In our latest episode of Muscles Matter we have two guests, Carmela Chillery-Watson MBE and Chris Stennett, who have both been inspired to do some incredible activities to raise awareness about muscle wasting conditions. They share their highlights, what’s up next for them, where their inspiration comes from, and tips for anyone wanting to start up a fundraising/awareness activity – however big or small.  

They are joined by host Martin Hywood, who himself has lots of experience running fundraising events and activities. 

In this episode of Muscles Matter we discuss all things accessible travel when holidaying. Joining us are David, who lives with miyoshi myopathy and is on a mission to visit every country in the world, and Ross, who has SMA and is a regular long haul flight goer. They discuss the challenges they face when holidaying, offer tips and advice on flying with a wheelchair, getting around foreign countries, and what they look for in accessible accommodation, as well as what they enjoy most about travelling. They are joined by our host Becca, who lives with SMA.

In our latest Muscles Matter episode we explore the emotional impact of care, how it affects relationships, setting healthy boundaries, and when it might be time to bring in paid carers.

Kerry, mum to twins Oscar and Seb who both live with FSHD, and Lauren who lives with SMA, share their experiences of care from both sides: being a carer and being cared for. They are joined by our host Becca, who lives with SMA.

Our latest Muscles Matter podcast episode focuses on mental wellbeing. Becca, Muscular Dystrophy UK Stories Officer, chats with Louise Halling, a counsellor and psychotherapist, and Joe Logue, a writer and travel disability expert – who all live with a muscle wasting condition. They share an honest and open discussion in which they talk about the mental health challenges each have faced, and tips on how they’ve worked through these. Louise also brings in her wider experience of running therapy groups for people living with a muscle wasting condition, and Joe on how having a creative outlet has helped him manage his emotions.

The mental health impact of living with a condition is often an afterthought in advice on how to manage a disability, but this episode brings it to the forefront.

This episode discusses sensitive subject matter, including [suicide & mental health issues] 

In our second Muscles Matter podcast episode, we discuss all things employment. Jack, who runs our Employability Helpline, hosts this month's chat with guests, Konstantina and Diya. They share their own challenges of employment with a muscle wasting condition, adaptions in the workplace that make their jobs easier, and tips they have for others wanting to get into employment.

In this first episode, host Martin Hywood and guests Chloe Docker and Jed Thirkettle, all of whom live with a muscle wasting condition, have a lively discussion about the challenges of daily life living with a condition. Themes include travel and accessibility, the uncertainty of a changing condition, and relationships.