In this episode we explore neurodiversity through the lens of lived experience. Hosts Ela and Ed speak with parents Dan and Ela about their journey raising their son Dexter, who has a diagnosis of autism. Together they share an honest and powerful conversation about family life, the realities of navigating education and support systems, and the joys and challenges of parenting a neurodivergent child.

Through their story, you’ll gain insight into resilience, advocacy, and the importance of understanding and embracing individual differences in children and families.

In the closing section of the episode, Ela reflects on how Dan and Ela’s experiences align with the Our Shared Agreement Five Foundations, highlighting the importance of being prepared to do things differently, understanding what matters to individuals, and working together to support wellbeing. Ela emphasises how professionals can learn from families’ lived experiences, ensuring support is built with people, not just for them.

Have a listen to our conversation with Gina, Paul, and Lola, who helped create engaging, practical resources designed to build dementia prevention knowledge and awareness, not only for health and care professionals, but also people, from young children to students to those in midlife.

Their message is clear: what’s good for your heart is good for your brain - at every age.

Discover practical steps you can take to reduce your risk, and hear how the team worked closely together, taking time, care and feedback, to shape resources that truly meet people’s needs and make a real difference.

Gina Thompson is Dementia Transformation Programme Lead at Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Paul Johnson is a Public Health Officer at Lincolnshire County Council

Lola Peel is an Occupational Therapist at Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust

In this heartfelt podcast episode, Caty sits down with floral artist Rachel Petheram and Historic Environment Officer Sarah Grundy to explore the powerful impact of culture and nature on carers’ wellbeing.

Together, they share the story of a project co-produced with carers, for carers - and how it became transformational not only for those who took part, but for Rachel herself.

You’ll hear how something as simple, and as profound, as having time, space, and permission to reconnect with nature and creativity helped carers rediscover their sense of self. With the right support in place, participants experienced meaningful and lasting improvements in their emotional and mental wellbeing.

The Culture and Nature for Health and Wellbeing project was a true collaboration. It brought together:

• Co-production workshops led by Every-One
• Practical respite care provided by Age UK Lincolnshire
• Independent evaluation by Dr Rob Dean from the University of Lincoln
• Beautiful settings in the buildings and gardens of Doddington Hall

Caty, Rachel and Sarah also reflect honestly on the challenges of short-term funding, and what it will take to grow this deeply personalised approach so that more carers across Lincolnshire can benefit.

If you’re interested in wellbeing, creativity, community collaboration, or the lived experience of carers, this episode offers insight, inspiration, and a hopeful vision for what’s possible.