Lauren is joined once again by Carmela and Lucy Chillery-Watson, the inspiring mother and daughter behind Cure4Carmela, for a powerful follow-up conversation filled with hope, resilience and determination.

Returning to the podcast for a second time, Carmela and Lucy share what life has looked like over the past few months, from continued fundraising and awareness work to major milestones, charity challenges and unforgettable moments along their journey advocating for a cure for LMNA congenital muscular dystrophy.

Together, they talk about the reality of living with a rare condition, the strength that comes from community, and how turning personal challenges into action can create real change. This episode celebrates courage, family and the unstoppable impact of raising awareness one step at a time.

In this episode of I’m Disabled… So What?, Lauren is joined by disability advocate and content creator Disabled Dahling for a powerful and refreshingly honest conversation about advocacy, dating and disabled desire.

Together, they explore what it means to grow up disabled in the 2000s, navigating relationships, sex and self worth in a world that rarely acknowledged disabled people as desirable. From early experiences of dating and confidence to breaking down harmful stereotypes around disabled sexuality, this episode centres the conversations that are so often left out.

Alongside these personal experiences, Disabled Dahling shares their journey into disability advocacy, the importance of visibility, and why using your voice online and offline can create real change. The conversation highlights how advocacy can be deeply personal, rooted in lived experience, and driven by the right to be seen, heard and desired.

This episode is bold, validating and unapologetic, a reminder that disabled people are allowed full, joyful lives, including love, sex and desire, on their own terms.

In this episode of I’m Disabled… So What?, Lauren is joined by Tia Shortall from Dressability Swindon to talk about adaptive clothing, accessible fashion and the real impact the right clothing support can have on disabled people’s independence and confidence.

We discuss the hidden challenges disabled people face when getting dressed, why inclusive fashion matters, and how specialist clothing charities are helping people regain dignity, comfort and self expression. Tia shares how Dressability supports the community, the emotional stories behind the service, and why clothing is about more than practicality. It is about identity, visibility and self worth.

This episode highlights disability inclusion, accessible living and the importance of removing everyday barriers so disabled people can live with confidence, style and independence.

Dressability Website: https://www.dressability.org.uk/

In this episode of I’m Disabled… So What?, Lauren is joined by Georgina Colman, the founder of Purpl Discounts, to unpack the real cost of living with a disability and the power of the Purple Pound. Georgina shares why she created Purpl, the barriers disabled people face every day, and how meaningful discounts can make a genuine difference to quality of life.

Together, they explore the extra costs disabled people are expected to absorb, how businesses and government can do better, and why understanding disability spending is essential for true inclusion. This is an honest, practical conversation about money, access, and turning awareness into action.

A must listen for disabled people, allies, and anyone who wants to understand how inclusion should work in the real world.

https://www.purpldiscounts.com/home

In this episode of I’m Disabled… So What?, Lauren is joined by close friend and education professional Bekki Passant to unpack the very real crisis facing families navigating the EHCP system.

With over 20 years working in education and more than a decade supporting schools with children’s emotional wellbeing and neurodiversity, Bekki brings deep professional insight. But this conversation goes beyond theory. Bekki is also living the process personally, currently navigating an EHCP for her own child and experiencing the long waits, broken timelines, and emotional toll first-hand.

Together, Lauren and Bekki talk honestly about what the EHCP process looks like in reality, why so many families are being pushed to breaking point, and how even knowing the system does not protect you from the fight. This episode sheds light on the gaps, the delays, and the human cost behind the paperwork.

If you are a parent, carer, professional, or someone who has ever had to fight for the support a child is legally entitled to, this conversation will feel painfully familiar and deeply validating.

Contact Bekki for help: https://nurturedpathway.co.uk

Day six of our 12 Charities Of Christmas series shines a spotlight on Reach Inclusive Arts, a charity creating welcoming, creative spaces where disabled and neurodivergent people can express themselves through the arts.

In this episode, we talk about the power of inclusive creativity, how Reach Inclusive Arts removes barriers to participation, and why access to the arts is so important for confidence, wellbeing, and community. We explore the impact their work has on individuals and families, and how creativity can be a powerful tool for connection and self expression.

This conversation is a celebration of inclusion, expression, and the joy that comes from being truly seen and heard. A must listen for anyone passionate about disability inclusion, the arts, and building communities where everyone belongs.

If you would like to donate to Reach Inclusive Arts, please email: [email protected]

Day Five of 12 Charities Of Christmas shines a spotlight on Active8, an inspiring organisation creating opportunities for disabled people to get active, build confidence, and connect through sport and movement.

In this episode, we talk about how Active8 supports children, young people, and adults to access inclusive activities, why participation and belonging matter so much, and the life-changing impact their work has on individuals and families. It’s a powerful reminder that movement isn’t about competition — it’s about confidence, community, and feeling included.

Tune in to hear how Active8 is breaking down barriers, changing perceptions, and helping people thrive this Christmas and beyond. 🎄💙

Day Four brings a burst of colour, creativity and Christmas magic as we shine a spotlight on 3D Toy Shop, a community-focused charity that turns imagination into inclusive play.

In this episode, we explore how 3D Toy Shop creates affordable, accessible, custom-made toys that spark joy for disabled children and their families. From sensory play to adapted designs, their work makes sure every child can experience the wonder of toys made just for them.

Lauren and Heather chat about the importance of play in childhood development, the impact of tailored toys for disabled kids, and how projects like this build confidence, independence and moments of pure magic.

Grab a hot chocolate, get cosy, and join us as we celebrate another brilliant charity bringing warmth and creativity into people’s lives this Christmas. ✨

If you would like to donate to the 3D Toy Shop, click the link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-3dtoyshop-grow?utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer

If you would like to request a teddy, please click the link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdTdaEs06nCnYjVHitijMQXrnYhr7ml_amz36yxoogdKELkdw/viewform?pli=1

Day Three brings us to an organisation making a huge difference on and off the pitch. In today’s episode, Lauren and Heather are joined by CP United FC, a charity and football club dedicated to supporting children and adults with cerebral palsy and associated conditions.

Together, they dive into the power of inclusive sport, how football can build confidence and community, and the brilliant work CP United do to ensure everyone has a place to play, grow, and belong. From grassroots sessions to elite pathways, their impact is felt far beyond match day.

Lauren and Heather chat with the team about representation, resilience, festive wishes, and why accessible sport matters now more than ever.

If you want to donate to CP United FC, please email: [email protected]

Day Two of our 12 Charities of Christmas series shines a warm festive light on Square Peg Activities, a charity dedicated to creating accessible, inclusive, and confidence-boosting experiences for disabled children and young people.

In this episode, Lauren and Heather sit down with co-founder Sharon Needham to explore how Square Peg Activities inspires joy, connection, and growth through tailored sessions that celebrate every child’s abilities. From dance and drama clubs to sensory play and holiday activities, we discuss how the charity builds community, supports families, and ensures no child feels like they have to “fit the mould.”

We also talk about the challenges disabled families face, the importance of inclusive spaces, and the impact of seeing children thrive in an environment built for them and with them in mind.

And, of course, we finish with Sharon’s special Christmas Wish for the future of Square Peg Activities and the young people they support.

A heartwarming, inspiring, and truly festive episode — perfect for Day Two of our countdown. Tune in and feel the magic. 🎄✨

If you want to donate to Square Peg Activities, please click the link: https://www.squarepegactivities.org/donate