In this episode we explore neurodiversity through the lens of lived experience. Hosts Ela and Ed speak with parents Dan and Ela about their journey raising their son Dexter, who has a diagnosis of autism. Together they share an honest and powerful conversation about family life, the realities of navigating education and support systems, and the joys and challenges of parenting a neurodivergent child.

Through their story, you’ll gain insight into resilience, advocacy, and the importance of understanding and embracing individual differences in children and families.

In the closing section of the episode, Ela reflects on how Dan and Ela’s experiences align with the Our Shared Agreement Five Foundations, highlighting the importance of being prepared to do things differently, understanding what matters to individuals, and working together to support wellbeing. Ela emphasises how professionals can learn from families’ lived experiences, ensuring support is built with people, not just for them.

Have a listen to our conversation with Gina, Paul, and Lola, who helped create engaging, practical resources designed to build dementia prevention knowledge and awareness, not only for health and care professionals, but also people, from young children to students to those in midlife.

Their message is clear: what’s good for your heart is good for your brain - at every age.

Discover practical steps you can take to reduce your risk, and hear how the team worked closely together, taking time, care and feedback, to shape resources that truly meet people’s needs and make a real difference.

Gina Thompson is Dementia Transformation Programme Lead at Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Paul Johnson is a Public Health Officer at Lincolnshire County Council

Lola Peel is an Occupational Therapist at Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust

In this heartfelt podcast episode, Caty sits down with floral artist Rachel Petheram and Historic Environment Officer Sarah Grundy to explore the powerful impact of culture and nature on carers’ wellbeing.

Together, they share the story of a project co-produced with carers, for carers - and how it became transformational not only for those who took part, but for Rachel herself.

You’ll hear how something as simple, and as profound, as having time, space, and permission to reconnect with nature and creativity helped carers rediscover their sense of self. With the right support in place, participants experienced meaningful and lasting improvements in their emotional and mental wellbeing.

The Culture and Nature for Health and Wellbeing project was a true collaboration. It brought together:

• Co-production workshops led by Every-One
• Practical respite care provided by Age UK Lincolnshire
• Independent evaluation by Dr Rob Dean from the University of Lincoln
• Beautiful settings in the buildings and gardens of Doddington Hall

Caty, Rachel and Sarah also reflect honestly on the challenges of short-term funding, and what it will take to grow this deeply personalised approach so that more carers across Lincolnshire can benefit.

If you’re interested in wellbeing, creativity, community collaboration, or the lived experience of carers, this episode offers insight, inspiration, and a hopeful vision for what’s possible.

Ryan Morrow, Referral and Triage Manager at One You Lincolnshire, joins Alison to share the story behind the One You Lincolnshire Outreach Bus - a summer roadshow that toured 9 towns and cities and stopped at 31 community venues in just two months.

Ryan speaks passionately about the power of meeting and supporting people where they already are - from community centres and leisure centres to GP practices - while working side by side with partners like Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue and Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Services.

Ryan's enthusiasm and commitment shines through so clearly that he scooped this week’s Our Shared Agreement bingo win, brilliantly highlighting how all Five Foundations came to life through this project.

Want to find out more?

To find out more about this project: Contact Ryan directly at ryan.morrow@oneyoulincolnshire.org.uk

Find out more about One You Lincolnshire services.

To make a referral, call 01522 705162

Joining Alison in this episode is Elaine Mitchell, Project Officer for the Lincolnshire Sleep Hub. Alison first met Elaine back in 2024 while organising that year’s It’s All About People Conference, so this podcast is very much a reunion and a chance to catch up on everything Elaine has been working on since.

Many people who met Elaine at the conference still talk about The Sleep Charity, and it’s wonderful to hear how many connections she made on that day which have since grown into events, activities, and support for people struggling with sleep.

Elaine speaks with real passion about the power of sleep and how deeply it influences our physical and emotional wellbeing. She also highlights how our workforce can boost their confidence and understanding by taking part in the Sleep Talker training (with new dates coming soon!).

Throughout the conversation, Elaine shares inspiring stories of individuals she’s supported - simple conversations that led to meaningful improvements in sleep patterns and overall wellbeing.

Have a listen and discover what you can learn about sleep. We promise this is one sleep-related session that definitely won’t send you to sleep!

Useful links:

The Sleep Charity

Lincolnshire Sleep Hub

Join returning guests Elliot Kane (Ep 61) and Adam Newman‑Pring (Ep 39) as they sit down with Alison to unpack their collaborative “Getting Winter Ready” project.

This episode shines a light on the power of meeting the right people at the right time - and meeting communities where they are. Elliot and Adam share how they reached over 1,600 people during flu and COVID vaccination clinics at their GP surgery, turning routine appointments into meaningful conversations.

They also reveal striking insights into how housing deprivation affects people’s health and places additional pressure on the NHS during winter. Together, we explore how proactive, preventative support around housing and wider social issues can transform outcomes for individuals and the health and care system.

Have a listen, and consider how you can discover the services that support people with challenges beyond traditional health and social care.

DOWNLOAD: Staying Safe, Warm and Well at Home this Winter guide

Alison sits down with members of the Living Well team at South Lincoln Healthcare Primary Care Network about what personalised care really looks like in practice.

Care Coordinators Jackie and Helen, and Health and Wellbeing Coach Panos, share how non-clinical roles are helping people feel heard, supported, and more in control of their lives.

From “what matters to me” conversations to community events and powerful personal stories, this episode explores how listening, trust, and teamwork can transform care - by putting people, not conditions, at the centre.

Our Shared Agreement - and the Five Foundations that drive it - are beautifully brought to life through these stories of co-production, connectivity and collaboration, conversations, and curiosity. Fantastic stuff!

Joining Alison this week is TikTok sensation Bailey Greetham, winner of Active Lincolnshire’s Outstanding Service to Sport and Physical Activity 2025 award, sponsored by The Fitness Group. Known internationally for inspiring older adults to move more, especially those living in care homes, Bailey is Grimsby-based and determined to make change happen close to home in Lincolnshire.

Fresh from a BBC interview, Bailey talks openly about treating the people he works with as humans first, using simple videos to shine a light on the care sector, and building genuine relationships that really matter. His approach is refreshingly down to earth – “none of this is rocket science.”

Tune in as Bailey and Alison bring Our Shared Agreement to life and show how anyone can make a difference. As Bailey says, “Owt is better than nowt!”

Give this podcast a listen and then head over to TikTok and give Bailey a follow and find out more about this Lincolnshire health and care innovator.

Read our article about the white paper that describes the impact of Bailey's work:

Reflections on From Inactivity to Independence: Measuring the Impact of Movement in Adult Social Care

More about Bailey

Bailey is the CEO and Founder of the award winning BeGreatFitness, an all inclusive community health and well-being company that works with schools, care homes, charities and community centres to provide accessible forms of exercise.