Hidden Voices
By Healthwatch Essex
Hidden Voices Mar 16, 2023
The Superhero Blood Donor - An Nemia's Story
In this episode, we speak to a drag artist with an unusual superpower - donating blood to newborn babies!
An Nemia is a storytelling drag queen who has anaemia and her blood condition means she can donate blood to babies and ill mothers in delivery.
If An Nemia has inspired you, you can find out more about donating blood yourself here.
Check out An Nemia on Instagram here.
'Making a Difference' - Living with Prostate Cancer
In this episode, we talk to Errol McKellar MBE about his diagnosis of prostate cancer for prostate cancer awareness month.
Following his diagnosis in 2010, Errol has encouraged many men to get tested for prostate cancer by offering a discount on their car's MOT if they showed him they had been for a PSA test, saving nearly 50 lives in the process.
Errol shares how prostate cancer has changed his life and the important work he now does through the Errol McKellar Foundation and Prostate Cancer UK.
'Another Romeo's Story' - From Romania to the UK
In this episode, Romeo, founder of the Ipswich Romanian Community, shares his story of moving to the UK from Romania, including his experiences of working in healthcare. He explains some of the challenges his community have faced when moving to the UK and how the Ipswich Romanian Community are working to bring Romanian traditions and culture to our local area.
You can find out more about the Ipswich Romanian Community here and the Arrivals exhibition here.
'Honey, Here's My Junk' - Living with Bladder Cancer
In the first episode of season three, Neil, one of our trustees at Healthwatch Essex, shares his story of being diagnosed with bladder cancer. He openly shares how much surgery and immunotherapy affected him mentally and physically.
Please note this episode contains discussions of cancer and suicidal thoughts. If you would like support for anything discussed in the episode, get in touch through our website www.healthwatchessex.org.uk.
'Victim to Victor' - Perry and the 21UP Movement
In this episode we talk to Perry, founder of the 21UP Movement, a youth intervention programme. Perry shares how his childhood experiences of foster care and domestic abuse led to poor mental health and going to prison. He explains how he's turned his life around to help others. He now works to ensure young people have more opportunities, in order to improve their confidence and mental health, and prevent knife crime.
Find out more about the 21UP Movement here.
Please note this episode contains references to violence and abuse. For further support, visit our website.
'I wasn't bad, they were mad' - Allie's Story of Abuse
Please be aware that this podcast contains some extreme content which some people may find triggering. This includes descriptions of physical abuse, sexual abuse (including involving children), eating disorders, self harm and alternative sexual practices.
If you are affected by any of these issues and would like to seek support, please contact our Information and Guidance service https://healthwatchessex.org.uk/speak-to-our-team/.
In this episode we talk to Allie, one of our Trauma Ambassadors. She shares her experiences of abuse throughout her childhood and how this has impacted her later in life.
After being diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD) as an adult, she reflects on how her experiences of abuse have led to extreme forms of self harm, including letting others hurt her. Allie encourages anyone in a similar situation to seek support.
'Don't Follow This Path' - Addiction To Balloons
In this episode Josh tells his story of being addicted to nitrous oxide, commonly referred to as balloons.
After spending over £60,000 on balloons, he has been left with many side effects, including being paralysed in his early 20s. He shares his concerns about how easy they are to access for young children. Please note this episode contains references to drug use and suicidal thoughts. If you would like support for anything discussed in the episode, get in touch through our website www.healthwatchessex.org.uk.
Being Agender - Jacob's Story
In this episode, we talk to Jacob about their experiences of realising they are agender. Jacob shares what 'agender' means to them, how people have reacted to them coming out and their experiences with healthcare.
You can also share your experiences of accessing gender services with us in our survey, open until 13th October.
https://healthwatchessex.org.uk/2023/06/have-you-been-on-the-gender-identity-clinic-waiting-list/
'The Impossible Can Happen' - Life After Prison
As part of our Hidden Homeless project, we've been talking to prisoners, prison leavers and ex-offenders about their health, care and wellbeing needs. In this episode we talk to one of the participants, Billy, who shares his experiences.
Billy shares what life has been like before, during and after prison. He explains how he spent his days in prison and the support he was able to access.
Please note this episode contains references to violence, drug use and swearing. If you would like support for anything discussed in the episode, get in touch through our website www.healthwatchessex.org.uk.
'Keep Smiling and Dancing' - Gemma & Jane's Story
This month we are joined by Gemma and Jane - Gemma founded Dance Network Association (DNA), a dance charity that enables people to live more connected, joyful and aspirational lives through dance. Dancing with DNA provides opportunities for people to improve their confidence and physical wellbeing, nurtures creativity and independent thinking and enhances friendships through social interaction. Jane is Gemma's mother-in-law and is living with Parkinson's. Jane is active member of DNA and shares her experience of how dance helps her to live well with her condition.
'The Pursuit of Happiness' - Being an Unpaid Carer
In this episode, we talk to Joe Cooke, an unpaid carer, about his experience of caring for his wife Joan, who has Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia and Alzheimer's. Joe is one of two carers on our Collaborate Essex Disability and Carers Forum, which aims to provide feedback directly to health and social care services to help make a positive change. Joe goes into detail about what life as a carer is like, the advice he would give to other carers and how him caring for Joan has made their relationship so special.
'The Resilient Woman' - Living with FGM
In this episode, we talk to our latest Trauma Ambassador Valerie about her personal experience of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM) as a teenager. Valerie is now the founder of an anti-FGM organisation Women of Grace to support other women and girls going through gender based violence. Valerie explains the different types of FGM people can experience, discusses some of the reasons why the practice happens and shares the ongoing impact of FGM on her life.
Please note this episode contains detailed descriptions of female genital mutilation, discusses other gender based violence and mentions miscarriages.
For our contact details and further support, visit our website - https://healthwatchessex.org.uk/speak-to-our-team/
For Women of Grace, visit https://www.womenofgrace.org.uk/
'One Lump or Two?' - Living with Testicular Cancer
In this episode we talk to Darren Couchman, a testicular cancer survivor. Darren shares his experiences of losing both his parents to cancer at a young age and then being diagnosed with cancer himself at just 27. He talks about some of his incredible awareness campaigns including his Testicle Tour and going on This Morning.
More information on testicular and ovarian cancers can be found at https://www.therobincancertrust.org/.
Please note this episode contains swearing.
'If there are shadows then there is light' - Georgia & Reuben's Story
In this episode our Research Officer, Lorna, chats with Georgia whose son, Reuben was diagnosed with Prader-Willi syndrome shortly after birth. Georgia shares her experience of finding out that Reuben had the rare genetic condition and how life has been since diagnosis. In the podcast, Georgia explains more about the condition as well as describing the incredible joy Reuben brings and her hopes for his future.
The Mental Health Runner - Shawn's Story
In this episode, we talk to Shawn, who has had negative experiences with his mental health in the past and is a member of our Fellas' Forum. Shawn shares his story with us, including how his mental health impacted his life, the support he received as a result of his mental health and what he is doing now to help others improve their mental wellbeing.
Body Image and Disability - Sophie's Story
In this episode we talk to Sophie, who is one of our Young Mental Health Ambassadors, about the topic of body image. Sophie shares how her view of her body image is shaped by her chronic illnesses/disabilities. We talk about the impact social media and celebrities have on how we feel about our bodies, as well as the people we surround ourselves with in real life.
Festive Special - Looking Back Over Series One
For our last episode of the year, we wanted to take a look back over series one and remember some of the funny moments as well as some of the serious moments.
Thank you for joining us in 2022, we'll be back in January with series two. If you have an idea for a topic for us to cover, get in touch by emailing enquiries@healthwatchessex.org.uk.
We hope you have a lovely festive season!
Trigger warning - the later section of the podcast features discussions around addiction and baby loss.
Schizophrenia, Autism & the Power of Lived Experience - Ben's Story
In this episode we're talking to Ben Gray, who is one of our Research Ambassadors. Ben has schizophrenia and autism and he brings his unique lived experience to his research with us.
We discuss how he was diagnosed with these conditions and how stigma has affected him. One of Ben's coping strategies is writing, and you can read a special blog post from him on our website here.
'Never a Life on Pause' - Experiencing Menopause
In this episode we talk to Debs Crelly about the menopause. Debs started a menopause support group for NHS staff called 'MyPause' following her own experiences.
We talk about some of the various menopause symptoms and how people can experience it differently, as well as how you can support others going through the menopause.
You can find MyPause online @MyPause1.
'A Life Well Lived' - Henry's Legacy
In this episode we are joined by Lindsay Oliver whose second son, Henry, died shortly after birth. Lindsay talks about the time she was able to spend with Henry, her experience of baby loss and the impact on her life to this day. Lindsay now works with Aching Arms, a charity that gives comfort bears to hospitals and hospices, for midwives and nurses to offer to bereaved parents in their care. Along with the bears, they also offer a support service to parents after their loss, whether it was during pregnancy, at birth or soon after.
Gender Transition in the 1990s - Joanne's Story
In this episode, we speak to Joanne, a transsexual woman who started her transitioning journey in the 1990s. She talks about her experiences at the gender clinic, her media and TV experiences, and how acceptance for trans people has improved over time.
'One Team, One Dream' - Essex Fella's Forum
In this episode, we talk to Steve and Nick, two members of the Essex Fella's Forum. They share their reasons for joining the forum, how the forum allows men to open up about their physical and mental health concerns, and their plans for the future.
'Getting Wiggy With It' - Living with Alopecia
In this episode, we talk to Laura Mathias about her experiences of living with alopecia. Laura tells us what it was like losing her hair as a teenager, how she feels about wigs and we discuss her thoughts on Chris Rock's comment about Jada Pinkett Smith at the Oscars. Laura is now a proud campaigner for alopecia awareness and other visible differences. You can find her online @relightalopecia.
'Past to Present' - Recovering from Drug Addiction
In this latest episode, Alex, who is recovering from a prolonged period living with drug addiction, describes her experiences. She discusses the stigma attached to seeking help, the complete loss of control she felt and her hopes for a bright new future with her children.
'Good Enough, Not Perfect' - Living with Alcohol Addiction
As part of our podcast series looking at people’s experiences of different types of addiction, this month we talk to John Wills, who has experienced and lived with alcohol addiction throughout periods of his life. John speaks about his experience of childhood abuse and his subsequent addictions, involving both alcohol and drugs, as well as the response he received when trying to access health and social care services to get support.
'Remembrance Day Special' - What Matters to Veterans?
As we near Remembrance Day, our attention has turned to the experiences of military veterans in Essex. During the pandemic we engaged with veterans to understand what matters most to them and the barriers they face in accessing the services they need. Our report ‘What Matters To Veterans’, outlines a number of challenges in transitioning to civilian life, ranging from a lack of preparation for leaving, a lack of understanding of civilian healthcare, an inadequate ability to manage finances and a proliferation of military charities making the landscape complicated to navigate.
In this podcast we hear from two veterans - Paul Findlay, a former soldier who lost his leg in Afghanistan and previously worked to support other veterans through BLESMA, The Limbless Veterans; and Colin Branch who also lost his leg whilst serving in the military and who now works for Help for Heroes, supporting others.
'New Beginnings' - Living with Gambling Addiction
In this episode we are joined by Lisa and Chris who have both experienced gambling addiction. In both instances their mental health spiralled significantly, with Lisa losing her home and relationship and Chris eventually considering ending his life. Both Lisa and Chris have now stopped gambling and support others in their recovery from gambling addiction.
'A Bag For Life' - Living With a Stoma
In this episode, we speak with Michael who has been living with a stoma for six years. Alongside Coloplast Nurse, Tracey, they both share their experiences, thoughts and advice about life with a stoma.