Bullying and Finding Your Voice with an Upper Limb Difference

Bullying and Finding Your Voice with an Upper Limb Difference

Bullying can leave marks that last long after childhood ends. In this episode of Offhand, Leah speaks to Megan and shares her experience of growing up with an upper limb difference, navigating school life, and dealing with the comments, questions, and cruelty that made her feel different. But this conversation isn't only about bullying. It's about what happens afterwards. Leah reflects on the lasting impact those experiences had on her, and it’s not all about negativity. She talks openly about the support that mattered most, the people who stood by her, and how resilience often develops in ways we don't recognise until much later. Whether you've experienced bullying yourself, supported someone through it, or wondered how to respond when your upper limb difference becomes a target, this episode offers both practical insight and heartfelt reflection. It's a conversation about pain, recovery, belonging, and learning to embrace who you are without minimising what you've been through. LINKS: Mentorship: https://www.reach.org.uk/18-25-retreat-mentorship-programme [https://www.reach.org.uk/18-25-retreat-mentorship-programme] My Story – A book for kids about upper limb difference: https://www.reach.org.uk/resources/my-story-helping-explain-limb-difference [https://www.reach.org.uk/resources/my-story-helping-explain-limb-difference] Want to talk to us? Leave a comment or find us on socials @reachcharityuk Join us at the Reach Annual Family Weekend! https://www.reach.org.uk/events/annual-family-weekend-2026-23rd-25th-october-2026 [https://www.reach.org.uk/events/annual-family-weekend-2026-23rd-25th-october-2026] Join up for the Reach Triathlon! https://www.reach.org.uk/the-reach-triathlon [https://www.reach.org.uk/the-reach-triathlon] With thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund for supporting the development of the Offhand Podcast Leah’s views and experiences are her own and do not reflect those of Reach Charity

Awkward Encounters, Everyday Adaptations & Life with Upper Limb Differences

What happens when everyday situations collide with other people's assumptions? In this episode, Megan and Leah explores the funny, awkward, and sometimes downright bizarre moments that come with living with an upper limb difference. From a viral police stop that dropped a million jaws to negotiating discounts at nail salons and airport scanners, this conversation shines a light on the realities of navigating public spaces, social curiosity, and accessibility. In This Episode * A viral police encounter involving Kathleen Thomas and why her response resonated with so many people * The strange and unexpected situations have in airports, restaurants, and public places * Handling stares, questions, and curiosity from strangers, both young and old * Why nail salons can create surprisingly awkward conversations * Dining out with a limb difference and practical techniques for eating independently * Everyday accessibility hacks, from soap dispensers to kitchen gadgets Want to talk to us? Leave a comment or find us on socials @reachcharityuk Join us at the Reach Annual Family Weekend! https://www.reach.org.uk/events/annual-family-weekend-2026-23rd-25th-october-2026 [https://www.reach.org.uk/events/annual-family-weekend-2026-23rd-25th-october-2026] Join up for the Reach Triathlon! https://www.reach.org.uk/the-reach-triathlon [https://www.reach.org.uk/the-reach-triathlon] With thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund for supporting the development of the Offhand Podcast Leah’s views and experiences are her own and do not reflect those of Reach Charity

Adapt & Thrive: Life Hacks for Upper Limb Difference

In this episode of Offhand, hosts Megan and Lottie dive into the creative, practical, and sometimes unexpected ways people with upper limb differences adapt everyday life to work for them. From kitchen hacks and adapted instruments to driving, fashion, and inclusive design, the chat explores how independence often comes from experimentation, community knowledge, and not accepting “one-size-fits-all” work arounds. The episode also looks at the “social model” of disability highlighting how it’s often environments, systems, and inaccessible design that create barriers, rather than upper limb difference itself. Whether it’s modifying clothing, discovering new gadgets, or sharing tips within the upper limb difference community, this episode celebrates ingenuity, resilience, and the power of learning from each other. In This Episode * Why the social model of disability matters * Adapting school activities, music, and learning tools * Clever kitchen and cooking hacks for greater independence * Driving adaptations and accessible car technology * The impact of Reach bursaries and charitable support * Inclusive fashion, makeup, and adaptive clothing challenges * Community-led innovation and sharing life hacks * Why there’s no “right” way to adapt Want to talk to us? Leave a comment or find us on socials @reachcharityuk Join us at the Reach Annual Family Weekend! https://www.reach.org.uk/events/annual-family-weekend-2026-23rd-25th-october-2026 [https://www.reach.org.uk/events/annual-family-weekend-2026-23rd-25th-october-2026] Join up for the Reach Triathlon! https://www.reach.org.uk/the-reach-triathlon [https://www.reach.org.uk/the-reach-triathlon] One handed recorder and scissor kit: https://www.reach.org.uk/resources/one-handed-recorder-and-scissor-kits-to-hire [https://www.reach.org.uk/resources/one-handed-recorder-and-scissor-kits-to-hire] Prosthetic makers https://www.reach.org.uk/partners/prosthetic-makers [https://www.reach.org.uk/partners/prosthetic-makers] Adaptations https://www.reach.org.uk/partners/adaptations [https://www.reach.org.uk/partners/adaptations] Find out more about bursaries https://www.reach.org.uk/resources/apply-for-a-bursary [https://www.reach.org.uk/resources/apply-for-a-bursary] Vinted campaign https://www.change.org/p/ask-vinted-to-add-adapted-clothing-category [https://www.change.org/p/ask-vinted-to-add-adapted-clothing-category] Discover RAW: https://www.reach.org.uk/news/reach-activity-week-2026-bookings-are-now-live [https://www.reach.org.uk/news/reach-activity-week-2026-bookings-are-now-live] MimiTEns: https://mimitens.com/ [https://mimitens.com/] Tilt Beauty: https://tiltbeauty.com/ [https://tiltbeauty.com/] With thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund for supporting the development of the Offhand Podcast Lottie’s views and experiences are her own and do not reflect those of Reach Charity

Living With Upper Limb Difference and Building Confidence

Megan chats to Leah about her relationship with confidence and how it has shifted throughout different stages of her life. The conversation looks at how your confidence can be shaped by the realities of growing up with an upper limb difference, the way people perceive and how you don’t need to be positive about your upper limb difference all the time. They also explore how confidence is rarely fixed, it can change from day-to-day, but can be boosted by getting older, positive experiences, relationships, therapy, representation, and community support. What you can expect from this episode: * How confidence evolves from childhood into adulthood * The emotional impact of comments, staring, and misconceptions * Why representation and community matter * The pressure to always appear “inspiring” or resilient * The role of therapy, social media, and adaptive activities in building confidence * Accepting that confidence naturally ebbs and flows Want to talk to us? Leave a comment or find us on socials @reachcharityuk Join us at the Reach Annual Family Weekend! https://www.reach.org.uk/events/annual-family-weekend-2026-23rd-25th-october-2026 [https://www.reach.org.uk/events/annual-family-weekend-2026-23rd-25th-october-2026] Join up for the Reach Triathlon! https://www.reach.org.uk/the-reach-triathlon [https://www.reach.org.uk/the-reach-triathlon] Find out more about bursaries https://www.reach.org.uk/resources/apply-for-a-bursary [https://www.reach.org.uk/resources/apply-for-a-bursary] Discover RAW: https://www.reach.org.uk/news/reach-activity-week-2026-bookings-are-now-live [https://www.reach.org.uk/news/reach-activity-week-2026-bookings-are-now-live] With thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund for supporting the development of the Offhand Podcast Leah’s views and experiences are her own and do not reflect those of Reach Charity

Love, Confidence and Upper Limb Difference

Megan is joined by Lottie to talk openly about the realities of dating with a limb difference. Together, they explore the challenges, awkward moments, and positive experiences that can come with navigating relationships, both online and in person. Lottie shares her personal journey, including how she approaches conversations about her limb difference, the role it plays in dating profiles, and how she’s built confidence over time. The discussion also touches on wider societal perceptions, including misconceptions and fetishisation, and why honest conversations are so important in breaking down barriers. This is a reassuring conversation designed to support anyone navigating dating with a limb difference, while encouraging self-acceptance and confidence in being yourself. In this episode, you’ll hear about: • Experiences of online and in-person dating with a limb difference • Whether (and how) to include a limb difference in dating profiles • Navigating other people’s perceptions and questions • Building confidence and self-acceptance over time • The importance of honesty and communication in relationships • Tips and reassurance for young people starting their dating journey A thoughtful and empowering conversation about relationships, identity, and embracing what makes you unique. Want to talk to us? Leave a comment or find us on socials @reachcharityuk Join us at the Reach Annual Family Weekend! https://www.reach.org.uk/events/annual-family-weekend-2026-23rd-25th-october-2026 [https://www.reach.org.uk/events/annual-family-weekend-2026-23rd-25th-october-2026] Join up for the Reach Triathlon! https://www.reach.org.uk/the-reach-triathlon [https://www.reach.org.uk/the-reach-triathlon] With thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund for supporting the development of the Offhand Podcast Lottie’s views are her own and do not reflect those of Reach Charity