Life after a Stroke - Sarah's Story

In this episode we spoke to Sarah, one of our Collaborate Essex forum members, about her experience of having a stroke and how her life has changed as a result. She told us about how she found out she had had a stroke, what helped her most in adjusting to life after stroke, and the advice she would give to others who have recently experienced a stroke.We also spoke to Louise from the Stroke Association, an organisation which supported Sarah in her recovery and now gives Sarah a platform to share her story.Find out more about the Stroke Association here - www.stroke.org.ukIf you have been affected by anything discussed on our podcast, you can contact our Information and Guidance team for support - https://healthwatchessex.org.uk/speak-to-our-team/

In this episode, both our interviewer Alicia and our guest Emily share the same condition – underactive thyroids. They compare their lived experiences of living with the condition, including diagnosis and treatment, the impact on their day to day lives and how it will require lifelong monitoring. Please note this episode contains discussions about weight and mental health. If you are affected by anything discussed on our podcast and would like to access support, get in touch with our Information and Guidance team.Links mentioned:https://thyroiduk.org/https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/underactive-thyroid-hypothyroidism/Different laboratories have different reference ranges forhealthy thyroid levels – you can find out more information here ⁠https://www.btf-thyroid.org/thyroid-function-tests⁠

This podcast episode is part of our Living Beyond Cancer project, which explores life after cancer treatment.In this episode we speak to Kirstie, who shares the challenges she faced with returning to work after cancer and what support has helped her. Kirstie now runs her own coaching business after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 - https://www.breastcancercoaching.co.uk/ You can find out more about our Living Beyond Cancer project here - https://healthwatchessex.org.uk/2025/06/living-beyond-cancer/

Please note that this episode contains discussions of abuse.In this episode, we speak to Jeff, who was born in a Mother and Baby Home in Northern Ireland in the 1970s. He describes how his mother was placed in the institution when she became pregnant at age 14 as a result of rape. Jeff shares how this has affected them both and how they are now sharing their experiences as part of a national inquiry into the scandal around these homes.You can read more about Jeff's story on our website - https://healthwatchessex.org.uk/2025/09/jeffs-story-mother-and-baby-homes/ If you would like to access support for anything discussed on our podcast, please get in touch with our team - https://healthwatchessex.org.uk/speak-to-our-team/

Please note that this episode contains discussions of bereavement. In this episode we speak to Mary, who lost her granddaughter Maisie to meningitis 17 years ago. Mary shares Maisie's experience of meningitis and the long lasting impacts on their family. Mary is now a volunteer for Meningitis Now, raising awareness to help others get the help they need sooner.If you have been affected by anything discussed in this episode, please get in touch with our Information and Guidance team - https://healthwatchessex.org.uk/speak-to-our-team/ Meningitis Now - https://www.meningitisnow.org/

In this episode we speak to Faye, our newest Young Mental Health Ambassador, about her mental health experiences. Faye shares how she found out that she has BPD(Borderline Personality Disorder) in a letter at 18 years old and her experiences of mental health treatment.Faye is now a Miss Continental UK 2025 finalist and uses her modelling platform to raise awareness of mental health. Follow her journey online @fayeex___If you have been affected by anything discussed on the podcast and would like to seek support, get in touch with our Information and Guidance Team https://healthwatchessex.org.uk/speak-to-our-team/

In this episode we spoke to Heidi, a Police Officer who was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, about the challenges she has faced and the support she has received in her career.Heidi also shares the difficulties she is having trying to access her ADHD medication, since changes made at the beginning of the year mean that she cannot get the prescription from her GP anymore.If you also have ADHD and have been experiencing the same issues, you can take part in our survey until 7th July - https://healthwatchessex.org.uk/2025/05/shared-care-access-to-adhd-medication/If you would like to access support for anything discussed on our podcast, get in touch with our Information and Guidance team - https://healthwatchessex.org.uk/speak-to-our-team/

In this episode we're joined by Belle and her mum Lou. Belle was diagnosed with dyslexia in primary school. In this episode they share their experiences of getting Belle diagnosed, the support she has received and how it affects her day to day. Read more here - https://healthwatchessex.org.uk/2025/05/living-with-dyslexia/

In this episode we speak to Zisan Abedin, who is a former professional cricket player for the Bangladesh national team. Zisan shares how his health and wellbeing was impacted whilst playing professional sport, and how he is changing the culture for young players now as a coach. Please note this episode discusses mental and physical health.

In this episode we talk to Katie who is the Lead Organiser at Colchester Foodbank. Katie shares some of the struggles the foodbank are facing with increased demand and the need to move premises. She discusses some of the myths about how the foodbank works and explains how people can access foodbank support if they need it. She also talks about her latest campaign around furniture poverty and how this is affecting the foodbank community.To find out more about Colchester Foodbank, visit https://colchester.foodbank.org.uk/