In this episode we talk with MacIntyre's Cath Kelly, Area Manager in Greater Manchester.

She describes MacIntyre's successful involvement in the Homes not Hospitals initiative.

Far too many people with learning disabilities and/or mental health issues are trapped in long-stay secure hospitals, often for years, causing huge distress to the person, and at huge expense to the taxpayer.

Cath describes the way in which MacIntyre provides an alternative which works for all concerned.

In this episode to mark Safeguarding Week 2025, we're delighted to welcome Stuart Sale, the CEO of the Ann Craft Trust charity.

MacIntyre works closely with Ann Craft Trust, which was set up 30 years ago to support people with a learning disability to live full, rich lives, while remaining safe.

In this episode, Stuart discusses the way in which Ann Craft Trust supports MacIntyre and our Head of Compliance and Safeguarding, Rowan Jackson.

He describes some unusual ways in which Ann Craft Trust is focusing on "eyes and ears" in the community, using training to give roles such as park-keepers the ability to become active bystanders.

Stuart urges us all to go green for Safeguarding Week this year and start conversations about the importance of safeguarding and prevention of abuse.

We hear from Carly Morrissey, MacIntyre's Area Manager for Wrexham and The Wirral, about the proactive approach MacIntyre takes to Safeguarding, supported by 'critical friend' The Ann Craft Trust.

Carly outlines the differences and similarities between the Welsh and English jurisdictions, and how she and all MacIntyre's staff are continually learning and challenging outdated practices.

She recognises the important work by Rowan Jackson, MacIntyre's Head of Compliance and Safeguarding, and her team, in developing our resources.

We explore how crucial it is for people supported by MacIntyre to be part of their local communities, shown in our Everyone Everywhere approach.

Content warning: in the context of a discussion about mental health towards the end of this podcast episode, there is a brief mention of suicide.

In this special episode we hear about their different (and similar) experiences of living with ADHD from father and son duo Duncan and William Strachan.

In this episode we talk to guests Angela Catley a consultant with MacIntyre, and Connor, who is part of MacIntyre's i4t training team and also draws on our support in Chesterfield.

We discuss how Angela has been using her external perspective to work with staff teams in Chesterfield to develop new ideas and look at Everyone Everywhere with new eyes.

We also hear from Angela about her project with Sian Lockwood, When I Get Old.

Connor, together with Carole Hodgson from MacIntyre, explains his training and volunteer work, and what they mean for him in his life.

At MacIntyre No Limits™ we offer community-based bespoke education packages to young people aged 16-24 who have a variety of additional needs including learning disabilities, autism, ADHD, specific learning disabilities such as dyslexia, and social and emotional needs.

In today's conversation, Bruce Smith, Head of No Limits describes the advantages and the difference we can make.

Find out more at this link, or email hello@macintyrecharity.org for more information.

We had a very special guest to help us celebrate Families Week in 2025.

Karen Gunn is one of the daughters of Ken and Marjorie Newton Wright, MacIntyre's founders.

Here she shares some incredible stories of what she describes as the "chaos" of MacIntyre's early days, and how proud and moved she is to know her parents' vision continues.

And we talk to Nicola Payne, MacIntyre's Families Manager, about what we're doing today.

In this episode we hear from Jess Sutton, MacIntyre's Autism Self-Advocacy Lead, and Sonya Cox, one of our Best Practice Facilitators.

They share their personal stories in the context of all the resources MacIntyre provides to support autistic people, including MacIntyre's online events, which are open to everyone.