Welcome to this episode of the Advocacy Fellows Podcast, where young adults with learning disabilities speak openly about the issues that affect their lives. In this episode, the Advocacy Fellows share their personal experiences of the Covid-19 pandemic and the lasting impact it had on their mental health, education, friendships and daily routines.

The coronavirus pandemic had a devastating and unequal impact on people with learning disabilities. Research from Bristol University and Public Health England showed significantly higher death rates, particularly among younger adults, highlighting long-standing health inequalities. In this episode, the Fellows reflect on how these realities shaped their fears, worries and experiences during lockdown.

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, host Anna Lempriere speaks with Julie Fleming, a Specialist Community Dietitian with over 14 years’ experience in diabetes, nutrition, and community health across West Cornwall. Julie also has 27 years of experience as a fitness instructor, supporting people to build strength, confidence and better long-term health.

Together, Anna and Julie explore the essential question many people ask: Can nutrition reduce the risk of dementia or help slow its progression? Julie shares evidence-based guidance, explains what current research is telling us, and breaks down complex information into simple, everyday actions.

Resources:

www.eclipsesolutions.org

www.dementiauk.org

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 Conversations with Dr Theo Blackmore, Dr Theo sits down with Hayley Newman, a mother, counselor, and advocate, to discuss her experiences raising her daughter Natty, who has Down’s syndrome.

Hayley shares the highs and lows of parenting a child with a learning disability, reflecting on the challenges of navigating the education system, transitioning from pediatric to adult care, and finding meaningful opportunities for Natty as she reaches adulthood. From preschool inclusion to specialist schooling, Hayley details how finding the right support and environment helped Natty thrive, highlighting the importance of being judged against one’s own abilities rather than standardised expectations.

The conversation also explores the broader social context, including representation of disabled people in media, the ethics of antenatal screening, and the impact of high termination rates on the Down’s syndrome community. Hayley emphasises the joy, resilience, and lessons learned from her daughter, showing that families with disabled children often experience profound love, pride, and personal growth.

Hayley also shares her professional journey, from teaching to counseling parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), illustrating how personal experiences can inspire meaningful work. The discussion touches on sibling dynamics, societal perceptions of disability, and the shifting language and understanding around disability, offering both insight and inspiration for parents, educators, and anyone interested in inclusive communities.

Resources:

https://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/

http://www.downssideup.com/