity First, Stephanie Fleet is joined by Guy Pomphrey, Partner at Stewarts, to explore one of the most significant recent developments in medical negligence law and what it means for children, families and the professionals who support them.

Together, they unpack the recent Supreme Court judgment on 'lost years' claims – a landmark decision that could have a profound impact on compensation awarded to children whose life expectancy has been shortened through medical negligence. Guy explains the legal principles behind the ruling in clear, accessible language, before discussing how the decision is likely to influence future quantum investigations.

The conversation also focuses on the vital role case managers play throughout the litigation process. From gathering evidence and documenting rehabilitation, to supporting families through some of the most challenging periods of their lives, Stephanie and Guy explore how collaborative working between legal teams and case managers can help achieve the very best outcomes.

Additional topics include the growing importance of day-in-the-life video evidence, funding for hydrotherapy, waking night care assessments, practical tips for strengthening clinical evidence, and how emerging technologies and AI may shape future medical negligence claims.

Whether you're a case manager, clinician, solicitor or anyone involved in supporting individuals with catastrophic injuries, this episode offers valuable insights into the changing legal landscape and the practical steps that can make a meaningful difference to families navigating life after serious injury.

In one of the most profound episodes of Identity First, Stephanie Fleet speaks with Jack Briggs, co-author of Jack and Zena: A True Story, about love, survival and the lifelong impact of forced marriage and honour-based abuse.

What began as a young relationship in 1992 quickly escalated into credible death threats, police involvement and a life spent in hiding. Jack and Zena were forced to flee, eventually living under assumed identities for 13 years, moving more than 75 times to escape those determined to find them.

At a time when awareness of forced marriage was minimal, systems failed to recognise the severity of the threat, leaving the couple navigating danger with little structured protection.

Jack speaks candidly about the trauma that followed — the hypervigilance, breakdown, and diagnosis of complex PTSD — but also about the extraordinary ripple effect of sharing their story. Their book helped inform parliamentary debate, contributed to the development of the UK’s Forced Marriage legislation, and influenced frontline police training across the country.

This episode is not only about survival, but about identity under threat: what happens when systems fail, when love defies culture, and when lived experience becomes a catalyst for change. It is a sobering, courageous and ultimately hopeful conversation about conviction, belief and the human capacity to endure.

In this powerful episode of Identity First, Stephanie Fleet is joined by Paralympic table tennis player Martin Perry for an honest and deeply human conversation about resilience, ambition and identity beyond sport.

Born with congenital limb loss affecting three limbs, Martin grew up as the youngest of four brothers in a lively, competitive household that helped shape his determination and humour. From early experiences of difference and schoolyard challenges to discovering table tennis as a teenager, Martin shares how sport became both an outlet and a calling.

He reflects on the long road to competing at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games — the near-misses, self-doubt and sacrifices required to reach the world stage.

With remarkable candour, Martin speaks about losing out on a medal by just two points, the emotional aftermath, and the powerful sportsmanship shown by French supporters in that moment.

But this episode goes beyond medals and rankings. Martin explores how becoming a father reshaped his perspective, challenging the idea that we are defined solely by our achievements. While table tennis has been central to his identity, he now sees himself first as a husband and dad — roles that anchor him far more deeply.

A moving conversation about drive, vulnerability and redefining success, this episode asks: if the role you play disappeared tomorrow, who would you be?

In this episode of Identity First, host Stephanie Fleet explores the powerful connection between home and identity with John Ford, founder of the John Ford Group. Together, they examine how our homes are far more than bricks and mortar — they are spaces of safety, memory, belonging and self-expression

John shares his personal journey into the world of home adaptations, inspired by his mother’s experience with multiple sclerosis and the practical changes his family made to help her live independently. That early experience shaped a business now dedicated to adapting homes for people living with disability, catastrophic injury or age-related mobility challenges

The conversation moves from the emotional impact of life-changing diagnoses to the practical realities of widening doorways, installing level-access showers and future-proofing properties. John explains why so many families choose to adapt rather than move, and how thoughtful design can preserve dignity, independence and identity — without making a home feel clinical or institutional

They also discuss the growing trend towards “lifetime homes,” proactive adaptations, and how professionals can better support families during emotionally charged transitions.

This episode is a thoughtful reflection on what it truly means to feel at home — and how, when life changes, our spaces can change with us.

In this episode of Identity First, Stephanie Fleet is joined by David Lees from Crest IT for a thoughtful conversation about trust, pressure and the invisible systems that quietly hold organisations together

Moving beyond the stereotypes of hardware and helpdesks, David shares what good IT really means in sectors such as case management, healthcare and legal services. From cybersecurity and compliance to disaster recovery and AI adoption, Crest’s role is less about technology for its own sake and more about ensuring that systems work reliably in the background—freeing professionals to focus on the people they support.

David reflects on the emotional weight behind technical failures, the panic that can arise when systems go down, and the importance of calm communication and proactive planning. He explains how building trust takes time, especially for organisations that may have had difficult experiences with previous providers. Rather than overwhelming clients with jargon or constant change, Crest prioritises steady implementation, transparency and partnership.

The conversation also explores the future of AI and automation—not as job replacements, but as tools to remove repetitive tasks and create space for more personalised, human-centred work.

Ultimately, this episode asks a powerful question: if your systems disappeared tomorrow, where would the real pressure points lie—and what would reliable technology free you to focus on instead?

In this episode, Stephanie is joined by Andrew Ormerod, a former paramedic and the founder of CPDme, to explore how continuing professional development can be made simpler, more meaningful, and far less daunting.

Andrew shares how his years on the frontline, combined with postgraduate research, revealed a common problem across health and care professions: people value CPD, but struggle to record it. Time pressures, complex formats and the fear of “doing it wrong” often lead to procrastination — or the infamous shoebox of certificates.

From that research, CPDme was born. Andrew explains how the platform allows professionals to quickly capture learning as it happens, whether through reflection, discussion, supervision or everyday workplace experiences. Designed for mobile use and aligned with regulatory standards, it removes the friction that stops people engaging with their development.

The conversation also explores creative approaches to CPD, leadership and management learning, and the thoughtful integration of AI as a supportive — not replacement — tool. Andrew’s core message is simple: don’t overthink CPD. It’s not just a requirement, it’s a personal record of growth, judgement and professional identity.

As always, the episode closes with a reflective question: if you looked at your CPD today, what might still be missing?

In this deeply moving episode of Identity First, Stephanie Fleet is joined by Tony Pearson, creator and host of the podcast Fliqer, a platform born from a single moment of hope during his rehabilitation after a life-changing accident in 2022. After suffering a broken neck and being left paralysed from the neck down, Tony was told survival itself was uncertain. What followed was a long, painful and uncertain road to recovery, where the smallest movement in his fingers became a “flicker” of possibility – the spark that would later inspire Fliqer.

Tony shares his story with honesty, warmth and resilience, reflecting on how identity is not lost through trauma, but reshaped. Supported by his wife and driven by an unshakable belief in progress, he chose to focus on what remained rather than what was taken away. Through Fliqer, Tony now amplifies stories of people who have rebuilt their lives, faced addiction, homelessness, disability, illness, or profound personal change, showing that growth is possible in every circumstance.

This episode is a powerful reminder that recovery is not only physical but emotional and psychological. Tony’s message is simple yet transformative: change begins when you choose to begin. If you look for the flicker moments in your own life, you may discover hope where you least expect it.

In this episode of Identity First, host Stephanie Fleet is joined by claimant solicitor James Tomlinson for a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what really happens inside a serious injury claim. James shares his experience supporting clients with life-changing injuries – from brain and spinal trauma to complex poly-trauma – and explains how legal, medical and rehabilitation processes intersect long before a case reaches settlement. Together they unpack questions many case managers and clinicians quietly hold: how to choose the right solicitor, how claims are actually valued, why future care and accommodation often outweigh compensation for the injury itself, and how funding and evidence evolve over time.

The conversation also tackles one of the most sensitive topics in the claimant journey – surveillance – exploring why it is used, how it can affect a case, and why language, record-keeping and context matter so deeply in clinical reports. Throughout, James returns to a central theme: trust. He argues that genuine collaboration between solicitors, case managers, therapists and insurers is not idealistic, but essential to achieving meaningful outcomes for injured clients.

A thoughtful, practical episode for anyone working in rehabilitation, case management or legal support – and for anyone curious about how care, law and identity meet in real life.

In this episode of Identity First, host Stephanie Fleet is joined again by occupational therapist and transactional analysis practitioner Lisa Poole to explore why caring roles can be so emotionally demanding and why “switching off” from work is often harder than we expect. They discuss how professional identity, personal values, and ingrained drivers such as “be perfect” or “please others” can blur the boundaries between work and home, leaving carers feeling drained, or sometimes unexpectedly energised.

Lisa introduces the importance of rituals and transition points, especially in a world where many people now work from home. Simple actions like changing clothes, wearing shoes for work, or physically stepping outside can help signal a shift between roles and support emotional wellbeing. The conversation also explores burnout, reframing it not as personal failure but as a signal that contracts, expectations, and resources may need renegotiation.

Through the lens of transactional analysis, Lisa explains how energy is influenced by patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving, and how tools such as completion lists, reflective supervision, and clear professional boundaries can protect against depletion. The episode closes with a powerful reflection on the importance of “strokes” – positive recognition and affirmation – encouraging listeners to seek, give, and offer these to themselves as a vital, renewable source of emotional nourishment.