In this episode, Anna Lempriere speaks with Dina Holder, Community Engagement Manager at the Women’s Centre, about domestic abuse and family violence - particularly as it affects older people and those with dementia. With honesty, warmth, and deep experience, Dina shares how abuse can go unrecognised, why older adults are often underserved, and what support is available. This conversation offers insights for anyone on the dementia pathway or concerned about someone they know. ⚠️ Please note: thi...
Jul 22, 2025•53 min•Ep. 82
Welcome to the very first episode of Positive Voices, part of the DISCOVER Voices network by disAbility Cornwall. Hosted by Max – the volunteer host for this series and former trustee of Kernow Positive Support. This podcast aims to break stigma, share real stories, and shine a light on what it means to live well with HIV today. In this introductory episode, Max shares his own journey with HIV, reflects on decades of advocacy, and invites you to join the conversation. Whether you're living with ...
Jul 02, 2025•3 min•Ep. 85
In this powerful episode of the Advocacy Fellows Podcast, we mark Learning Disability Week by exploring the theme "Do You See Me?" - a celebration of the contributions, achievements, and individuality of people with learning disabilities. The Advocacy Fellows take the mic to bust common myths and share real stories. They open up about being ignored or misunderstood, facing barriers to support and community, and the strength it takes to thrive despite these challenges. From hobbies and dreams to ...
Jun 23, 2025•22 min•Ep. 81
In this episode, Anna Lempriere from the Cornwall Memory Cafe Network is joined by the inspiring Grania McKittrick, Outreach and Development Lead at Lorenzo’s House – a U.S.-based nonprofit offering support for families affected by young onset dementia. Together, they explore how Lorenzo’s House was born from lived experience and the urgent need to support children and families navigating the challenges of dementia at a younger age. Grania shares how the charity helps build healing, connected co...
Jun 19, 2025•31 min•Ep. 80
For Learning Disability Week, the Advocacy Fellows are shining a light on special educational needs (SEND) and meeting the inspiring young ambassadors from SEND It Forward, a youth voice project within Action for Children Kernow Connect. 📚 With over 1.6 million pupils in England needing extra support and 400,000+ with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), we ask: are their voices being heard? 💬 Featuring: Olivia, Seren and Jack – sharing how they: Amplify the voices of young people with SE...
Jun 17, 2025•7 min•Ep. 79
In this episode of Care to Speak, host Steve Horscroft sits down with Mandy May, a dedicated carer navigating the challenges of both professional and unpaid family care. Mandy shares her personal experiences caring for her mother, who has dementia and arthritis, as well as the journey of arranging support, accessing adult social care and ensuring her mum stays connected and engaged. 🧡 Topics covered: ✔️ Recognising early signs of dementia ✔️ The impact of social isolation during COVID-19 ✔️ Man...
Jun 09, 2025•45 min•Ep. 66
In this episode of the Dementia Together Toolkit podcast, Anna Lempriere speaks with Jane and Jay from the Cornwall Rural Community Charity (CRCC) about technology-enabled care and how digital support can improve life for people living with dementia and their carers. Learn how CRCC’s Digital Together project – in partnership with Cornwall Council and others – is making technology more accessible across Cornwall. From free tablet loans and digital skills training to helpful devices like Alexa and...
May 31, 2025•22 min•Ep. 78
In this episode of the Dementia Together Toolkit series, we speak with Karen Malkin, Clinical Lead Manager for the Dementia Liaison Service in Cornwall. Karen provides expert advice on the importance of early planning for dementia care, particularly focusing on the crucial steps to take before a diagnosis progresses. Karen explains how to navigate issues like mental capacity, and why it’s important to address them in the early stages of dementia. She also covers the legal considerations of setti...
May 30, 2025•14 min•Ep. 77
In this episode, we’re joined by Allison O'Kelly, an advanced clinical practitioner with extensive experience in the Memory Assessment Service in Cornwall. Alison shares her journey into dementia care, discussing the evolution of the Memory Assessment Service and its crucial role in diagnosing and supporting those with dementia. With a background in clinical practice, Alison explains how the service has expanded over the years, offering a range of support options including assessments, diagnoses...
May 30, 2025•24 min•Ep. 76
🎧 Listen to the podcast now and hear how your stories are helping to challenge policy, shift attitudes, and push for accessible, inclusive parking across Cornwall. A massive thank you to the 629 people who responded to our Blue Badge parking survey, especially the 250+ who shared detailed comments. Your voices have made one thing clear: the system is not working for many of us, and it's time for change. 🔍 What you told us: 44% faced delays or issues applying for or renewing their Blue Badge. 6...
May 30, 2025•31 min•Ep. 71
Let's Talk Bladder & Bowel Health In this essential episode, host Anna Lempriere speaks with bladder and bowel specialist Jordan Trevelyan about an often-overlooked aspect of dementia care. With compassion and clarity, Jordan offers practical advice, expert tips, and reassurance around common continence concerns faced by people living with dementia and those who support them. From early warning signs to product options, getting the right support, and tackling taboos, this conversation empowe...
May 30, 2025•25 min•Ep. 75
Did You Know? 90% of Dementia-Related Injuries Are Due to Falls. Two-thirds of people living with dementia are at risk of falls. Welcome to this eye-opening episode of the Common Memory Café Podcast, where we dive deep into the critical topic of falls among people living with dementia. In this episode, our expert guest, Paul Cadger, Dementia Education Lead at Kernow Health CIC, shares his extensive knowledge—drawing on his background as a physiotherapist—to explain: What exactly constitutes a fa...
May 30, 2025•39 min•Ep. 74
In this insightful episode of the Cornwall Memory Cafe Podcast, host Anna Lempriere speaks with communications specialist Susie Inman about an exciting initiative to improve digital inclusion across Cornwall — particularly for older people, carers, and those living with dementia. Susie shares how the Digital Inclusion Team at Cornwall Council is supporting community organisations to recruit and train “digital champions” — volunteers who receive free, accessible training to help others gain basic...
May 30, 2025•19 min•Ep. 73
In this episode, Anna is joined by Dr Simon Vann Jones, Consultant Psychiatrist in Older People’s Mental Health and the NIHR Dementia Research Lead for the South West. Simon shares personal insight into what drew him to dementia care, discusses current treatments including Donepezil and Memantine, and offers an expert view on emerging research and clinical trials. With a warm, relaxed tone and clear, accessible explanations, this series aims to empower you with knowledge, whether you’re navigati...
May 30, 2025•27 min•Ep. 72
Welcome back to The Advocacy Fellows Podcast – where young adults with learning disabilities speak up, share stories and inspire change. In this episode, we explore public transport in Cornwall and how a lack of access can seriously affect people living in rural communities. From missing bus services to long travel times and inaccessible routes, our Fellows share personal stories, insights and experiences, the good and the frustrating. 📊 Backed by research from Citizens Advice Cornwall, we talk...
May 28, 2025•8 min•Ep. 68
This episode of Discover Voices brings together Dr Theo Blackmore and Jerry Padfield for a deeply personal conversation about mental health, identity, and the evolving language we use to talk about lived experience. From being sectioned under the Mental Health Act to co-producing research that challenges and reshapes services, Jerry shares his powerful journey and why some people now call themselves ‘service refusers’. In partnership with Bath Spa University, this conversation is part of the Dis...
May 13, 2025•50 min•Ep. 70
In this episode of Discover Voices, Dr Theo Blackmore speaks with Tracey Phillips, a trustee of the Merlin Neuro Therapy Centre and a volunteer with the MS Society in South and West Cornwall. Timed with MS Awareness Week, this conversation explores Tracey's personal journey, the critical role of the Merlin Centre in supporting people with neurological conditions, and the importance of therapies like oxygen and hydrotherapy. From surviving the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic to becoming a soc...
May 02, 2025•36 min•Ep. 69
In this episode of The Advocacy Fellows Podcast, we explore the tragic yet powerful story of Oliver McGowan, an autistic young man with a learning disability whose avoidable death highlighted critical gaps in healthcare. We discuss the importance of the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training, designed to educate healthcare professionals on supporting individuals with autism and learning disabilities. The Fellows also share their personal experiences, both positive and negative, navigating hospitals a...
Mar 31, 2025•9 min•Ep. 63
In this episode of the Care to Speak podcast, we sit down with Phil Dunston, a dedicated carer and advocate, to discuss his remarkable journey of raising and supporting a family with unique challenges. As a father of three adopted children - two with significant disabilities - Phil shares his experiences navigating the complex world of caregiving, the emotional highs and lows, and the systemic barriers that often make life more difficult than it needs to be. Phil reflects on the lessons he’s lea...
Mar 26, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 64
Join Anna Lempriere, Wayfinder for the Cornwall Memory Cafe Network and disAbility Cornwall, as she interviews experts and people with lived experience to provide essential insights, advice, and support for carers and people living with dementia. In this episode, Anna welcomes Zoe Baxter, a valued member of the Young Onset Memory Café, a unique space for those diagnosed with dementia under 65. Together, they explore the challenges, experiences, and support available for individuals and families ...
Mar 19, 2025•22 min•Ep. 65
For our latest podcast, we have decided to upload an archived interview with the late Mr Christopher Jordan, known to us all as Chris. Chris was a very busy and active member of the disability community including Treasurer for disAbility Cornwall & Isles of Scilly and Cornwall People First, and a town Councillor for Tuckingmill Council. After his recent passing, we share this interview with our host Theo in his memory. He will be very much missed. ❤️ - Please consider subscribing to our YouT...
Feb 27, 2025•34 min•Ep. 62
Join Anna Lempriere, Host for the Cornwall Memory Cafe Network and disAbility Cornwall, as she interviews experts and those with lived experience to provide essential insights, advice, and support for carers and people living with dementia. In this episode, Anna speaks with Dr. Vicky Brown, a psychiatrist specializing in later life, about distress in dementia—what it means, why it happens, and how to navigate its challenges. From memory loss to changes in perception and behavior, this conversati...
Feb 18, 2025•42 min•Ep. 61
In this episode of the Advocacy Fellows Podcast, the team reflects on the highs and lows of 2024, sharing their personal highlights, challenges, and favorite memories. They also look ahead to 2025, discussing their hopes and aspirations for the new year. The Advocacy Fellows: heroes voicing for and empowering young adults with learning disabilities, learn more about this disAbility Cornwall service here: https://www.disabilitycornwall.org.uk/services/the-advocacy-fellows _ Discover Voices (c) 20...
Feb 06, 2025•6 min•Ep. 59
This episode features Robert Rush, Managing Director of PFA Research, a leading market research agency based in Cornwall. In this episode, Robert shares candid reflections on the challenges of balancing personal and professional life as a business leader. Drawing from his own experiences, he emphasises the importance of understanding and supporting employees’ personal lives to foster a productive and empathetic workplace. With stories of his team navigating personal challenges over the years, Ro...
Jan 24, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 60
🎙️ Happy New Year 2025! In this heartfelt episode, Anna Lempriere hosts the first podcast of the year for the Cornwall Memory Café Network, brought to you by disAbility Cornwall & IoS and Cornwall Memory Café Network🌟 This week, Anna sits down with an inspiring group of individuals - Jeremy, Zoe, Tim, Jane, Stuart, and Sharon - who share their experiences as members of the pioneering Young Onset Dementia Group. Together, they discuss the importance of creating spaces tailored for individua...
Jan 20, 2025•25 min•Ep. 57
Join us as we mark Carers Rights Day with an interview featuring Michelle, a dedicated double carer. Michelle opens up about her life as a carer for her husband Paul, who faces ongoing health challenges, and her 24-year-old son Lewis, who is autistic, has cerebral palsy and complex needs. Michelle shares her family’s journey, from navigating the demands of caregiving to cherishing moments of joy and resilience. She talks about her younger son Ashley, a young carer, and the challenges he faced gr...
Jan 20, 2025•51 min•Ep. 43
Welcome to the first Care to Speak Podcast, hosted by carer Stephen Horscroft! We dive into the real-life stories and challenges faced by carers across Cornwall. Each episode brings you first-hand insights from people who dedicate their lives to caring for loved ones, offering a true and honest look at the joys, struggles and complexities of lived experience being a carer. In this series, we tackle a range of topics affecting carers today, from navigating government support and understanding Per...
Jan 20, 2025•37 min•Ep. 42
The Advocacy Fellows discuss the use of the language 'learning disability' and whether it is a positive or negative phrase. The Advocacy Fellows: heroes voicing for and empowering young adults with learning disabilities, learn more about this disAbility Cornwall service here: https://www.disabilitycornwall.org.uk/services/the-advocacy-fellows _ Discover Voices (c) 2024, a production by registered charity, disAbility Cornwall & Isles of Scilly...
Jan 20, 2025•4 min•Ep. 54
Join us as Aiden and Vicky explore the experiences of young autistic people, focusing on communication challenges and sensory processing differences. Understanding autistic individuals' need for clear, direct communication and the importance of autonomy in their lives. _ Discover Voices (c) 2024, a production by registered charity, disAbility Cornwall & Isles of Scilly
Jan 20, 2025•20 min•Ep. 52
In honour of #learningdisabilityweek , Max, Siobhan, Jamie and new Advocacy Fellow Kieran discuss the importance of friendships, staying social and talk about their favourite hobbies. According to charity Mencap, young adults with learning disabilities take part in fewer activities and hobbies than their peers. -- Discover Voices (c) 2024, a production by registered charity, disAbility Cornwall & Isles of Scilly....
Jan 20, 2025•6 min•Ep. 51
