DISCOVER Voices | disAbility Cornwall & IoS

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 HIV, supporting someone who is, or simply want to learn more, Positive Voices is here to offer insight, support, and community. 🗣 Topics include:Lived experience of HIVCombating stigma and misinformationSupport for families and carersAccessible education and advocacy in Cornwall and beyond 📩 Got questions or want to suggest a future episode topic? Leave a comment or reach out – your voice matters. 📢 Follow DISCOVER Voices for future episodes and more lived experience content. #HIVAwareness #PositiveVoices #HIVAIDSEducation #DisabilityCornwall #StigmaFree #Podcast #HIVPodcast

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 communities while championing dementia justice. 👥 Whether you're a carer, a professional, or someone with lived experience, this conversation offers insight, empathy, and practical pathways to support. 🧠 Learn more about young onset dementia 🌍 Discover how international connections are helping people in Cornwall and beyond 💬 Hear about the powerful founding story of Lorenzo’s House 💛 Find out how to connect with services and support networks near you This series is created by the Cornwall Memory Cafe Network, part of disAbility Cornwall & Isles of Scilly, to provide clear, supportive guidance for anyone affected by dementia.

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✔️ Managing difficult conversations about independence✔️ Finding and working with self-employed carers✔️ The role of memory cafes and social activities✔️ Accessing direct payments and navigating adult social care Mandy’s story highlights the realities of balancing family, work, and caregiving responsibilities while ensuring dignity and quality of life for loved ones. 🔗 Listen & SubscribeCatch Care to Speak on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon and other platforms. 💬 Join the ConversationAre you a carer? Share your experiences in the comments below. #CareToSpeak #DisabilityCornwall #DementiaCare #UnpaidCarers #AdultSocialCare #podcast #carerspodcast - Please consider subscribing to our YouTube Channel! And if you want the audio-only version, please search DISCOVER Voices on all major audio platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts & Amazon Music. DISCOVER Voices is a brand-new podcast network that discusses life through the lens of people living with long-term health conditions or disabilities. We welcome a variety of hosts all with their own podcast series, giving their own outlook and take on topics and discussions that are close to their heart. We try our very best to make these podcasts as accessible as possible, if you require captions to access our podcast, please view the podcast on our YouTube Channel where all of our videos have closed captions, simply search DISCOVER Voices on YouTube search bar. Discover Voices (c) 2025, a production by registered charity, disAbility Cornwall & Isles of Scilly.

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 setting up a lasting power of attorney and an advance care plan, ensuring that individuals living with dementia can have their wishes respected as their condition progresses. With valuable tips on ensuring that both individuals and their families are prepared for the journey ahead, this episode is a must-listen for those looking to make informed decisions about care and support. Tune in to hear how proactive planning can make a world of difference in ensuring a person’s dignity, choices, and wellbeing are upheld throughout their dementia journey. 🌟 Welcome to the Dementia Toolkit Video Series 🌟Your one-stop shop for everything dementia-related. In this series, we provide simple, educational advice to support you on your dementia journey. Learn from professionals and individuals with lived experience as we address key questions and offer personalised guidance.

🎧 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.63% couldn’t pay for parking due to inaccessible systems.80% avoid venues with poor disabled parking provision.75% believe businesses are missing out on the £140 million spending potential of Cornish Blue Badge holders, the power of the Purple Pound. Your feedback has helped shape our special Blue Badge Day of Action podcast episode, featuring Cornwall Councillor Steven Webb and Steve Paget MBE. Together, we explore these issues and push for real action from those in power. A thank you to Councillor Steven Webb for producing this podcast, please do check out his podcast 'Stillness in the Storms' on Spotify, Apple and YouTube. Let’s make sure disabled people can access our towns, services and communities, not be shut out by poor parking design. #BlueBadgeDayOfAction #PurplePound #AccessibleCornwall #DisabilityCornwall #InclusionMatters #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs #BlueBadgeParking

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 fall?Paul clarifies the definition of a fall, highlighting the importance of understanding what unintentional drops from one level to another really mean. Risk factors and triggers:Discover why aging, muscle weakness, medication interactions, visual impairments, and even environmental factors (like poorly contrasted home settings) play a huge role in fall risk. Did you know that a study in Australia found that 90% of all injuries in people with dementia were related to falls? Identifying and assessing fall risks:Learn about the key questions healthcare professionals use to assess fall risk—beyond just asking if someone has fallen in the last year—and why a multifactorial falls risk assessment is essential. Practical strategies for prevention:Paul discusses actionable steps that carers, people living with dementia, and care providers can take. From adjusting your home environment (e.g., ensuring proper contrast on surfaces) to engaging in strength and balance exercises, these insights can make a real difference. The broader impact on quality of life:Understand how a single fall can lead to a downward spiral in confidence and physical health, and why early intervention and tailored support are so crucial. Guest Information:Paul Cadger – Dementia Education Lead, Kernow Health CIC📧 Email: paul.cadger@nhs.net

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 navigating a diagnosis, caring for a loved one, or simply want to know more. Tune in, learn something new, and share with those who might benefit. Your journey matters, and you’re not alone. 🌟 Welcome to the Dementia Toolkit Video Series 🌟Your one-stop shop for everything dementia-related. In this series, we provide simple, educational advice to support you on your dementia journey. Learn from professionals and individuals with lived experience as we address key questions and offer personalised guidance.