Hidden Voices

Research Reflections - Women’s experiences of living with multiple long-term conditions 11.05.2026 1h 10min

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 multiple long-term conditions. They are joined by Sarah Isaacs, who first joined the project as a participant and has since become a Research Ambassador. Resources mentioned:· Stallinglife expectancy · Disbeliefin healthcare for women with energy-limiting conditions· Weight stigma· Rapport betweenclinicians and those with a higher BMI· Compassionatecare, weight and eye contact

‘It’s not just a bad period!’ - Living with Endometriosis 24.02.2026 59min

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

'PSA and Me' - Christie's Story of Arthritis 19.01.2026 1h 3min

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/

The Future of Health - Talking to Nick Hulme 19.12.2025 42min

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/

Life after a Stroke - Sarah's Story 27.11.2025 47min

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/

Living with an Underactive Thyroid Condition - Emily’s Story 29.10.2025 29min

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

Living Beyond Cancer - Kirstie's Story 13.10.2025 46min

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/

Mother and Baby Homes - Jeff's Story 22.09.2025 1h 2min

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/

Losing Maisie to Meningitis - Mary's Story 26.08.2025 43min

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/

'The Girl Who Didn’t Give Up’ - Faye’s Story 21.07.2025 27min

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/

'If Only I'd Known' - Living with ADHD in the Police 04.07.2025 1h 13min

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/

'Learn to Live with my Spellings!' - Living with Dyslexia 19.05.2025 24min

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 22.04.2025 36min

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 31.03.2025 45min

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/

Tara McIntyre - The Brain Injury Survivor 17.02.2025 28min

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 discussed in this episode and would like to seek support, get in touch with our Information and Guidance team.

'Awareness, Acceptance, and Action' - Graham and Kaurina's Experiences of Al-Anon 24.01.2025 48min

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. If you would like to access support regarding anything mentioned in this episode, get in touch with our Information and Guidance team.

Life as an Apprentice at Healthwatch Essex 16.12.2024 43min

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.

Financial and Economic Abuse - Rosie's Story for 16 Days of Activism 05.12.2024 37min

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/

'Our Warrior' - Ben and Teresa's Story of Sepsis 18.11.2024 26min

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 loved one’s condition. Please note this episode contains discussion of bereavement. 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.

Life as an Adoptee - Vanessa's Story 21.10.2024 1h 12min

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 discussed on our podcast and would like to find further support, please get in touch with our Information and Guidance Team. Please note this episode contains discussions of mental health, trauma, abuse, and adoption.