Bullying can leave marks that last long after childhood ends. In this episode of Offhand, Leah speaks to Megan and shares her experience of growing up with an upper limb difference, navigating school life, and dealing with the comments, questions, and cruelty that made her feel different.

But this conversation isn't only about bullying. It's about what happens afterwards.

Leah reflects on the lasting impact those experiences had on her, and it’s not all about negativity. She talks openly about the support that mattered most, the people who stood by her, and how resilience often develops in ways we don't recognise until much later.

Whether you've experienced bullying yourself, supported someone through it, or wondered how to respond when your upper limb difference becomes a target, this episode offers both practical insight and heartfelt reflection. It's a conversation about pain, recovery, belonging, and learning to embrace who you are without minimising what you've been through.

LINKS:

Mentorship: https://www.reach.org.uk/18-25-retreat-mentorship-programme

My Story – A book for kids about upper limb difference: https://www.reach.org.uk/resources/my-story-helping-explain-limb-difference

Want to talk to us? Leave a comment or find us on socials @reachcharityuk

Join us at the Reach Annual Family Weekend! https://www.reach.org.uk/events/annual-family-weekend-2026-23rd-25th-october-2026

Join up for the Reach Triathlon! https://www.reach.org.uk/the-reach-triathlon

With thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund for supporting the development of the Offhand Podcast

Leah’s views and experiences are her own and do not reflect those of Reach Charity

What happens when everyday situations collide with other people's assumptions? In this episode, Megan and Leah explores the funny, awkward, and sometimes downright bizarre moments that come with living with an upper limb difference.

From a viral police stop that dropped a million jaws to negotiating discounts at nail salons and airport scanners, this conversation shines a light on the realities of navigating public spaces, social curiosity, and accessibility.

In This Episode

• A viral police encounter involving Kathleen Thomas and why her response resonated with so many people
• The strange and unexpected situations have in airports, restaurants, and public places
• Handling stares, questions, and curiosity from strangers, both young and old
• Why nail salons can create surprisingly awkward conversations
• Dining out with a limb difference and practical techniques for eating independently
• Everyday accessibility hacks, from soap dispensers to kitchen gadgets

Want to talk to us? Leave a comment or find us on socials @reachcharityuk

Join us at the Reach Annual Family Weekend! https://www.reach.org.uk/events/annual-family-weekend-2026-23rd-25th-october-2026

Join up for the Reach Triathlon! https://www.reach.org.uk/the-reach-triathlon

With thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund for supporting the development of the Offhand Podcast

Leah’s views and experiences are her own and do not reflect those of Reach Charity

In this episode of Offhand, hosts Megan and Lottie dive into the creative, practical, and sometimes unexpected ways people with upper limb differences adapt everyday life to work for them. From kitchen hacks and adapted instruments to driving, fashion, and inclusive design, the chat explores how independence often comes from experimentation, community knowledge, and not accepting “one-size-fits-all” work arounds.

The episode also looks at the “social model” of disability highlighting how it’s often environments, systems, and inaccessible design that create barriers, rather than upper limb difference itself.

Whether it’s modifying clothing, discovering new gadgets, or sharing tips within the upper limb difference community, this episode celebrates ingenuity, resilience, and the power of learning from each other.

In This Episode

• Why the social model of disability matters
• Adapting school activities, music, and learning tools
• Clever kitchen and cooking hacks for greater independence
• Driving adaptations and accessible car technology
• The impact of Reach bursaries and charitable support
• Inclusive fashion, makeup, and adaptive clothing challenges
• Community-led innovation and sharing life hacks
• Why there’s no “right” way to adapt

Want to talk to us? Leave a comment or find us on socials @reachcharityuk

Join us at the Reach Annual Family Weekend! https://www.reach.org.uk/events/annual-family-weekend-2026-23rd-25th-october-2026

Join up for the Reach Triathlon! https://www.reach.org.uk/the-reach-triathlon

One handed recorder and scissor kit:

https://www.reach.org.uk/resources/one-handed-recorder-and-scissor-kits-to-hire

Prosthetic makers https://www.reach.org.uk/partners/prosthetic-makers

Adaptations https://www.reach.org.uk/partners/adaptations

Find out more about bursaries https://www.reach.org.uk/resources/apply-for-a-bursary

Vinted campaign https://www.change.org/p/ask-vinted-to-add-adapted-clothing-category

Discover RAW: https://www.reach.org.uk/news/reach-activity-week-2026-bookings-are-now-live

MimiTEns: https://mimitens.com/

Tilt Beauty: https://tiltbeauty.com/

With thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund for supporting the development of the Offhand Podcast

Lottie’s views and experiences are her own and do not reflect those of Reach Charity