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In today's episode, we are thrilled to be back with the CF choir, guided by our singing teacher Sarah.

We'll be exploring some brilliant tunes, such as Sunshine on My Shoulders and Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go! while learning vocal techniques to help develop and support our voices.

We also chat with some of our singers to discover why music means so much to them. Stay tuned, and sing along with us if you know the words!

Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell.

Editor: Phil Powell

Huge thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk

All enquiries: admin@communityfocus.co.uk or IT@communityfocus.co.uk

Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/

Theme Music: Rastko Rasic @ the students of Community Focus

Other Music: Jazzy Frenchy by ⁠⁠⁠Benjamin Tissot

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In today’s episode, we interview the incredible artist Hasel, who began creating art during lockdown and now produces a new piece almost every day. She opens up about living with Asperger’s and shares how painting and drawing have boosted her confidence and helped her express herself more clearly.

We are treated to another poem by Carol, titled Memories / My Place. A gentle reflection on the places and moments that bring her peace, joy, and a deep sense of belonging.

Lastly, the group reflects on how bearing their souls on the show over the past few years has helped them — in both positive and challenging ways

Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell.

Editor: Phil Powell

Huge thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk

All enquiries: admin@communityfocus.co.uk or IT@communityfocus.co.uk

Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/

Theme Music: Rastko Rasic @ the students of Community Focus

Other Music: Jazzy Frenchy by ⁠⁠⁠Benjamin Tissot

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In this episode, we welcome our newest member, Maria, and get to know her story. We ask about her life experiences and discover how she navigates the world with restricted eyesight—always with resilience and an incredible sense of humour.

Later, Gila shares an honest and heartfelt review of her experience using a Fitbit. She opens up about the anxiety it triggered and how being constantly monitored 24/7 took a toll on her well-being. Tune in to hear how she reclaimed peace by stepping away from the pressure of data-driven health tracking.

Lastly we celebrate our 1000th download and give ourselves a well deserved pat on the back.

To apply for a 'Hidden Disabilities' lanyard, visit: https://hdsunflower.com/

Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell.

Editor: Phil Powell

Huge thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk

All enquiries: admin@communityfocus.co.uk or IT@communityfocus.co.uk

Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/

Theme Music: Rastko Rasic @ the students of Community Focus

Other Music: Jazzy Frenchy by ⁠⁠⁠Benjamin Tissot

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It’s Pride Week at Community Focus – and we’re throwing the spotlight on one of London’s most joyful, inclusive celebrations of all: Bubble Club!

This week, we’re stepping away from our usual format to dive into the world of Bubble Club – an immersive nightclub in East London co-created by people with learning disabilities, and proudly celebrating its 20th anniversary.

In the lead-up to their most recent club night, we got an exclusive look behind the scenes: from their creative workshop space to the unforgettable night itself. We met the brilliant team making it all happen, including club manager Iona Ascherson, the unstoppable Tilley, and Del (the piggie) – all sharing their love for this groundbreaking community.

Bubble Club isn’t just a night out – it’s a movement. A place where people of all abilities and backgrounds come together to dance, express, and celebrate who they are.

Join us as we celebrate Pride, inclusion, creativity, and 20 years of unforgettable nights at Bubble Club.

For more information on Bubble Club, click here.

To book the next club night (the 20th birthday party), click here.

For more information on Tilley and Del (the piggie), click here.

Huge thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk

All enquiries: admin@communityfocus.co.uk or IT@communityfocus.co.uk

Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/

Theme Music: Rastko Rasic @ the students of Community Focus

Other Music: Jazzy Frenchy by ⁠⁠⁠Benjamin Tissot

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In this episode Oak Lodge School is taking over the show – cue the cheers! 🎉

Meet our brilliant new pupil podcasters from Oak Lodge as they jump behind the mic for the very first time and share a bit about themselves and their interests. Then, the takeover continues with an exclusive interview with Head Teacher Miss Walker, we meet Carol and Yasmin for a behind-the-scenes visit to the Oak Lodge Shop, and a fun chat with Mr. Shirley, one of the school’s amazing teachers.

Get ready for an inspiring, heartwarming, and totally unique glimpse into life at Oak Lodge!

Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell.

Editor: Phil Powell

Huge thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk

All enquiries: admin@communityfocus.co.uk or IT@communityfocus.co.uk

Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/

Theme Music: Rastko Rasic @ the students of Community Focus

Other Music: Jazzy Frenchy by ⁠⁠⁠Benjamin Tissot

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In this episode, we’ve been taken over by our brilliant young ARTiculate group—a creative collective of young people with additional needs who use the arts to express their views and experiences.

This time, we’re talking all about employability. We share stories about our jobs, discuss some of the challenges we’ve faced in the workplace, and we’re delighted to welcome Stuart Downie—an expert in employment for people with additional needs, to answer some of our questions. So tune in, listen and learn!

Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell.

Editor: Phil Powell

Huge thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk

All enquiries: admin@communityfocus.co.uk or IT@communityfocus.co.uk

Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/

Theme Music: Rastko Rasic @ the students of Community Focus

Other Music: Jazzy Frenchy by ⁠⁠⁠Benjamin Tissot

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In this episode, we dive into the world of live music to ask: are concerts and gigs truly accessible for people with disabilities? We share some of our own experiences to find out.

We also reflect on our visit to CJ’s Bakery—where delicious cakes are made with care, and meaningful employment is offered to a brilliant team of people with learning disabilities. And finally, Poetry Corner makes its return! This week, our featured poets are Carol and Babak.

Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell.

Editor: Phil Powell

Huge thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk

All enquiries: admin@communityfocus.co.uk or IT@communityfocus.co.uk

Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/

Theme Music: Rastko Rasic @ the students of Community Focus

Other Music: Jazzy Frenchy by ⁠⁠⁠Benjamin Tissot

Send us a text

Welcome to today’s episode, where we take you inside one of North London’s most inspiring hidden gems—CJ’s Bakery! But this isn’t just any bakery. It’s a place where passion meets purpose, where every loaf, cake, and pastry has a story to tell. At CJ’s, all the bakers are adults with learning disabilities, working together in a safe, welcoming, and empowering environment.

It’s more than just baking—it’s about building confidence, community, and, of course, creating delicious treats! So, get ready to step into the warmth of CJ’s Bakery, meet the incredible team, and maybe even imagine the smell of freshly baked bread through your speakers. Let’s get started!

To order from CJ's Bakery click here.

Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell.

Editor: Phil Powell

Huge thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk

All enquiries: admin@communityfocus.co.uk or IT@communityfocus.co.uk

Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/

Theme Music: Rastko Rasic @ the students of Community Focus

Other Music: Jazzy Frenchy by ⁠⁠⁠Benjamin Tissot