The Link Podcast

On this episode:
We speak to Ravinder Kaur, who is the head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) at Staffordshire University.
Ravinder shares her knowledge and experience of being a Sikh, along with the rituals, celebrations and the considerations of how to care for patients from a Sikh faith. We learn just how important the Sikh rituals are, and the importance of the five K’s, which baptised Sikh’s wear at all times.

I also explore with Ravinder, the way in which the Sikh community care for their loved ones during their final moments, including the important aspects following this. We learn about a designated river here in the UK where ashes of loved ones can be scattered, just like they would have been in the Ganges river in India.  

Web links from the show: 

Census 2021 (Office for National Statistics)
524,000 people in England and Wales are of Sikh faith. 

Singh (2016)
The Five K’s Kirpan (sword), Kangha (comb), Kesh (uncut hair), Kachh (shorts), Kara (steel bangle).

Lewis (2020)
Overview of the Sikh faith.  

(Cann, 2022) (Choudry et al, 2018)
Studies showing important aspects for healthcare professionals.  

Rivers used in UK for scattering ashes
Designated rivers in the UK have been approved for those within the Sikh faith to scatter the ashes of loved ones. This would normally be carried out at the ‘Ganges’ river in India.  



Wellbeing/Mental Health Support Contacts:
If you are a student or staff member at Staffordshire University and have been affected by any of the topics that have been discussed in this podcast, don’t struggle alone, Staffordshire University are here to help…
Contact Wellbeing Support on 01782 294976 or by emailing [email protected].

For external listeners, mental health crisis lines and suicide prevention contacts can be found below.
Please reach out if you feel you need to! 

NHS Mental Health Services - https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/where-to-get-urgent-help-for-mental-health/

Mind Support and Services - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/seeking-help-for-a-mental-health-problem/where-to-start/

Samaritans Contact - https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/  

Upcoming Podcasts:
Death within other cultures, mental health, human factors, and holistic therapies as we take a LIVE guided meditation with our personal reflections afterwards.  

Previous Podcasts:
Race, Transgender, Neurodiversity, Impacts of trauma, Mature student experiences, Transition from student to healthcare professional, and also specialised areas such as mental health and organ transplant teams.  

Want to get involved? Are you a student? Member of staff? A Healthcare worker?
Do you have a topic you would like to share?

Get in touch! Let’s Pod!  

Contact The Link podcast team:
@TheLinkPodcast on X (formally Twitter)

Ben W-H - @benw_h on X (formally Twitter)
                  [email protected]
                     
Kirsty Egan - @KirstyODP on X
                      [email protected]  


Hosted by: Ben Woodrow-Hirst
Produced & Edited by: Ben Woodrow-Hirst & Kirsty Egan
Artwork: Shaun Kelly
Theme Music: Gavin Samways

On this episode: Living with Cerebral Palsy

We speak to Charlotte Evans, who is part of the Service Users Group (SUC’s) on her experiences with living with Cerebral Palsy. Charlotte shares her key challenges, strengths and aims to provide education about Cerebral Palsy.

Charlotte bravely shares some of the negative experiences she has had, but says how these shape how education and awareness are a vital consideration for a disability that is not as well recognised. 

I explore with Charlotte the challenges surrounding diagnosis, treatment and options for the transition from paediatric services to adult, as well as how Charlotte navigated the system.

“Yes it’s a bit rubbish, but there’s always going to be upsides. So take the upsides”  

Web links from the show:  

Service User and Carer Team

Service User and Carer Team  

Learn about the teams function within the University, and information to join this group if you feel inspired by the mini-series Podcasts!    

UP Movement – The Adult Cerebral Palsy Movement        
A movement that is working for the community voice to be heard.     
 Cerebral Palsy Manifesto – aid the communities voice to be heard and to move the message up the political agenda.   
Raise awareness, education and build a community.  

Cerebral Palsy in Adults (NICE guidelines NG119, 2019) 
Newer guidelines to promote participation and support independent living.
Transition from paediatric services to adult services at the age of 25.  

Adult Cerebral Palsy and Neuro disability Service – University College London Hospitals    Specialised adult Cerebral Palsy clinic in London.  

Cerebral Palsy Post Impairment Syndrome 
A condition characterised by pain, muscle weakness and fatigue due to bone and muscle abnormalities, overuse and arthritis.
This condition is related to Cerebral Palsy.

Wellbeing/Mental Health Support Contacts:
If you are a student or staff member at Staffordshire University and have been affected by any of the topics that have been discussed in this podcast, don’t struggle alone, Staffordshire University are here to help…

Contact Wellbeing Support on 01782 294976 or by emailing [email protected].


For external listeners, mental health crisis lines and suicide prevention contacts can be found below. Please reach out if you feel you need to!

NHS Mental Health Services - https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/where-to-get-urgent-help-for-mental-health/

Mind Support and Services - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/seeking-help-for-a-mental-health-problem/where-to-start/

Samaritans Contact - https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/  


Upcoming Podcasts: Death within other cultures, human factors, Holistic therapies and we take a LIVE guided meditation with our personal reflections afterwards.    

Previous Podcasts: Race, Transgender, Neurodiversity, Impacts of trauma, Mature student experiences, Transition from student to healthcare professional, and also specialised areas such as mental health and organ transplant teams.  

Want to get involved? Are you a student? Member of staff? A Healthcare worker?
Do you have a topic you would like to share?
Get in touch! Let’s Pod!  
Contact The Link podcast team: 

Contact The Link podcast team: 

@TheLinkPodcast on X (formally Twitter) 

Ben W-H:
@benw_h on X (formally Twitter) 
 [email protected] 


Kirsty Egan:
@KirstyODP on X
[email protected] 
 
Hosted by: Ben Woodrow-Hirst 
Produced & Edited by: Ben Woodrow-Hirst & Kirsty Egan 
Artwork: Shaun Kelly 
Theme Music: Gavin Samways

Episode Description:   

Trigger Warning   This is a passionate and frank discussion about depression, suicide detail, substance overdose and trauma. Please refrain from listening if you feel this could be traumatising at this time. There are links for internal (University) and external listeners, if you feel affected or have been affected by any details of this Podcast. 

On this episode: "A Journey of Two Roads" Robert Lafferty on Surviving Suicide

We speak to Robert Lafferty who is part of the Service Users Group. Following a lower limb injury several years ago, Rob descended into an uncontrollable bout of depression, resulting in him deciding to attempt to take his own life one night...But he is here today and uses his journey from pain, through to recovery, by the cathartic participation within the service users group at Staffordshire University.   

Rob shares this experience in great detail, with exerts from his therapy journal and treats us to his written piece he continues to deliver to health and social care students to this day. Rob intuitively titles this piece, "The Journey of Two Roads" a title he feels best describes the journey he has found himself on from the darkest depths of the disease, through to the therapy that brought him towards the 'path of light' as he refers to it.   

I explore with Rob, what therapy components made his journey one of success, including the mental health services and how he was treated, the unwavering support of his beloved wife, as well as re-kindling his passion as a highly talented painter.   


Click here to see Robs Paintings!

Rob and I explore the phenomenon of the male specific side to mental health and suicide, as well as what we can do to not only support others who may be suffering, but how to recognise this in ourselves, and where the support lies to help you repair and join him on the right road.

 
Web links from the show: 
 
(Mentioned in the Podcast) Office for National Statistics on suicide rates by gender.
 
Suicides in England and Wales Office for National Statistics

Service User and Carer Team

Service User and Carer Team  

Learn about the teams function within the University, and information to join this group if you feel inspired by the mini-series Podcasts!  

Wellbeing/Mental Health Support Contacts: 

If you are a student or staff member at Staffordshire University and have been affected by any of the topics that have been discussed in this podcast, don’t struggle alone, Staffordshire University are here to help… Contact Wellbeing Support on 01782 294976 or by emailing [email protected]. 

For external listeners, mental health crisis lines and suicide prevention contacts can be found below. Please reach out if you feel you need to! 

NHS Mental Health Services - nhs-services/mental-health-services/where-to-get-urgent-help-for-mental-health/

Mind Support and Services - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/seeking-help-for-a-mental-health-problem/where-to-start/ 
Samaritans Contact - https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/ 
 
Upcoming Podcasts: 

Experiences of Cerebral Palsy, Death within other religions, Holistic therapies and we take a LIVE guided meditation with our personal reflections afterwards.  
 
Previous Podcasts:  

Race, Transgender, Neurodiversity, impacts of trauma, Mature student experiences, Transition from student to healthcare professional, and specialised areas such as mental health and organ transplant teams. 
 
Want to get involved? 

Are you a student? Member of staff? A Healthcare worker?
Do you have a topic you would like to share? 

Get in touch! Let’s Pod! 

Contact The Link podcast team: 

@TheLinkPodcast on X (formally Twitter) 

Ben W-H :
@benw_h on X (formally Twitter) 
 [email protected] 



Kirsty Egan:

@KirstyODP
[email protected] 
 
Hosted by: Ben Woodrow-Hirst 
Produced & Edited by: Ben Woodrow-Hirst & Kirsty Egan 
Artwork: Shaun Kelly 
Theme Music: Gavin Samways

Episode Description: 

On this episode: Insights and experiences of being transgender

We speak to Fee Wood who shares her lived experience of being a transgender person, discussing the issues faced and how healthcare professionals can support transgender people better in healthcare settings. Fee is part of the Service Users Group, who use lived experience to help students and practitioners to understand differences and share knowledge. 

Fee bravely shares her personal journey and some of the tough experiences that she has encountered and gives tips and tricks for how this can be improved. 
 
Web links from the show: 

2021 Census (Office for National Statistics)  

“Is the gender you identify with the same as your sex registered at birth?  
Of 45.7 million, 45.4 million said yes, and 262,000 said no.  
 
Five-fold increase in UK rates of transgender since 2000 – BMJ (2023)  

Recorded anonymised GP records from 2000-2018.  
4 per 100,000 in 2000, 78 per 100,000 in 2018  
 
Transphobic Hate Crimes UK  
Home Office - In 2020/2021, 2630 hate crimes against transgender people were recorded by police – an increase of 16% from the previous year.  

• 88% of transgender people do not report hate crimes.  
• 48% were dissatisfied with police response.  

 
USA Current State  

USA Anti-trans Legislation  

Bills and laws that target access to healthcare, sports participation, school policies, legal recognition and “the right to publicly exist”.  

Increased level of anxiety, depression and suicide risk among the trans population  
 
Wellbeing/Mental Health Support Contacts: 

If you are a student or staff member at Staffordshire University and have been affected by any of the topics that have been discussed in this podcast, don’t struggle alone, Staffordshire University are here to help… Contact Wellbeing Support on 01782 294976 or by emailing [email protected]. 

For external listeners, mental health crisis lines and suicide prevention contacts can be found below. Please reach out if you feel you need to! 

NHS Mental Health Services - https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/where-to-get-urgent-help-for-mental-health/ 

Mind Support and Services - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/seeking-help-for-a-mental-health-problem/where-to-start/ 
Samaritans Contact - https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/ 
 
Upcoming Podcasts: 

Experiences of Cerebral Palsy, Death within other religions, human factors in healthcare,  
 
Previous Podcasts:  

Race, Transgender, Neurodiversity, impacts of trauma, Mature student experiences, Transition from student to healthcare professional, and specialised areas such as mental health and organ transplant teams. 
 
Want to get involved? 
Are you a student? Member of staff? A Healthcare worker?
Do you have a topic you would like to share? 

Get in touch! Let’s Pod! 

Contact The Link podcast team: 

Ben W-H - @benw_h on X (formally Twitter) 
       [email protected] 
      @TheLinkPodcast on X (formally Twitter) 
Samuel O’Brian – [email protected] 
Joe Natalello – [email protected] 
 
Hosted by: Ben Woodrow-Hirst 
Produced & Edited by: Ben Woodrow-Hirst & Kirsty Egan 
Artwork: Shaun Kelly 
Theme Music: Gavin Samways

Episode Description: 

On this episode: Christianity 

We speak to Mick Williams, who has been the chaplain for Staffordshire University for 14 years.  Mick shares his experience of what Christianity is, what it means to be a believer, and what death looks like in Christianity.  Mick has spent time with student groups to help empower and break down barriers with religious terminology.  

We explore how healthcare professionals can meet the spiritual needs of patients within their care with some top tips from Mick to create a ‘toolbox’.  

Finally, Mick speaks about the importance of education around different religions for healthcare professionals, the importance of the body after death and the simple touches that can make huge differences to patients and families in end-of-life care. 

Web links from the show:

 Meeting Patients' spiritual needs during end-of-life care-O'Brian et al. (2018)

Qualitative study of healthcare professionals’ perception of training and skills, with many feeling unprepared and lack confidence when dealing with religious and spiritual needs. Themes found communication skills, not having answers and recognising spiritual care. The study concluded spiritual care is AS important as physical care. 

The religious correlates of death anxiety: a systematic review and meta-analysis – Jong et al, 2017

Death anxiety has been suggested to be lowest amongst the very religious, and highest among uncertain individuals. Does this mean it is more important to get it right? 

Enhanced Interplay of Neuronal Coherence and Coupling in the Dying Human Brain – Vicente et al, 2022

Study looking at the early evidence of what happens within the human brain during near death.
 
Guidance for staff responsible for care after death (last offices) – NHS National End of Life Care Programme

Wellbeing/Mental Health Support Contacts: 

If you are a student or staff member at Staffordshire University and have been affected by any of the topics that have been discussed in this podcast, don’t struggle alone, Staffordshire University are here to help… Contact Wellbeing Support on 01782 294976 or by emailing [email protected]. 


For external listeners, mental health crisis lines and suicide prevention contacts can be found below. Please reach out if you feel you need to! 

NHS Mental Health Services -https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/where-to-get-urgent-help-for-mental-health/

Samaritans Contact -https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/

Mind Support and Services-https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/seeking-help-for-a-mental-health-problem/where-to-start/

Upcoming Podcasts: 
Exploring dying and Death within other religions . 
experiences of being transgender service user. 
 
Previous Podcasts:  

Race, Transgender, Neurodiversity, impacts of trauma, Mature student experiences, Transition from student to healthcare professional, and specialised areas such as mental health and organ transplant teams. 
 
Want to get involved? 

Are you a student? Member of staff? A Healthcare worker? 
Do you have a topic you would like to share? 

Get in touch! Let’s Pod! 

Contact The Link podcast team: 

Ben W-H - @benw_h on X (formally Twitter) 
       [email protected] 
      @TheLinkPodcast on X (formally Twitter) 
Samuel O’Brian – [email protected] 
Joe Natalello – [email protected] 
 
Hosted by: Ben Woodrow-Hirst 
Produced & Edited by: Ben Woodrow-Hirst & Kirsty Egan 
Artwork: Shaun Kelly 
Theme Music: Gavin Samways 

Back for a January Pod! and a year of exciting and interesting podcasts to come!

On this episode: Student to qualified…Dealing with Transitional Shock

We speak to Kirsty who qualified as an Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) last year. Kirsty shares her experience during the transition from student to qualified practitioner, and the little discussed phenomena of transitional shock, defined as the period of time where the student integrates into solo clinical practice.

Kirsty anecdotally amongst her peers, found that many ODP practitioners experienced a tough period when they first qualified, the anxiety, self-doubt and pressures that eventually came to pass. But that is not the case for many healthcare professionals transitioning. Kirsty wanted to learn more about this seemingly ‘little discussed taboo’ and found a seminal piece of research undertaken that showed- in one large trust- attrition during this transition, saw a loss of nursing staff (between 30-60%) within the first year of qualification.

We explore Kirsty’s experiences and map them against known preceptorship programs to see what support should be available, and give valuable insights of what to expect during this time to help YOU transition as smoothly as possible! Top tips, factors that make a difference, and things to be aware of!

We discuss some interesting concepts, that could be started within Higher Education to see what impact we can have on this, and for those listening who are already qualified, this is a must listen! As we expose the key values, behaviours and support mechanisms that make a difference!

Listen for the game! Medical Would you rather...Transpore Tape for a tongue, or Tough-cut scissors for fingers? which did Kirsty choose, and what would you choose?

Web links from the show

Seminal Paper mentioned in the Podcast

Study by NHS trust (2021) 30-60% of nurses leave their first place of employment within the first year


Transitional Shock research paper

Ho (2021) Describes the transition from student to newly qualified as a ‘time of vulnerability’ Study found themes of transition shock, workplace factors and work/life balance

Left to Sink or Swim

Nursing Times (2022) . Study found widespread concern that NQ nurses were ‘thrown in at the deep end’ and ‘left to sink or swim’ with inadequate support.

Peer Mentoring to assist Staff Retention and Wellbeing

Our very own Assosiate Professor Dr Fiona Cust (childrens nursing). Work on the Buddy system and its impact on retention.

Peer mentoring to support staff well-being: lessons from a pilot

Pilot study focusing on buddy systems within peer to peer support for students "The Times Higher Education" Dr Fiona Cust and Dr Jessica Runnacres (Staffordshire University).

Principles of Preceptorship NMC

NMC framework for preceptorship for NMC (Nursing and Midwifery).

Principles of Preceptorship HCPC

Health and Care Professions Council framework for preceptorship for HCPC (Allied Health Professions).

Wellbeing/Mental Health Support contacts

If you are a student of staff member at Staffordshire University and have been affected by any of the topics that have been discussed in this podcast, don’t struggle alone, Staffordshire University are here to help… contact Wellbeing Support on 01782 294976 or by emailing [email protected].

For our external listeners, mental health crisis lines and suicide prevention, please reach out and use the links below.

NHS mental heath services

Where to get help (including Crisis Line support)


Upcoming podcasts

Dealing with death: how different cultures manage loss.

Transgender as a service user: personal experiences.

Want to get involved?


Are you a student? Member of staff? A HealthCare worker? Do you have a topic you would like to share? Get in touch! Let's Pod!

Contact The Link podcast team: Twitter: @benw_h email: [email protected] Samuel O’Brian: [email protected] or Joe Natalello [email protected]


Hosted by: Ben Woodrow-Hirst
Produced & Edited By: Ben Woodrow-Hirst
Artwork: Shaun Kelly
Theme Music: Gavin Samways

On this episode: Mental Health Nursing: A Student’s Perspective.

We speak to Michelle Storey who is a third year Mental Health Nurse Student.
Michelle explains the complex role of a mental health nurse, talks us through several placement areas that she has or will cover as well as some of her most challenging and most rewarding care experiences.

Finally, Michelle tells us some interesting details on diagnosis, medication and therapy- explaining how they are used augmentatively to support services users through their recovery journey.

We also give tips and practical pearls of wisdom to students of all disciplines which you can put to good use, helping you relax and unwind from the pressures of practice placement and University life.

Web links from the show

What is EMDR therapy?

British Association for counselling and psychotherapy EMDR


What are Mental Health Disorders?

NHS: Mental Health conditions link


Wellbeing/Mental Health Support contacts

If you are a student of staff member at Staffordshire University and have been affected by any of the topics that have been discussed in this podcast, don’t struggle alone, Staffordshire University are here to help… contact Wellbeing Support on 01782 294976 or by emailing [email protected].

For our external listeners, mental health crisis lines and suicide prevention, please reach out and use the links below.

NHS mental heath services

Where to get help (including Crisis Line support)


Upcoming podcasts

Paramedics during the festive season: What is it like? Performance under pressure: What can we learn from sports science?

Want to get involved?

We have a state of the art Podcast room!

Are you a student? Member of staff? A HealthCare worker? Do you have a topic you would like to share? Get in touch! Let's Pod!

Contact The Link podcast team: Twitter: @benw_h email: [email protected] Samuel O’Brian: [email protected] or Joe Natalello [email protected]


Hosted by: Ben Woodrow-Hirst
Produced & Edited By: Ben Woodrow-Hirst
Artwork: Shaun Kelly
Theme Music: Gavin Samways

On this episode: Celebrating ADHD Awareness Month, Episode 3! I speak to Bridie Benson (2nd Year paramedic student) and the wonderful Anthony Hadley (Voice Coordinator/students Union) about everything ADHD, with a focus on the lived experience, and from Bridie’s and Anthonys experiences as members of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer (LGBTQ+) community.

"Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects people's behaviour. People with ADHD can seem restless, may have trouble concentrating and may act on impulse. People with ADHD may also have additional problems, such as sleep and anxiety disorders” (NHS, 2021).

However, there is good news too!

“Conversely, there are benefits, people with ADHD who have hyperactivity as a symptom of ADHD have high energy levels. They often experience hyperfocus, which involves becoming intensely focused on a particular task or subject. Creativity, research has connected that people with ADHD are highly creative they also tend to be divergent thinkers. People with ADHD are often exciting, fun and courageous due to their spontaneity (as called ‘impulsiveness’. Lastly, it is noted that they have a higher degree of resilience, coping well in urgent and emergency situations” (ADHD Foundation UK, 2022; Sedgwick, Merwood & Asherson, 2019).

On this Podcast!

We are so grateful for Bridie and Anthony, for sharing thier personal experiences and being courageous in disclosing not only their ADHD, but also discussing openly, how this connects to the LGBTQI community. We talk about our ADHD journey, what helps at University and placement, as well as some really exposing aspects of life with ADHD. This is such a rich podcast if you want a true, honest and authentic look at how ADHD differs in different people, but also where our common ground lies.
Guide for students: Getting support from the University!

There are lots of individualised strategies that I cannot take credit for so PLEASE look at all the links below and see what can help you get the support you need to succeed! (See the active web links at the bottom of this page to get some excellent resources that are credible and evidence based).

Listening externally, or not a student? Then this is still for you!

Are you a fresher student? A newly diagnosed with ADHD? Or wondering if you have the condition. If you are an academic, healthcare professional, or an educator, listed away there are some excellent and insightful listening that will inform and inspire!
Contacts

Ryan Baddeley (student inclusion officer): email [email protected]

Student Inclusion Team (Staffordshire University students and staff only).
https://www.staffs.ac.uk/students/support/student-inclusion-team/home

Ben Woodrow-Hirst (Lecturer: Staffs School of Health Science and Wellbeing, ODP team)
(Twitter (X)) @benw_h
Bridie Benson: Student Paramedic @bridie_b_19
Anthoy Hadley (Student Voice/ Students Union) @ded10c

Web links from the show

Support for those interested in/recognising as LGBTQ+
Stonewall.ORG
LGBT Foundation
mindout.ORG

Eric Tivers: “ADHD rewired” (Search for on iTunes Podcast, Spotify or other podcast providers) Coaching advice, strategies, community, Monthly Q&A.
https://www.adhdrewired.com/

Conner, A. and Brown, J. (2022) ‘Adult ADHD and higher education: improving the student experience’. The Times Higher Education.
Adult ADHD and higher education: improving the student experience | THE Campus Learn, Share, Connect (timeshighereducation.com)


UK Adult ADHD Network (2022) ‘University students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a consensus statement from the UK Adult ADHD Network (UKAAN)’. BMC Psychiatry.
University students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a consensus statement from the UK Adult ADHD Network (UKAAN) | BMC Psychiatry | Full Text (biomedcentral.com)


Jessica McCabe “HowtoADHD” (also on youtube).
Home - How To ADHD

The ADHD Foundation UK (charity) Main website (Resources, support, literature help guides). Home - ADHD Foundation : ADHD Foundation

ADHD Foundation UK (2021) ‘The World Federation of ADHD International Consensus Statement: 208 Evidence-based conclusions about the disorder’
The World Federation of ADHD International Consensus Statement: 208 Evidence-based conclusions about the disorder (adhdfoundation.org.uk)

“HowToADHD” Jessical McCabe : 5 Tips to Make Assertive Communication Easier and More Effective (YouTube video). https://youtu.be/vlwmfiCb-vc?si=WTzVkDTNAaUEq4w0

Sedgwick JA, Merwood A, Asherson P. (2019) ‘The positive aspects of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a qualitative investigation of successful adults with ADHD’.The positive aspects of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a qualitative investigation of successful adults with ADHD - PubMed (nih.gov)

Attoe D E. & Climie E. A. , 2023 'Miss. Diagnosis: A Systematic Review of ADHD in Adult Women' - (sagepub.com)
Miss. Diagnosis: A Systematic Review of ADHD in Adult Women - Darby E. Attoe, Emma A. Climie, 2023 (sagepub.com)

Rene Brooks “Black Girl Lost Keys” person with ADHD, advocate especially from the female perspective)
The Ultimate ADHD Guide - 10 Steps To Master Your ADHD (blackgirllostkeys.com)

NHS: Conditions- about ADHD.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/

Wellbeing/Mental Health Support contacts

If you are a student of staff member at Staffordshire University and have been affected by any of the topics that have been discussed in this podcast, don’t struggle alone, Staffordshire University are here to help… contact Wellbeing Support on 01782 294976 or by emailing [email protected].

For our external listeners, mental health crisis lines and suicide prevention, please reach out and use the links below.

NHS Mental Health Services: Where to get help
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/


Upcoming podcasts

Inspirational People: Nick Brown, The Physicians Associate in Anaesthesia (PAA) an ODP’s first years reflections. Dealing with death in different cultures

Student Perspectives: Being a single parent and a student.

Want to get involved?

We have a state of the art Podcast room, but can pod with you remotely from the comfort of your home/office.

Are you a student? Member of staff? A HealthCare worker? Do you have a topic you would like to share? Get in touch! Let's Pod!

Contact The Link podcast team:

e-mail:
Ben Woodrow-Hirst [email protected]
Samuel O’Brian: [email protected]

On this episode: Celebrating ADHD Awareness Month, episode 2! I speak to Mel Heaton (2nd Year Operating Department Practice student) about everything ADHD. Female misdiagnosis, her most impactful University strategies and her experiences with having an ADHD lecturer.

"Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects people's behaviour. People with ADHD can seem restless, may have trouble concentrating and may act on impulse. People with ADHD may also have additional problems, such as sleep and anxiety disorders” (NHS, 2021).

However, there is good news too!

“Conversely, there are benefits, people with ADHD who have hyperactivity as a symptom of ADHD have high energy levels. They often experience hyperfocus, which involves becoming intensely focused on a particular task or subject. Creativity, research has connected that people with ADHD are highly creative they also tend to be divergent thinkers. People with ADHD are often exciting, fun and courageous due to their spontaneity (as called ‘impulsiveness’. Lastly, it is noted that they have a higher degree of resilience, coping well in urgent and emergency situations” (ADHD Foundation UK, 2022; Sedgwick, Merwood & Asherson, 2019).

On this Podcast!

We are so grateful for Mel, for sharing her personal experiences and being courageous in disclosing her ADHD. Mel talks candidly about life with the condition, the apparent inequality, and mis diagnosis in females with ADHD, and what strategies we have worked together, as learner and educator, to get Mel's life more comfortable and full of acceptance for who she is!

Guide for students: Getting support from the University!

There are lots of individualised strategies that I cannot take credit for so PLEASE look at all the links below and see what can help you get the support you need to succeed! (see the active web links at the bottom of this page to get some excellent resources that are credible and evidence based.

Listening externally, or not a student? Then this is still for you!

Are you a fresher student? A newly diagnosed with ADHD? Or wondering if you have the condition. If you are an academic, healthcare professional, or an educator, listed away there are some excellent and insightful listening that will inform and inspire!
Contacts

Ryan Baddeley (student inclusion officer): email [email protected]

Student Inclusion Team (Staffordshire University students and staff only).
https://www.staffs.ac.uk/students/support/student-inclusion-team/home

Ben Woodrow-Hirst (Lecturer: Staffs School of Health Science and Wellbeing, ODP team)
(Twitter (X)) @benw_h
Mel Heaton (Twitter (X)) @Missybro
Rachel Stuart (Twitter (X)) @AnimateRach

Web links from the show

Eric Tivers: “ADHD rewired” (Search for on iTunes Podcast, Spotify or other podcast providers) Coaching advice, strategies, community, Monthly Q&A.
https://www.adhdrewired.com/

Conner, A. and Brown, J. (2022) ‘Adult ADHD and higher education: improving the student experience’. The Times Higher Education.
Adult ADHD and higher education: improving the student experience | THE Campus Learn, Share, Connect (timeshighereducation.com)


UK Adult ADHD Network (2022) ‘University students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a consensus statement from the UK Adult ADHD Network (UKAAN)’. BMC Psychiatry.
University students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a consensus statement from the UK Adult ADHD Network (UKAAN) | BMC Psychiatry | Full Text (biomedcentral.com)


Jessica McCabe “HowtoADHD” (also on youtube).
Home - How To ADHD

The ADHD Foundation UK (charity) Main website (Resources, support, literature help guides). Home - ADHD Foundation : ADHD Foundation

ADHD Foundation UK (2021) ‘The World Federation of ADHD International Consensus Statement: 208 Evidence-based conclusions about the disorder’
The World Federation of ADHD International Consensus Statement: 208 Evidence-based conclusions about the disorder (adhdfoundation.org.uk)

“HowToADHD” Jessical McCabe : 5 Tips to Make Assertive Communication Easier and More Effective (YouTube video). https://youtu.be/vlwmfiCb-vc?si=WTzVkDTNAaUEq4w0

Sedgwick JA, Merwood A, Asherson P. (2019) ‘The positive aspects of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a qualitative investigation of successful adults with ADHD’.The positive aspects of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a qualitative investigation of successful adults with ADHD - PubMed (nih.gov)

Attoe D E. & Climie E. A. , 2023 'Miss. Diagnosis: A Systematic Review of ADHD in Adult Women' - (sagepub.com)
Miss. Diagnosis: A Systematic Review of ADHD in Adult Women - Darby E. Attoe, Emma A. Climie, 2023 (sagepub.com)

Rene Brooks “Black Girl Lost Keys” person with ADHD, advocate especially from the female perspective)
The Ultimate ADHD Guide - 10 Steps To Master Your ADHD (blackgirllostkeys.com)

NHS: Conditions- about ADHD.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/

Wellbeing/Mental Health Support contacts

If you are a student of staff member at Staffordshire University and have been affected by any of the topics that have been discussed in this podcast, don’t struggle alone, Staffordshire University are here to help… contact Wellbeing Support on 01782 294976 or by emailing [email protected].

For our external listeners, mental health crisis lines and suicide prevention, please reach out and use the links below.

NHS Mental Health Services: Where to get help
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/


Upcoming podcasts

Inspirational People: Nick Brown, The Physicians Associate in Anaesthesia (PAA) an ODP’s first years reflections. Dealing with death in different cultures

Student Perspectives: Being a single parent and a student.

Want to get involved?

We have a state of the art Podcast room, but can pod with you remotely from the comfort of your home/office.

Are you a student? Member of staff? A HealthCare worker? Do you have a topic you would like to share? Get in touch! Let's Pod!

Contact The Link podcast team:

e-mail:
Ben Woodrow-Hirst [email protected]
Samuel O’Brian:

On this episode: Celebrating ADHD Awareness Month, episode 1! I speak to Ryan Baddeley (Student Inclusion Advisor) Rachel Stuart (Student Inclusion Assistant) and Mel Heaton (2nd Year Operating Department Practice student) about everything ADHD

"Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects people's behaviour. People with ADHD can seem restless, may have trouble concentrating and may act on impulse. People with ADHD may also have additional problems, such as sleep and anxiety disorders” (NHS, 2021).

However, there is good news too!

“Conversely, there are benefits, people with ADHD who have hyperactivity as a symptom of ADHD have high energy levels. They often experience hyperfocus, which involves becoming intensely focused on a particular task or subject. Creativity, research has connected that people with ADHD are highly creative they also tend to be divergent thinkers. People with ADHD are often exciting, fun and courageous due to their spontaneity (as called ‘impulsiveness’. Lastly, it is noted that they have a higher degree of resilience, coping well in urgent and emergency situations” (ADHD Foundation UK, 2022; Sedgwick, Merwood & Asherson, 2019).

On this Podcast!

We explore honestly and openly, the REAL lived experience of a person with ADHD; as a Healthcare Professional, as a Lecturer, as a student and an employee. Ryan, although neurotypical himself, talks about his own passion for supporting those with ADHD and what he has learned in his role, advising students of how to get support! We discuss some strategies and act as a ‘heads up’ of what to expect from having ADHD and undertaking an undergraduate degree. Rachel and Mel, explore their experiences as two recently diagnosed with ADHD, and some amazing insights to what living with the condition can look like… I also take a deeper dive into my own diagnosis, and how that has affected my approach as an academic and an educator, with a passion of understanding how to support neurodiverse learners to achieve the best version of themselves.

Guide for students: Getting support from the University!
We talk students listening, through everything to expect from your diagnosis route, the learning differences that can co-exist with ADHD and how the inclusion team can help you get the support you need to succeed! (see the active web links at the bottom of this page to get some excellent resources that are credible and evidence based.

Listening externally, or not a student? Then this is still for you!

Are you a fresher student? A newly diagnosed with ADHD? Or wondering if you have the condition. If you are an academic, healthcare professional, or an educator, listed away there are some excellent and insightful listening that will inform and inspire!
Contacts

Ryan Baddeley: email [email protected]

Student Inclusion Team (Staffordshire University students and staff only).
https://www.staffs.ac.uk/students/support/student-inclusion-team/home

Ben Woodrow-Hirst (Lecturer: Staffs School of Health Science and Wellbeing, ODP team)(Twitter (X)) @benw_h
(Twitter (X)) @benw_h
Mel Heaton (Twitter (X)) @Missybro
Rachel Stuart (Twitter (X)) @AnimateRach

Web links from the show

Eric Tivers: “ADHD rewired” (Search for on iTunes Podcast, Spotify or other podcast providers) Coaching advice, strategies, community, Monthly Q&A.
https://www.adhdrewired.com/

Conner, A. and Brown, J. (2022) ‘Adult ADHD and higher education: improving the student experience’. The Times Higher Education.
Adult ADHD and higher education: improving the student experience | THE Campus Learn, Share, Connect (timeshighereducation.com)


UK Adult ADHD Network (2022) ‘University students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a consensus statement from the UK Adult ADHD Network (UKAAN)’. BMC Psychiatry.
University students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a consensus statement from the UK Adult ADHD Network (UKAAN) | BMC Psychiatry | Full Text (biomedcentral.com)


Jessica McCabe “HowtoADHD” (also on youtube).
Home - How To ADHD

The ADHD Foundation UK (charity) Main website (Resources, support, literature help guides). Home - ADHD Foundation : ADHD Foundation

ADHD Foundation UK (2021) ‘The World Federation of ADHD International Consensus Statement: 208 Evidence-based conclusions about the disorder’
The World Federation of ADHD International Consensus Statement: 208 Evidence-based conclusions about the disorder (adhdfoundation.org.uk)

“HowToADHD” Jessical McCabe : 5 Tips to Make Assertive Communication Easier and More Effective (YouTube video). https://youtu.be/vlwmfiCb-vc?si=WTzVkDTNAaUEq4w0

Sedgwick JA, Merwood A, Asherson P. (2019) ‘The positive aspects of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a qualitative investigation of successful adults with ADHD’.The positive aspects of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a qualitative investigation of successful adults with ADHD - PubMed (nih.gov)

Attoe D E. & Climie E. A. , 2023 'Miss. Diagnosis: A Systematic Review of ADHD in Adult Women' - (sagepub.com)
Miss. Diagnosis: A Systematic Review of ADHD in Adult Women - Darby E. Attoe, Emma A. Climie, 2023 (sagepub.com)

Rene Brooks “Black Girl Lost Keys” person with ADHD, advocate especially from the female perspective)
The Ultimate ADHD Guide - 10 Steps To Master Your ADHD (blackgirllostkeys.com)

NHS: Conditions- about ADHD.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/

Wellbeing/Mental Health Support contacts

If you are a student of staff member at Staffordshire University and have been affected by any of the topics that have been discussed in this podcast, don’t struggle alone, Staffordshire University are here to help… contact Wellbeing Support on 01782 294976 or by emailing [email protected].

For our external listeners, mental health crisis lines and suicide prevention, please reach out and use the links below.

NHS Mental Health Services: Where to get help
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/




Upcoming podcasts

ADHD Mini-series celebrating ADHD awareness month episode 2: The student perspectives, strategies and teaching techniques for success. (releases on the 16/10/23).

Inspirational People: Nick Brown, The Physicians Associate in Anaesthesia (PAA) an ODP’s first years reflections.

Dealing with death in different cultures

Student Perspectives: Being a single parent and a student.

Want to get involved?

We have a state of the art Podcast room, but can pod with you remotely from the comfort of your home/office.

Are you a student? Member of staff? A HealthCare worker? Do you have a topic you would like to share? Get in touch! Let's Pod!

Contact The Link podcast team:

e-mail:
Ben Woodrow-Hirst [email protected]
Samuel O’Brian: