Hidden Voices
We capture the stories and experiences from across health and social care that you are less likely to hear. For us, no topic is off limits. We focus on the issues which are less talked about and explored so that we, and the health and social care system, can understand them more fully.
Episodes
Drowning in a Gene Pool
In this episode, we speak to Laura who lives with Li-Fraumeni syndrome. Li-Fraumeni is a rare, inherited genetic syndrome that causes a high, lifelong risk of developing multiple types of cancer. Laura shares how her family has been impacted by cancer over the years and how her diagnosis has affected her.
The Importance of Empathy
What challenges do refugees, asylum seekers and migrants face when moving to the UK, and how can the public support them?In this episode, we speak to Leena, Head of the Wellbeing team at RAMA about their work supporting those arriving in the UK with specialist legal advocacy and wellbeing support. She also shares her own lived experience of leaving Syria and living in Turkey.Find out more about RA
Research Reflections - Women’s experiences of living with multiple long-term conditions
Welcome to the first episode of our new series, 'Research Reflections'!This series is a deep dive into our research projects - we aim to introduce our listeners to our recently published research projects. In this episode, our Research Manager Dr Kate Mahoney talks to Lorna Orriss-Dib, our Research Officer, about her report published today exploring women's experiences of living with m
‘It’s not just a bad period!’ - Living with Endometriosis
In this episode we meet Sarah, Katie and Donna from the Rayleigh Endometriosis Support Group who all shared their lived experiences of endometriosis with us.They talked about the difficulties getting diagnosed, and then the challenges once diagnosed of finding support that works for them. This episode contains discussions of fertility, menstrual health, mental health and suicide.If you have been a
'PSA and Me' - Christie's Story of Arthritis
In this episode, Christie shares her story of being diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis (PSA) as a young person. We talk about the misconceptions around arthritis and how the condition affects her life, from friendships to work. Christie volunteers for Arthritis UK - find out more about them here https://www.arthritis-uk.org/If you have been affected by anything discussed on our podcast and would l
The Future of Health - Talking to Nick Hulme
Please note that in this episode we discuss suicide and sexual violence/sexual stigma.In this episode, we speak to Nick Hulme, CEO of East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, about his career in the NHS as he approaches retirement.Nick shares his biggest achievements, what would surprise people about working in a hospital, and his thoughts on the future of health and of listening to pati
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 Associ
Living with an Underactive Thyroid Condition - Emily’s Story
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 a
Living Beyond Cancer - Kirstie's Story
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 ou
Mother and Baby Homes - Jeff's Story
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 inqui
Losing Maisie to Meningitis - Mary's Story
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 anyth
'The Girl Who Didn’t Give Up’ - Faye’s Story
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 jou
'If Only I'd Known' - Living with ADHD in the Police
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 ha
'Learn to Live with my Spellings!' - Living with Dyslexia
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/
'Life Through Zisan's Eyes' - Mental Health in Sport
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.
'Cookers, Curtains, Carpets' - Talking to Colchester Foodbank
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 t
Tara McIntyre - The Brain Injury Survivor
In this episode, we speak to Tara McIntyre. Tara survived a traumatic brain injury following a road traffic accident in 2014 caused by a drink driver.
Tara is sharing her recovery journey in the hope of reaching other brain injury survivors. Tara has her own podcast 'Neuro Nonsense' where she shares bitesize stories about living with a brain injury.
If you have been affected by anything
'Awareness, Acceptance, and Action' - Graham and Kaurina's Experiences of Al-Anon
In this episode, we’re talking to Graham and Kaurina, who are
Public Information Reps for Al-Anon. Al-Anon is a charity that supports anyone affected by someone else’s drinking. Graham shares his experiences of being affected by his late wife’s drinking and Kaurina shares her experiences of being affected by her daughter’s drinking.
This episode contains discussion of alcohol addiction and
abuse.
Life as an Apprentice at Healthwatch Essex
For our final episode this season, we're shining a light on something less talked about when it comes to careers and education - apprenticeships.
At Healthwatch Essex, we're lucky to have several apprentices who bring fresh insights to our various teams. In this episode we meet six of our apprentices - Libby, Sam, Grace, Renée, Alicia and Max - who reveal what doing an apprenticeship is really li
Financial and Economic Abuse - Rosie's Story for 16 Days of Activism
For our #16DaysOfActivism series, our Trauma Ambassador Rosie has shared her lived experience of financial and economic abuse. Rosie works in the banking industry so she also has lots of suggestions for people in similar situations.
Find out more about the 16 Days of Activism here - https://healthwatchessex.org.uk/2024/11/welcome-to-16-days-of-activism-2024/
Please note this episode contains dis
'Our Warrior' - Ben and Teresa's Story of Sepsis
In this episode, we talk to Teresa, a volunteer for the UK
Sepsis Trust, who shares her son Ben’s experience of being diagnosed with sepsis.
Teresa talks about the signs and symptoms of sepsis, and how these can vary for different age groups. She shares Ben’s story of having sepsis and septic shock.
Teresa wants everyone to feel confident to ask ‘Could it be sepsis?’ if they are worried about a lo
Life as an Adoptee - Vanessa's Story
In this episode we talk to Vanessa about her experience of trauma and adoption. Vanessa shares the impact of being adopted as an infant, and the effect this has had on her mental and physical health, especially without access to her family medical records.
Vanessa is part of the UK Adult Adoptee Network who advocate for adoptee issues and adoptee rights.
If you have been affected by anything d
Living with CRPS and Fibromyalgia - Jacqueline's Story
Please note this episode contains discussions of suicide and addiction. If you are affected by any of these issues and would like to seek support, please contact our Information and Guidance service.
In this episode, we speak to Jacqueline about her experience of living with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and Fibromyalgia. She shares the challenges she faced in getting diagnosed, as well as
Living with FND - Anna's Story
In this episode, we speak to Anna, who has
functional neurological disorder (FND). She shares how she was diagnosed, the symptoms she experiences and the impact that the condition has on her life.
If you are affected by any of the issues discussed and would like to seek support, please contact our Information and Guidance service https://healthwatchessex.org.uk/speak-to-our-team/.
'Our Journey with ARFID and Perthes' - Michelle's Story
Please note this episode contains discussions of eating disorders. 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/.
For Carers Week 2024, Michelle shares her story of caring for her two children who have ARFID and Perthes' Disease. Like many carers, Michelle
Casting Away Trauma - Mark and Johno's Story
Please note this episode contains discussions of traumatic events, active combat, and suicide. 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 speak to Mark and Johno from iCarp, a programme that treats trauma by combining fishing with peer sup
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
'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 Ips
'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 o
'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,
'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://healthw
'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 w
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-g
'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.
Ple
'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. J
'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 i
'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 pr
'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:
'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 ho
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!
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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. Alon
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.&nbs
'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
'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 lea
'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.
