What Makes a Real Friend? Disability, Trust and Connection

Can Laughter & Positivity Help You Live Longer?

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2409167/fan_mail/new] Dick Van Dyke (of Mary Poppins fame) is now 100 years old, says that staying positive and not holding onto anger is the secret to staying young - and science seems to agree. Studies show that optimistic people can live around 11 to 15 percent longer, and in some cases even up to 10 years more. So today, we’re diving into the power of humour, joy, and a positive mindset. We’re asking: what genuinely makes you laugh no matter your mood? Who are the people that always lift your spirits? And just how important is humour when you’re having a tough day? We’ll explore whether laughter can really improve your wellbeing, share the jokes and moments that have stuck with us for years, and talk about our go-to ways to cheer ourselves up. 00:01:22 - Intro 00:02:02 - The Good News: Gila's new electric wheelchair 00:06:54 - What makes us laugh every time, no matter the mood? 00:14:14 - Who makes us laugh? 00:18:38 - How important is humour when we're having a tough day? 00:22:14 - Can humour make us laugh and cry at the same time? 00:27:37 - Final Thoughts Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell Editor: Phil Powell Huge thanks to the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk [https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk] All enquiries: podcast@communityfocus.co.uk Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/ [https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/] Theme Music: Rastko Rasic & the students of Community FocusOther Music: Jazzy Frenchy by ⁠⁠⁠Benjamin Tissot [https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music?composer=84]

Living With Multiple Sclerosis: Marcus's Story of Positivity and Purpose

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2409167/fan_mail/new] What is it really like to live with Multiple Sclerosis? In this episode of Dis-labled, Marcus shares his experience of living with MS, how it affects his daily life, and the challenges he faces along the way. He also talks about the things that keep him motivated, including his love of Marvel, staying positive, and finding purpose through difficult times. Marcus's message is simple but powerful: don't let a diagnosis define your future. 00:00:16 - Intro 00:01:06 - The Good News 00:03:54 - Marcus explanation of Multiple Sclerosis 00:06:01 - How MS effects Marcus 00:09:16 - Routines with MS 00:14:04 - Can you learn to make things easier? 00:15:05 - Masking Multiple Sclerosis 00:17:00 - Friends with MS and Stages of MS 00:18:30 - What does Marcus do for fun? 00:21:50 - What Marcus wishes people knew about MS 00:24:44 - Marcus' biggest achievements 00:27:35 - Final Thoughts Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell Editor: Phil Powell Huge thanks to the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk [https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk] All enquiries: podcast@communityfocus.co.uk Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/ [https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/] Theme Music: Rastko Rasic & the students of Community FocusOther Music: Jazzy Frenchy by ⁠⁠⁠Benjamin Tissot [https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music?composer=84]

Autism, Art and Confidence: Finding Our Voice

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2409167/fan_mail/new] In today's episode we discuss Skills Club, a club within our ARTiculate programme for young people aged 24-30. Join Tara, Sophia, Dave, Jordan, Stephanos and Flo as they share how Skills Club has helped them develop confidence, creativity, friendships and practical skills through art, volunteering and community projects. From autism and social anxiety to employment, independence and finding a place to belong, this honest and uplifting conversation explores the real impact that a supportive and inclusive community can have on young disabled adults. We also hear about the creative projects members have produced, including embroidery, ceramics, textiles and upcycling, and discover how Skills Club helps participants build skills for volunteering, work and everyday life. To find out more about Skills Club please contact Flo Alfrey on 020 3743 2326, or email flo@communityfocus.co.uk [phil@communityfocus.co.uk] 00:01:18 - Intro 00:02:00 - What's going on? 00:04:44 - What is Skills Club? 00:06:42 - Philanthropy 00:09:09 - What Skills club means to us 00:13:25 - Favourite projects 00:19:54 - What Community Focus means to us 00:22:19 - How to get involved 00:22:54 - Our passions 00:26:38 - Final Thoughts Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell Editor: Phil Powell Huge thanks to the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk [https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk] All enquiries: podcast@communityfocus.co.uk Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/ [https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/] Theme Music: Rastko Rasic & the students of Community FocusOther Music: Jazzy Frenchy by ⁠⁠⁠Benjamin Tissot [https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music?composer=84]

Living With a Brain Injury: Havva's Life, Challenges and Triumphs

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2409167/fan_mail/new] In this episode of Dis-labled, Havva takes us through a day in her life and shares her experience of living with a brain injury. With her trademark humour and honesty, Havva talks about family, friendships, daily routines, the things she enjoys most, and some of the challenges she faces. It's a warm, uplifting conversation that offers a genuine insight into her life and personality. 00:00:00 - Start 00:01:14 - Intro 00:01:59 - The Good News 00:06:35 - Pavement Guest by Alistair Scriven 00:07:54 - Discussion: A Day in My Life - Living with Brain Damage  00:26:53 - Final Thoughts Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell Editor: Phil Powell Huge thanks to the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk [https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk] All enquiries: podcast@communityfocus.co.uk Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/ [https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/] Theme Music: Rastko Rasic & the students of Community FocusOther Music: Jazzy Frenchy by ⁠⁠⁠Benjamin Tissot [https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music?composer=84]

From Community Focus to the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition: Laurent's Journey

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2409167/fan_mail/new] Community Focus artist Laurent Barsotti  has achieved something extraordinary. In this special episode of Dis-labled, we follow Laurent’s journey from Community Focus to exhibiting at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2026, one of the world’s most prestigious art exhibitions. We begin at Royal Academy varnishing day, where Royal Academician Humphrey Ocean explains why Laurent’s London bus painting stood out from thousands of entries and earned a place in his room. We also hear from comedian Harry Hill, an admirer and collector of Laurent’s artwork. In the second half of the programme, Laurent and his mum Chantal share the story behind this remarkable achievement. From developing confidence through art at Community Focus to seeing his work displayed on the walls of the Royal Academy, it’s an inspiring story of creativity, perseverance and passion. Community Focus [https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/]is an Arts Centre for children and adults with disabilities. We are based in the borough of Barnet, North London and offer a selection of creative and well-being activities for all ages. 00:00:16 - Intro 00:01:06 - Live from the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2026: Varnishing Day 00:03:04 - We speak to Humphrey Ocean RA 00:04:12 - We speak to comedian and fellow artist, Harry Hill 00:05:07 - Reflections on the day 00:05:53 - In the room we have... 00:06:12 - Laurent and his mum, Chantal join us in the studio 00:06:22 - Laurent answers questions from the Dis-labled crew 00:13:44 - Chantal answers questions from the Dis-labled crew 00:21:15 - What were the highlights of the day? 00:25:53 - Final Thoughts Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell Editor: Phil Powell Huge thanks to the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk [https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk] All enquiries: podcast@communityfocus.co.uk Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/ [https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/] Theme Music: Rastko Rasic & the students of Community FocusOther Music: Jazzy Frenchy by ⁠⁠⁠Benjamin Tissot [https://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music?composer=84]