CForYourself: A podcast from Cystic Fibrosis Trust

This year, Cystic Fibrosis Trust is celebrating 10 years of the Helen Barrett Bright Idea Awards. The award was established in memory of Helen Barrett, an entrepreneur with CF who, together with her partner, launched a successful gym that is still thriving today.  From dog grooming businesses to clothing brands, scriptwriters to bakers, over the years our Helen Barrett Bright Idea Awards have helped many people kickstart their dream career, providing financial support to adults with CF who dream of starting their own business.  In today’s episode, Lucy chats to three incredible winners of the award. Maggie, who won the 2024 award and runs a private chef business. Polly, who is a past winner and a published author, and Jimmy, who is now part of the team at the Trust who helps run the awards, having won it himself back in 2022. In a wide-ranging conversation, they chat all about their CF journey, their businesses, and how being self employed helps them to manage cystic fibrosis. This year’s awards will be open to applicants in the summer, keep an eye on our social media for more information coming soon! * For more information and support on any of the issues we've talked about in this podcast, you can call our Helpline on 0300 373 1000, or email helpline@cysticfibrosis.org.uk [https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/the-work-we-do/information-resources/helpline@cysticfibrosis.org.uk], or message us on WhatsApp [https://wa.me/7361582053]. * Self employment [https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/life-with-cystic-fibrosis/daily-life-with-cf/work-forwards/self-employment-hub] - If you’d like more information on self employment, check out our dedicated website hub. [https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/life-with-cystic-fibrosis/daily-life-with-cf/work-forwards/self-employment-hub] * Helen Barrett Bright Idea Awards [https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/life-with-cystic-fibrosis/support-available/work-and-education-support/helen-barrett-bright-ideas-awards] - Read more about the awards and previous winners.  * Work and CF [https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/life-with-cystic-fibrosis/daily-life-with-cf/work-forwards] - Our Work Forwards [https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/node/8786] programme is here to empower people with cystic fibrosis to fulfill their career dreams and aspirations. Find out more about Work Forwards and how we can support you. * CF Forum [https://forum.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/] - Join the conversation on our Forum and connect with other people with CF.  * Find out more about CForYourself at www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/podcast. [https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/the-work-we-do/information-resources/cforyourself-a-podcast-from-cystic-fibrosis-trust]

Work can be important for many reasons – our financial security, as part of our identity, for our mental health, our social lives, and to give us confidence. In the first of two episodes on work and CF, Lucy has a tea and catch-up with Charlotte, who has CF herself and works in HR. She shares her experience of managing work and health, discusses how to explain CF to colleagues, and offers some really useful tips around reasonable adjustments in the workplace.  We also hear from Jimmy, who is Work Forwards Programme Manager here at Cystic Fibrosis Trust. He answers some of your questions on work and cystic fibrosis, and explains more about Work Forwards, our programme of employment support for the CF community.  * For more information and support on any of the issues we've talked about in this podcast, you can call our Helpline on 0300 373 1000, or email helpline@cysticfibrosis.org.uk [https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/the-work-we-do/information-resources/helpline@cysticfibrosis.org.uk], or message us on WhatsApp [https://wa.me/7361582053]. * Work and CF [https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/life-with-cystic-fibrosis/daily-life-with-cf/work-forwards] - Our Work Forwards [https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/node/8786] programme is here to empower people with cystic fibrosis to fulfill their career dreams and aspirations. Find out more about Work Forwards and how we can support you. * CF Forum [https://forum.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/] - Join the conversation on our Forum and connect with other people with CF.  * ACAS [https://www.acas.org.uk/] - Can give you free advice on your rights and help you to resolve discrimination disputes with your employer. * Find out more about CForYourself at www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/podcast. [https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/the-work-we-do/information-resources/cforyourself-a-podcast-from-cystic-fibrosis-trust]

As it's 'FeBrewary', [https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/get-involved/team-cf/febrewary] in this month's episode Lucy hosts her own virtual  tea party on the pod. Joining her for a brew is David Ramsden, Chief Executive at the Trust, and our supporter Paul, who is 70 years old and has CF.  This month also marks the end of our 60th anniversary year, so Lucy, David and Paul will be chatting about the progress we’ve seen over the past 60 years and reflecting on what’s changed for the CF community in that time. They'll also take a moment to look to the future, and the work that needs to be done to ensure everyone with CF can live a long and full life.  "We've done so much as a community, but we're going to keep running hard to do more," says David Ramsden.  * For more information and support on any of the issues we've talked about in this podcast, you can call our Helpline on 0300 373 1000, or email helpline@cysticfibrosis.org.uk [https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/the-work-we-do/information-resources/helpline@cysticfibrosis.org.uk], or message us on WhatsApp [https://wa.me/7361582053]. * 60th anniversary year [https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/news/highlights-from-our-60th-anniversary-year] - Find out more about how we've marked out 60th anniversary year.  * Growing older with CF [https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/life-with-cystic-fibrosis/growing-old] - Find out more about growing older with cystic fibrosis, and access relevant support and information. * CF genetic therapies [https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/research/cf-genetic-therapies]- Find out what they are, whether they might benefit you and learn more about genetic therapy clinical trials. * Paul's story [https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/news/at-the-end-of-the-day-though-ive-got-a-very-positive-attitude-in-life-pauls-story] - Read more about Paul's CF story.  * FeBrewary [https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/get-involved/fundraising/febrewary]- Make your cuppa count this FeBrewary. Donate the cost of your brew and help raise vital funds, so we can continue to be there for everyone with CF.  * CF Forum [https://forum.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/] - Join the conversation on our Forum and connect with other people with CF.  Read the transcript for this episode [https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/sites/default/files/2025-02/Transcipt%20CForYourself%20episode%205.pdf].

Many of us might have made a new year’s resolution to take up a new exercise in 2025, or maybe you have a sporty challenge in your sights. So in the January episode of CForYourself we're talking all about staying active with cystic fibrosis.  Lucy is joined by Matt, a personal trainer and running coach with CF. Matt has run marathons to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis Trust over the years and has recently worked with us to develop a running guide for people with cystic fibrosis. Matt shares how exercise has helped him and his top tips for staying active.  Lucy also chats to CF physio Ruth, who is based at the Leeds Adult CF Centre. Ruth talks about the importance of physio and offers her advice for people with CF when it comes to exercise. Being active is really important for people with CF, but make sure you have a chat with your CF team before starting a new exercise regimen. They can also give you advice about training. Read our full transcript.  [https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/sites/default/files/2025-01/exercise%20and%20CF%20transcript.pdf] * For more information and support on any of the issues we've talked about in this podcast, you can call our Helpline on 0300 373 1000, or email helpline@cysticfibrosis.org.uk [https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/the-work-we-do/information-resources/helpline@cysticfibrosis.org.uk], or message us on WhatsApp [https://wa.me/7361582053]. * We’ve worked with exercise physiologist Dr Owen Tomlinson and physiotherapist Rachel McDowell to put together a marathon training guide [https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/what-is-cystic-fibrosis/cystic-fibrosis-care/staying-active/marathon-training-tips-for-people-with-cf] for people with CF. * Read our information [https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/what-is-cystic-fibrosis/cystic-fibrosis-care/staying-active] on staying active with CF.  * Read our information [https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/what-is-cystic-fibrosis/cystic-fibrosis-care/physiotherapy] on physio and CF.  * Find out more about the YOGA-CF study [https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/get-involved/clinical-trials/trialstracker/tt014085].  * Get fit and fundraise at the same time by joining Team CF. Choose from walks, runs, cycles and much more! Choose your event.  [https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/get-involved/team-cf/events] * You can follow Matt's running journey on his Instagram @mattstrangerunningcoaching.  [https://www.instagram.com/mattstrangerunningcoaching] * Follow the Leeds CF physio team on Instagram @cfphysioleeds.   [https://www.instagram.com/cfphysioleeds/]

In this episode we're talking all about navigating a new cystic fibrosis (CF) diagnosis. Our host Lucy sits down for a virtual tea and chat with Jade, whose 8-year-old daughter Penelope was diagnosed with CF at two days old. Jade, who recently featured in our new parent pack, talks about some of the emotions she felt when they received the diagnosis, her advice for other parents, and how she explains CF to Penelope.  Lucy also catches up with my own mum, Jill, to talk about her work as a volunteer for our CF Connect peer support service for parents of children and young people with CF. Read the full transcript.  [https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/sites/default/files/2024-12/Transcript%20season%203%2C%20episode%203%2C%20new%20diagnosis.pdf] * For more information and support on any of the issues we've talked about in this podcast, you can call our Helpline on 0300 373 1000, or email helpline@cysticfibrosis.org.uk [https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/the-work-we-do/information-resources/helpline@cysticfibrosis.org.uk], or message us on WhatsApp [https://wa.me/7361582053]. * If your baby has just been diagnosed with CF, you might not know where to start. We've pulled together lots of information to help make things easier. Download our guide for families.  [https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/sites/default/files/2024-07/CFT-new-diagnosis-booklet-A5-V6-web.pdf] * Speak to a trained volunteer who also has a child with CF through our CF Connect peer support service [https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/the-work-we-do/support-available/cf-connect-peer-support].  * We recognise that for those with children who don't benefit from Kaftrio, the new diagnosis journey can feel very different. Please get in touch with our Helpline [https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/the-work-we-do/support-available/helpline] with any questions you might have.