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.
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Can you imagine going from your comfortable home to hiding in an underground car park for days on end? How long do you think it would take you to work out which missiles were being fired towards the enemy, or towards you and your kids just by the sound? These are situations many families are now having to face in Ukraine as the conflict continues to impact millions of people. Amanda Holden started this podcast after Ukrainian-born mother Kateryna - who was seeking refuge in an underground ca ...
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Life as an Adoptee - Vanessa's Story
1:12:08
1:12:08
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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 r…
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Living with CRPS and Fibromyalgia - Jacqueline's Story
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42:22
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42:22
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 cha…
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Living with FND - Anna's Story
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42:11
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42:11
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://health…
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'Our Journey with ARFID and Perthes' - Michelle's Story
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40:05
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40:05
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 …
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Casting Away Trauma - Mark and Johno's Story
1:02:22
1:02:22
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1:02:22
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…
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The Superhero Blood Donor - An Nemia's Story
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41:54
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41:54
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…
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'Making a Difference' - Living with Prostate Cancer
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49:03
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49:03
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. …
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'Another Romeo's Story' - From Romania to the UK
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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…
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'Honey, Here's My Junk' - Living with Bladder Cancer
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56:12
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56:12
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…
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'Victim to Victor' - Perry and the 21UP Movement
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39:08
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39:08
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 …
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'I wasn't bad, they were mad' - Allie's Story of Abuse
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58:34
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58:34
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 …
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'Don't Follow This Path' - Addiction To Balloons
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48:55
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48:55
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 refere…
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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://healthwatchesse…
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'The Impossible Can Happen' - Life After Prison
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42:38
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42:38
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 priso…
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'Keep Smiling and Dancing' - Gemma & Jane's Story
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39:27
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39:27
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 e…
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'The Pursuit of Happiness' - Being an Unpaid Carer
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36:30
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36:30
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…
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'The Resilient Woman' - Living with FGM
36:59
36:59
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36:59
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 ex…
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'One Lump or Two?' - Living with Testicular Cancer
45:15
45:15
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45:15
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 test…
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'If there are shadows then there is light' - Georgia & Reuben's Story
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47:40
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47:40
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…
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The Mental Health Runner - Shawn's Story
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40:46
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40:46
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 wellbein…
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Body Image and Disability - Sophie's Story
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39:12
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39:12
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 wit…
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Festive Special - Looking Back Over Series One
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8:13
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8:13
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 hop…
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Schizophrenia, Autism & the Power of Lived Experience - Ben's Story
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32:29
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32:29
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 …
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'Never a Life on Pause' - Experiencing Menopause
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38:15
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38:15
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 on…
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'A Life Well Lived' - Henry's Legacy
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51:06
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51:06
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 nurse…
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Gender Transition in the 1990s - Joanne's Story
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42:51
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42:51
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.
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'One Team, One Dream' - Essex Fella's Forum
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28:44
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28:44
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.
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'Getting Wiggy With It' - Living with Alopecia
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41:39
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41:39
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 differen…
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Whilst in Poland, Amanda visited a humanitarian aid centre where refugees were staying before leaving for their new lives in various countries. She noticed that there were queues to apply for visas in every country except the UK. Curious as to why, she spoke to a charity who were helping refugees apply for visas in England.…
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Aside from the many refugees crossing the border into Poland, Amanda also met several selfless volunteers. Paul’s from Falkirk and has decided he wants to use his retirement for good, so is travelling solo to Lviv, while David’s using his events company to provide equipment and manpower at Medyka.De către Global
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This episode belongs to Natalia. Not only is she a mum and teacher, but also the first person that Amanda spoke to when she arrived at the Poland-Ukraine border. This is how she explained the situation to her children and her pupils.De către Global
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Although it no longer appears on the arrivals or departures boards, every day, a train from Lviv arrives in Przemy?l, carrying mostly women and children fleeing Ukraine. Amanda spends some time at Przemy?l Train Station, hearing the stories of the people arriving in Poland. She also meets those who have decided to return to Ukraine.…
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Inspired by Robert, whose story was heard in episode 8 of Ukraine’s Hidden Voices, Amanda travelled to Poland to visit some of the borders being used by Ukrainian refugees. Hear from those who are crossing, waiting, and helping at Medyka, a village in south-eastern Poland that borders Ukraine.De către Global
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Robert, a husband and dad of two, swapped the comfort of his own bed for the front seat of a hire car. Leaving his family in the UK, he travelled to where Poland borders Ukraine to deliver aid, essential items and, at times, comfort to the refugees displaced by the conflict in Ukraine.De către Global
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Geoff and his Ukrainian wife, Tanya, decided to stay in Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, despite the current conflict. They’re dedicating their lives to supporting the city’s increasing population of stray animals, largely made up of pets unwillingly left behind by their owners. Geoff tells the story of a woman who’s choosing to pay for cat food instead of…
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Delivering Babies in a War Zone
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16:18
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16:18
Serhii is an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist from Kyiv. Until recently, he was delivering babies to a soundtrack of gunfire and missile strikes. Him and his wife recently made the treacherous journey to Lviv, where they’re currently living with Serhii’s parents.De către Global
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Adrian is a Nuclear Engineer who spent a decade working at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. Whilst living in nearby Slavutych, he met his wife. Although they now live together in the UK, their family remains in Slavutych, a city that, since the invasion, has been left without power, food supplies or medical aid.…
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Rita lives in Poland. Her mum, dad and 15 year old sister live in Odessa but it’s becoming far too dangerous to stay there. Her sister had a window of opportunity to leave but would only leave to join Rita if she was allowed to take her cat with her. Thankfully Rita’s sister AND her cat have just made it out of Ukraine. But Rita’s mum and dad are s…
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Sirens rage through the night, couples say tearful goodbyes as one flees for safety while the other stays to defend their city. No way to speak to loved ones and the only way to communicate is by text - one in the morning and one at night. This is life in Ukraine for Olga, just like many Ukrainians who have been wrenched from their families and lov…
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Enemy Gunfire Sounds Different
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12:53
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Would you be able to tell the difference between enemy gunfire and shots fired by this people trying to protect you? It's a skill Olia Fedorova has had to learn...and quickly! Based in Kharkiv, Olia now lives with her mum, boyfriend and 4 cats and is constantly learning news information to help her stay alive. In this episode she tells Amanda Holde…
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Kateryna Danno is the woman who sparked the idea for this podcast series. She contacted Amanda Holden via a social media post telling her about how she found herself sheltering from danger in an underground car park in Kyiv. Like Amanda, she too is a mum, but while her son is safe in London, Kateryna has been living in fear of what will happen next…
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'Past to Present' - Recovering from Drug Addiction
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27:41
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27:41
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.
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'Good Enough, Not Perfect' - Living with Alcohol Addiction
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37:31
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 resp…
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'Remembrance Day Special' - What Matters to Veterans?
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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 civilia…
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'New Beginnings' - Living with Gambling Addiction
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56:26
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56:26
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 add…
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'A Bag For Life' - Living With a Stoma
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50:27
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50:27
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.
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S2Ep11: The Childhood of My Teacher
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2:39
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Today we hear about the ups and downs of growing up, courtesy of Ms. S.De către True Stories by High School EL Students
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A Karen man wrestles with the question: Can we live happily with people who have broken our hearts?De către True Stories by High School EL Students
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A Karen family devastated by war prays for a miracle.De către True Stories by High School EL Students
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Growing up is hard for everyone, but it gets really complicated when you're also dealing with losing your mother and being deported.De către True Stories by High School EL Students
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