Hidden Voices

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 affected by anything discussed in the episode and would like to get support, speak to our Information and Guidance team - https://healthwatchessex.org.uk/speak-to-our-team/

Rayleigh Support Group - https://www.rayleighanddistrictpcn.nhs.uk/endometriosis

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 like to accept support, get in touch with our Information and Guidance team https://healthwatchessex.org.uk/speak-to-our-team/

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 patient experiences.

If you have been affected by anything discussed in this podcast and would like to access support, get in touch with our Information and Guidance team - https://healthwatchessex.org.uk/speak-to-our-team/

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.uk

If 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/

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/

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 like.

They speak about the benefits of an apprenticeship, some popular myths about apprenticeships, career goals they have, challenges they have faced and what they like most about their apprenticeships.

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 discussion of abuse. If you are affected by any of the issues discussed in this podcast and would like to seek support, please contact our ⁠⁠Information and Guidance service - https://healthwatchessex.org.uk/speak-to-our-team/

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 our website www.healthwatchessex.org.uk.

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 would like support for anything discussed in the episode, get in touch through our website www.healthwatchessex.org.uk.

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-gender-identity-clinic-waiting-list/

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.

Please note this episode contains references to violence, drug use and swearing. If you would like support for anything discussed in the episode, get in touch through our website www.healthwatchessex.org.uk.

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. Jane is Gemma's mother-in-law and is living with Parkinson's. Jane is active member of DNA and shares her experience of how dance helps her to live well with her condition.

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 is like, the advice he would give to other carers and how him caring for Joan has made their relationship so special.

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 practice happens and shares the ongoing impact of FGM on her life.

Please note this episode contains detailed descriptions of female genital mutilation, discusses other gender based violence and mentions miscarriages.

For our contact details and further support, visit our website - https://healthwatchessex.org.uk/speak-to-our-team/

For Women of Grace, visit https://www.womenofgrace.org.uk/

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://www.therobincancertrust.org/.

Please note this episode contains swearing.

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 hopes for his future.  

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.

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. 

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! 

Trigger warning - the later section of the podcast features discussions around addiction and baby loss. 

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.

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. Along with the bears, they also offer a support service to parents after their loss, whether it was during pregnancy, at birth or soon after.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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 social care services to get support.