Episodes

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    Thousands of patients were lied to and given blood products that infected them with HIV and Hepatitis.

    Doctors knowingly infected hundreds of children and then covered it up.

    @AngelaWalkerReportsInterviews

    Medical professionals and politicians put vulnerable patients at "unacceptable risk" the UK"s Infected Blood Inquiry report has found.

    More than 30,000 people were infected with contaminated blood products administered by the NHS in the 1970s and 80s.

    Join Angela Walker for a compelling, powerful and emotional discussion with Clive Smith, Chair of the Trustees of the Haemophilia Society, as we uncover the profound implications of the Infected Blood Inquiry's final report. Sir Brian Langstaff's findings reveal a scandalous decision in 1973 to license contaminated blood products, leading to preventable infections and a shocking cover-up by both medical professionals and government officials. Clive shares the deep personal and communal impact of this health crisis, emphasizing the conspiracy to conceal the truth and the failure to protect patients.

    The episode delves into the government's controversial response to the reports from Sir Robert Francis and Sir Brian Langstaff concerning victim compensation. Listeners will hear about the skepticism surrounding the government's rapid overnight response, the unprecedented measures taken to ensure accountability, and the ongoing political complexities, including the calling of a general election. We also address the emotional toll on the affected community and the significance of an effective compensation scheme for the victims and their families.

    Angela and Clive reflect on the historical context of the contaminated blood scandal, highlighting the political and administrative failures that perpetuated this tragedy. The conversation covers the harrowing experiences of those living with hemophilia, the tragic stories of co-infections with HIV and hepatitis C, and the broader systemic failures that allowed this disaster to occur. This episode is a testament to the resilience of the victims and their unwavering commitment to justice and patient safety.

    https://www.angelawalkerreports.com/

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    Two million scientific experiments were carried out on animals in the UK in 2022.

    More than four thousand Beagles were among them.

    Home office figures published in April 2024 show that in 2022 there were 175 cases of non-compliance to government regulations regarding the welfare of animals used in testing. More than 16,000 animals were affected. The government is promising to investigate.

    MBR Acres in Cambridgeshire is a puppy farm, where beagles are bred to be tested on with toxic chemicals.

    Campaigners say the practice is cruel, outdated and unnecessary. Proponents argue animal tests are essential for the advancement of science.

    Outside MBR Acres is an encampment of protesters who have lived at the site for almost three years. John Curtin is one of them. He explains how they obtained footage inside the top security site - and how he's been arrested for flying a small drone over the site.

    John tells us how he has seen hundreds of vans carrying dogs from site, which they have followed across the UK to their final destinations - science laboratories. He shares stories of animal rights group Animal Rising who have broken into the site and freed a number of dogs.

    I invited the following parties to participate in the podcast or provide a comment. They did not.

    MBR Acres
    Minister for Science, Research and Innovation, Andrew Griffith
    Professor David Main, Chair of the Animals in Science Committee
    MP for Huntingdon, Jonathan Djanogly
    MP for North West Cambridgeshire, Shailesh Vara


    https://thecampbeagle.com/

    https://www.animalrising.org/

    https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/animal-testing-debate-letter-to-andrew-griffith/animal-testing-debate-letter-to-andrew-griffith-accessible

    https://www.criver.com/about-us/about-us-overview/animals-research?region=3696







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    Around 100,000 people in the UK are living with HIV.

    75% of them say they face discrimination because of it. Why is that and what can be done about it?

    In this podcast episode, journalist Angela Walker interviews Matthew Hodson, Executive Director of the charity aidsmap about the stigma surrounding HIV and what can be done to address it. Matthew shares his personal story of being diagnosed with HIV in 1998 and discusses the progress that has been made in HIV treatment and life expectancy. He emphasises the importance of education and dispelling myths about HIV, as well as the need for positive role models and support for people living with HIV. The conversation also touches on the global stigma of HIV and the work of aidsmap in providing information and support.

    Takeaways:

    Stigma surrounding HIV still exists, but progress has been made in terms of treatment and life expectancy.

    Education and dispelling myths about HIV are crucial in addressing stigma.

    Positive role models and support for people living with HIV are important in changing perceptions.

    Visit the AIDSMAP wesbite: https://www.aidsmap.com/


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    Imagine going in for routine day surgery to help stop occasional bladder leaks and being left permanently disabled needing a wheelchair or stoma bag.

    That's what's happened to thousands of women around the world.

    When Kath Sansom of Sling the Mesh began her campaign, she never imagined it would resonate with so many. This episode brings Kath's emotional account of her personal struggles with pelvic mesh complications, revealing the depths of a medical disaster that has left countless lives in turmoil and even led some women to take their own lives.

    The conversation with Kath is both enlightening and heart-wrenching, as she discusses not only her own journey—from the debilitating aftermath of surgery to her powerful activism—but also the shared narratives of women facing similar battles.

    The physical and psychological scars left by mesh surgeries are profound . We delve into how these medical procedures have drastically altered lives, leaving individuals grappling with chronic pain, loss of mobility, and an array of systemic health problems and an inability to have sex leading to marriage breakdowns. Kath's insights into the ongoing fight for recognition, the quest for justice, and the stark increase in dependency on medications are eye-opening. This episode is an earnest exploration of the human cost of a healthcare crisis, shedding light on the resilience and determination of those who have been affected.

    Join us as we discuss the urgent need for financial redress and transparency in the healthcare system, and Kath's calls a Sunshine Payment Act. We touch on the stark differences in responses across the globe. Kath’s advocacy work with Sling the Mesh provides a beacon of support, offering resources for anyone affected by mesh. This episode is more than a conversation; it's a call to awareness and empathy for the victims of a widespread medical oversight that demands our attention and action.




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    A look forward to upcoming stories in the series Angela Walker in Conversation with topics ranging from animal testing to medical negligence.

    And a reminder of some of the stories we've covered so far - including disability discrimination and environmental destruction.

    Also, how you can get involved and support independent journalism.



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    Body image concerns related to weight and appearance are now prevalent on a global scale, leading to widespread mental health pressures. This conversation explores the topics of body image, self-acceptance, and the impact of social media and advertising on our perception of beauty. Alexandra Vince, a boudoir photographer, shares her journey and how her work empowers women to feel confident in their bodies. Kate Richmond, who underwent weight loss and corrective surgery, discusses her struggles with body image and the importance of self-acceptance. The conversation highlights the need to embrace our bodies as a whole and challenge societal beauty standards.

    We discuss how body image concerns are prevalent on a global scale and can lead to mental health pressures and what could be done. Kate reveals her battle for self-acceptance and opens up about her weigh, how she lost several stone and the effect it had on her self-perception. Alex explains how photography can play a role in empowering women and helping them feel confident in their bodies.


    https://www.fyeoboudoirphotography.com/a-day-in-the-life-of-leading-boudoir-photographer-alexandra-vince/

    https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5803/cmselect/cmhealth/114/report.html

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9970735/



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    Bite size. Full length version available.
    Bottom trawling is a destructive fishing method that indiscriminately catches everything in its path, causing damage to the seabed and releasing carbon. Over the past 150 years, bottom trawling has depleted fish populations and harmed marine biodiversity. Efforts have been made to mitigate the impact of bottom trawling through the establishment of marine protected areas and the development of more selective fishing gear. However, the recovery of fish populations and the restoration of the seabed will take time. It is important for consumers to be informed about the fishing methods used and to support environmentally friendly fishing practices.

    In this podcast I talk to Dr Jean-Luc Solandt, Principal Specialist in Marine Protected Areas at the Marine Conservation Society.

    Marine Conservation Society: https://www.mcsuk.org/

    Pictures courtesy of www.skytruth.org

    #BottomTrawling
    #FishingImpact
    #MarineConservation
    #SustainableFishing
    #ProtectOurSeas
    #OceanHealth
    #MarineBiodiversity
    #EcoFriendlyFishing
    #FisheriesManagement
    #EnvironmentalAwareness
    #SeabedDamage
    #SelectiveFishing
    #ConservationEfforts
    #MarineProtection
    #FishPopulationRecovery

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    95 percent of fish stocks in the North Sea have been depleted due to over-fishing and bottom trawling. Bottom trawling is a destructive fishing method that indiscriminately catches everything in its path, causing damage to the seabed and releasing carbon. Over the past 150 years, bottom trawling has depleted fish populations and harmed marine biodiversity. Efforts have been made to mitigate the impact of bottom trawling through the establishment of marine protected areas and the development of more selective fishing gear. However, the recovery of fish populations and the restoration of the seabed will take time. It is important for consumers to be informed about the fishing methods used and to support environmentally friendly fishing practices.

    In this podcast I talk to Dr Jean-Luc Solandt, Principal Specialist in Marine Protected Areas at the Marine Conservation Society.

    Marine Conservation Society: https://www.mcsuk.org/

    Pictures courtesy of www.skytruth.org

    #BottomTrawling
    #FishingImpact
    #MarineConservation
    #SustainableFishing
    #ProtectOurSeas
    #OceanHealth
    #MarineBiodiversity
    #EcoFriendlyFishing
    #FisheriesManagement
    #EnvironmentalAwareness
    #SeabedDamage
    #SelectiveFishing
    #ConservationEfforts
    #MarineProtection
    #FishPopulationRecovery


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    Jim Smith has sold one million children's books and his graphic novels inspire children all over the world who might otherwise not pick up a book. He won the Roald Dahl Funny Prize in 2013 for his second book “I am still not a Loser” and the second book in the spin-off series Future Ratboy won The Laugh Out Loud Children's Book Awards in 2017 for 6–8-year olds.

    In this World Book Day special, we discuss Jim's journey as an author, the inspiration for his characters and doodles, and the story behind his most famous creation Barry Loser. We ask why kids find Jim's book so funny - and Jim reveals his tips for aspiring graphic novelists.

    Jim explains how he got started designing the packaging for the coffeeshop chain Puccino Coffee. He's also the illustrator and designer behind the gift and card range, Waldo Pancake.

    Plus, there's a special guest appearance by one of Jim's greatest fans and a sneak peek at two new books which are out in a few months time.

    https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/jimsmith



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    The UK is in the middle of a chronic housing shortage. The government wants 300 thousand new homes built every year, but where should they go? Local authorities are under pressure and campaigners want to protect green spaces. How can we get the balance between the need for new homes and sustainability?

    Join me as I discuss these issues and more with Helen Marshall, director of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, Oxfordshire and Maxwell Marlow from the Adam Smith Institute whose new report suggests allowing homeowners to build up to eight storeys high will alleviate the housing shortage and benefit the economy.

    We explore the option of building on brownfield sites, land that has previously been developed. We talk about the role of solar. We look at the new report by the Adam Smith Institute: Cooped Up, quantifying the costs of housing restrictions. Should planning regulations be eased to encourage more building, or tightened up to protect the environment? Can we have more houses and still save our green spaces for future generations?

    This podcast is supported by Stretto Architects an award-winning, design-led architect studio based in Bristol. Stretto has a dedicated team specialising in environmentally sensitive urban regeneration and a commitment to supporting projects rooted in social good.

    Contributors:

    CPRE - Britain's Countryside Charity

    Adam Smith Institute



    #HousingCrisis#UrbanPlanning#Sustainability#GreenSpaces#BrownfieldSites#SolarPower#AdamSmithInstitute#HousingShortage#CampaignToProtectRuralEngland#StrettoArchitects#EnvironmentallySensitiveDesign#UrbanRegeneration#SocialGood#PlanningRegulations#NewHomes#BuildingDevelopment#EconomicImpact#CommunityDevelopment#FutureGenerations#UKHousing#Homeownership#AffordableHousing#HousingPolicy#GreenBuilding#SustainableDevelopment#EnvironmentalConservation#LandUse#HousingMarket#PolicyDebate#EconomicGrowth#ClimateAction#SustainableCities#CommunityEngagement#UrbanRenewal#GreenLiving#SmartCities#LandDevelopment#PublicPolicy



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    Imagine losing your child to a highly poisonous gas while he's asleep in his home. This is the heart-wrenching reality that our guests, Zane Gbangbola's parents, Kye Gbangbola and Nicole Lawler lived through. Listen as they walk us through the series of events that led to Zane's death. They tell of environmental negligence, unaccountable authorities, and a fight for justice fuelled by love. We shed light on the impact of widespread flooding in Surrey, the illegal landfill site neighbouring their home, and the tragic loss of seven-year-old Zane to hydrogen cyanide poisoning.

    How far would you go for the truth? That's the question Zane's parents pose as they campaign tirelessly for a public inquiry into their son's death. The Hillsborough law, a tool potentially aiding their fight, comes into our discussion as we navigate through their journey. With support from prominent politicians like Keir Starmer and Jeremy Corbyn, they're not just battling for justice for Zane, but raising awareness about secret landfill sites across the UK, hoping to prevent similar tragedies. This isn't just a conversation—it is a call to action, a wake-up call to the devastating effects of environmental hazards, and a plea for accountability.

    https://www.truthaboutzane.com/updates/zanes-law
    #TruthAboutZane
    #JusticeForZane
    #EnvironmentalJustice
    #CyanidePoisoningAwareness
    #FightForTruth
    #ParentalAdvocacy
    #HillsboroughLaw
    #EnvironmentalHazards
    #PreventTragedies
    #SecretLandfillSites
    #AccountabilityMatters
    #RaiseAwareness
    #PublicInquiry

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    Two years ago BBC sports reporter Chris Slegg was told the unexpected news that he needed a heart transplant within a year. He was only 41. Married, with two children, the news plunged him into a deep depression as he feared for the wellbeing of his children.
    https://www.doctors.net.uk/AngelaWalker
    I first worked with Chris and his wife about fifteen years at BBC London TV News. In an emotional interview, Chris shares his experience in living with the rare condition Ebstein’s Anomaly. He wants to draw attention to the disease - as well as encouraging other people with life-changing diagnoses to seek psychological support.

    We are also joined by Mina Arvanitopoulou, a clinical psychologist specialising in cardiology. Mina supported Chris as he struggled to come to terms with his illness.

    Last year, Chris had pioneering surgery, which has enabled him to avoid a transplant for now. In this podcast Chris paints a vivid picture of his journey, sharing his fear of revealing his heart-wrenching diagnosis to loved ones, the emotional rollercoaster that ensued, and the unexpected lessons he learned along the way.

    Mina shines a light on the importance of self-compassion, the power of vulnerability and the potential for post-traumatic growth.

    Join me as I talk to two inspirational guests and discuss the under-reported issue of Ebstein's Anomaly.

    This episode is kindly sponsored by Doctors net uk. With over 250,000 members, Doctors net uk is the UK’s largest professional network of GMC-verified doctors. They are a community that enables you to make connections, find support and improve your clinical knowledge and practice, all in one place. Join your colleagues today.

    https://www.doctors.net.uk/AngelaWalker

    As well as a being a sports reporter, Chris is a published author.

    A History of the Women's FA Cup Final
    https://tinyurl.com/282v6hz9

    "The Team That Dared To Do: Tottenham 1994/95"
    https://tinyurl.com/53appnjc

    https://www.angelawalkerreports.com/


    #HeartTransplant
    #EbsteinsAnomaly
    #RareCondition
    #HealthJourney
    #LifeChangingDiagnosis
    #MentalHealth
    #Vulnerability
    #SelfCompassion
    #PostTraumaticGrowth
    #MedicalMiracle
    #BBCSports
    #Inspiration
    #Cardiology
    #Surgery
    #Podcast
    #Healthcare
    #HeartHealth
    #MedicalBreakthrough
    #EmotionalJourney
    #SupportSystem
    #HealthcareHeroes
    #PatientStories
    #CardiologyCare
    #MedicalJourney
    #LifeLessons
    #MentalWellness
    #HealthAwareness
    #InspirationalTalk
    #LivingWithIllness
    #RareDiseaseAwareness
    #SharingIsCaring
    #MedicalSupport
    #BBCReporter
    #HeartDisease
    #PodcastInterview
    #HealthTalk
    #Empowerment
    #Wellbeing
    #HealthPodcast
    #ChronicIllness

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    Every time untreated sewage is dumped in our rivers millions of microplastic particles also make their way into the water. When these discharges take place during low river flows, the microplastics settle on the riverbed, coated in a cocktail of chemicals and pathogens. These particles can be mistaken for food by hungry fish, thereby threatening fish populations and the wider river ecosystem.

    Professor Jamie Woodward from The University of Manchester has been investigating just how deep this problem runs. It was his team's research that revealed the River Tame in Greater Manchester has the highest concentration of channel bed microscopic particles ever recorded.

    Professor Woodward's research showed more than just the level of contamination. It revealed that the only way such high levels of microplastics could be found on the river bed was through the dumping of untreated wastewater outside of permitted conditions - that's because conventional sewage treatment is very effective at removing the microplastic particles from wastewater. Water companies dispute his findings, although he is world-renowned as a physical geographer with expertise in river catchment systems and his microplastic research has been published in Nature journals where peer review and editorial scrutiny are of the highest order. Two years after the publication of this work the water companies have not come up with a better explanation for these microplastic data.

    DEFRA and United Utilities were invited to join us on this podcast to discuss the issue of microplastics, but both declined. You can hear their statements.

    Professor Woodward asserts that untreated wastewater must be being discharged into rivers during low flows and dry weather. This is not permitted and should only happen in "exceptional circumstances". The implications of his work on microplastics are in good agreement with other independent studies of water company behaviour that have identified dry weather spilling of wastewater as widespread.

    As we delve deeper into this pressing environmental crisis, we tackle the UK's consideration of a wet wipe ban and explore potential strategies to staunch the flow of microplastics at source. Professor Woodward's innovative sampling methods are put under the spotlight, and we grapple with the troubling role of microbeads from personal care products and industrial processes in contributing to microplastic pollution. We're not just here to expose the problem - join us as we champion the noble cause of cleaner rivers and consider practical solutions to this urgent issue. Tune in to this eye-opening discussion for an insight into the silent threat lurking in our waterways and how we can fight back.

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    EXCLUSIVE. Government commits to reviewing new evidence in Primodos scandal for first time.

    Families who believe miscarriages and devastating birth defects were caused by the NHS-prescribed pregnancy test Primados say it's a fantastic positive that the British government has told this programme it is "committed to reviewing all new evidence on hormone pregnancy tests and adverse effects in pregnancy."

    The Government and pharmaceutical company Bayer have been accused of bullying the campaigners into silence, by threatening that, unless they commit to never making another claim, they will have to pay the legal bills of the lawyers used to block their joint action.

    Marie Lyons took the oral hormone pregnancy test in 1970. Her daughter was born with a badly deformed arm. But the potential risks of the damage to unborn babies had been raised by medical professionals years earlier.

    In our enlightening talk with Marie, an advocate from the Association for Children Damaged by Oral Hormone Pregnancy Tests, we trace the timeline of events that began with the introduction of Primados in 1958. We hear Marie's poignant recollections of her daughter Sarah's struggles during her schooling years and in relationships due to her disability.

    Marie discusses the Association's High Court battle and how the Government and Bayer filled the court with teams of legal experts, dwarfing their representation.
    Fifty years since she started her campaign for justice, Marie remains determined to uncover new evidence to prove her case. We hear statements from the Department of Health and Social Care and Bayer who maintain their denial of any link between HPTS and foetal harm. They were invited to take part in the discussion but declined.

    In the final segment of our talk with Marie, we expose the devastating consequences of the drug company's decision to unlawfully distribute the drug in nations where abortion is illegal. Hear Marie's fears for her daughter's future health, the distressing tales of other association members, and the complexities of estimating the number of people affected. As we ponder the heated debate in Parliament and Theresa May's actions post-reading the expert working group's report, Marie stresses the need for an independent review of the MHRA and funding for an independent review of synthetic hormones. Her message is clear and uncompromising: the quest for justice and safety in healthcare is a fight that's far from over.

    https://primodos.org/

    #Primados
    #NHSprescribedpregnancytest
    #Hormonepregnancytests
    #Pregnancytestcontroversy
    #MarieLyons
    #AssociationforChildrenDamagedbyOralHormonePregnancyTests
    #Primadoshistory
    #Primadoscampaign
    #NHSandPrimados
    #Bayerpharmaceuticalcompany
    #Legalbattle
    #DepartmentofHealthandSocialCare
    #Foetalharm
    #MHRA (MedicinesandHealthcareproductsRegulatoryAgency)
    #Synthetichormones
    #Healthcaresafety
    #AbortionandPrimados
    #Expertworkinggroupreport
    #TheresaMay
    #MarieLyonsStory
    #PrimadosControversy
    #PregnancyTestScandal
    #HealthcareInjustice
    #PatientAdvocacy
    #MedicalNegligence
    #PharmaceuticalScandals
    #BirthDefects
    #LegalChallenges
    #HealthcareTransparency
    #MedicalRegulation
    #GovernmentAccountability
    #PatientRights
    #FoetalDevelopment
    #HealthcareEthics
    #HealthcareAdvocacy
    #Women'sHealth
    #MedicalResearch
    #PatientSafety
    #MedicalControversies#Justiceinhealthcare





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    Are you ready to unravel the complex world of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)? This in-depth discussion with Sarah Hamilton from Ehlers-Danlos Support UK is set to provide an enlightening perspective on this rare connective tissue disorder that affects roughly one in 500 people. From offering a closer look at the myriad of symptoms to unravelling the challenges in securing an accurate diagnosis, this comprehensive dialogue is designed to shed light on the often overlooked serious consequences of EDS.

    As we delve further into the societal impact of EDS, one cannot ignore the inadequate government response to the healthcare needs of those affected. The narrative of EDS going undiagnosed due to scarce resources, lack of education, and a lackluster government response is sadly all too common. Yet, as Sarah and I explore, it's not just about joint issues; many individuals experience more debilitating symptoms and are left without adequate support.

    Beyond the academic discourse, our conversation takes a pragmatic turn as we discuss self-management strategies and workplace accommodations for chronic illness. Sarah lends valuable insights on the importance of self-advocacy, pacing, and advocating for reasonable adjustments at work. We also examine the potential impact of initiatives like the red seeds framework, the major conditions strategy, and MSK services. If EDS affects you or someone you care about, this conversation is a treasure trove of insights, strategies and hope. Tune in, learn and lend your voice to the conversation.

    https://www.ehlers-danlos.org/

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    Imagine receiving the life-altering news that your child has been diagnosed with a serious illness and then losing your job when you take time away to look after them.

    Christina Harris has lost her job of 19 years because she is looking after her daughter Skye who has been diagnosed with leukaemia. Christina courageously shares her struggles of balancing the care of her critically ill daughter with the fear of financial insecurity.

    Christina tells us about her petition, demanding the government makes it a parental right to take a career break for families grappling with serious childhood illnesses. Garnering over 80,000 signatures, Christina's fight has drawn significant attention but still lacks solid governmental backing. Is it too much to ask that parents' jobs be held open for them until they can return to work?

    https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/638449

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    Have you ever wondered what it takes to swim the English Channel solo? Meet Laura Reineke, a fearless woman, fresh from the challenge. She shares her riveting 15-hour journey, fighting harsh weather, jellyfish and huge tankers, all while maintaining a laser-like focus and determination. Laura's monumental feat wasn't just a personal triumph, but a clarion call to address the pressing issue of water pollution. Laura tells us how her work campaigning for clean water as one of the Henley Mermaids swimmers has taken her across the country as she stands alongside the likes of Feargal Sharkey and Steve Backshall demanding water companies are held to account. Her story is a testament to the unbeatable human spirit and the power of single-minded resolve. She's a staunch crusader against sewage pollution in the Thames and advocates for robust sewage treatment systems. She's also a believer in music for all, and founder of the charity Henley Music School, but the school is struggling financially. Without additional funds it won't be able to carry on and hundreds of people in Henley who benefit from subsidised lessons,including hundreds of children and people with additional needs will lose out .

    #SwimmingChallenge #EnvironmentalActivism #CleanWater #WaterPollution #ThamesRiver #SewagePollution #CharityWork #Fundraising #HenleyMusicSchool #HumanSpirit #Inspiration #Determination #SingleMindedResolve #Activism #CommunitySupport #ChannelSwim #OpenWaterSwimming #SwimmingAchievement #WaterAdvocacy #EnvironmentalAwareness #SustainableLiving #ActivistLife #CommunityEngagement #WaterQuality #HenleyMermaids #CampaignForChange #SupportLocalCharities #MusicEducation #HenleyCommunity #CleanThames


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    More than half of mothers have experienced physical or psychological birth trauma leading them less likely to have more children because of their experience of maternity care. That's according to a study by Mumsnet instigated by Conservative MP Theo Clarke. She has founded an all-party parliamentary group on birth trauma to advocate for change following her own harrowing experience during childbirth, where she faced a third-degree tear and emergency surgery.

    In this episode I sit down with a courageous couple, Angelisa and Veneline Nikolov, who openly share their emotional journey through birth trauma. We also engage in a compelling discussion with Kim Thomas from the Birth Trauma Association, and I share my own experiences of birth trauma including a complication called shoulder dystocia which left me and my newborn with serious injuries.

    We delve into the profound impact of childbirth trauma on women's mental health, exploring the flashbacks, physical and mental injuries, guilt, and isolation that can follow. Angelisa and Veneline's candid stories emphasize the critical need for empathy and support for those who have experienced birth trauma.

    We talk about the attitude of health care workers and our feeling of failure after our traumatic births -and what can be done to help people who suffer from birth trauma and how the system can be improved.

    Tune in as we explore these crucial issues and call for a more compassionate approach to childbirth and improved maternity care for all women.



    #BirthTrauma#MaternityCare#EmpathyInHealthcare#MentalHealth#SupportForMothers#ChildbirthJourney#AdvocacyForChange#BirthTraumaAwareness#CompassionateCare#MaternalMentalHealth#ParentingJourney#MotherhoodMatters#NewParents#FamilySupport#WomenEmpowerment#HealthcareAdvocacy#BirthStories#EmpoweringMothers#MaternalSupport#MaternityRights#MaternalWellbeing#HealthcareReform#MaternityExperience#SharingStories#AwarenessMatters

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    Meat reared overseas using practises that would be illegal in the UK is being sold alongside British meat to unwitting consumers.

    Jacob Rees Mogg, North East Somerset Conservative MP has called for the UK to import 'hormone-injected beef' from Australia and the scrapping of import tariffs on food to open up trade. He said: "I want cheaper food. I want hormone-injected beef from Australia. I've eaten beef in Australia, it's delicious. There's nothing wrong with it."

    Ben Gibbons from the National Farmers Union says trade deals are threatening the UK's farming industry by opening up the market to unfair competition and poor quality imports produced to lower environmental standards.

    Fourth-generation farmer Anna Longthorpe says misleading food labels are undermining British farming and she wants the government to act.


    They are calling for clear, accurate, and simple labels, specifically advocating for a prominent country of origin display.

    ASDA, Tesco, Defra and the Competitions Authority declined to join us for our discussion.

    We explore the idea that consumers are more likely to buy products clearly labelled as British, shedding light on the potential impact of food security on the nation's agricultural production. We scrutinize the government's approach to foreign trade deals and their impact on food security, we also discuss initiatives like 'Back British Farming Day'.

    Finally, we delve into the challenge of ensuring that British products are accessible to all budget shoppers, emphasizing on pushing for policies that support sustainable farmers and supply chains. Tune in to gain insights into these pressing issues and more!


    #farm #farming #farmers #womenfarmers #britishfarming #pork #beef #meat #foreignimports #batterychickens #industrialfarming #animalwelfare #misleadinglabelling #asda #tesco #lidl #defra #lowerwelfarestandards #buy british #bestofbritish #supermarketsmisleadingconsumers #newzealandlamb #highwelfareproduce #outsidereared #unfaircompetition #tradedeals #brexit #FoodTransparency #ConsumerRights #FarmToTable #EthicalFarming #LocalProduce #QualityControl #Sustainability #EnvironmentalImpact #BuyBritish #TradePolicy #EconomicImpact #SupportFarmers #FairMarket #ImportRegulations #FoodPolicy #FoodSecurity #BritishFarming #FoodLabels #TradeDeals #Agriculture #FoodSafety #SustainableFarming #ConsumerAwareness #BackBritishFarming #EnvironmentalStandards #FarmersUnion #UKAgriculture #FairTrade #SupplyChain #FoodQuality



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    Why do we never talk about involuntary male childlessness? A quarter of men do not have children and for many of them this is not through choice. Join me as I sit down with my guest, Dr. Robin Hadley, academic and author of 'How is a Man Supposed to be a Man?'. We explore male childlessness, the stereotypes that often stifle men's discussions about their yearning for parenthood and their struggles with fertility. With Dr. Hadley's expert insight, we navigate the emotional labyrinth faced by these men and tackle the societal norms that equate virility with fatherhood.

    As our conversation unfolds, we turn the spotlight on the evolving perceptions of fatherhood. We delve into the pressures men face when considering paternity leave and the repercussions of the gig economy on their decision. We take a closer look at grandparenthood and its function as a social bridge for children in the absence of their parents. Moreover, we bring into focus the harsh reality of older adults without a support network or children to care for them and the uphill battle they face in society.

    Finally, we discuss - the profound psychological impact of male infertility. We rip apart societal misconceptions that exacerbate the stigmas around male childlessness and infertility. Dr. Hadley emphasizes the critical need for therapy and the establishment of safe spaces for men to express their vulnerability. So, tune in as we break barriers, challenge conventional wisdom, and underscore the significance of understanding and empathising with the emotional challenges encountered by childless men.


    #MaleChildlessnes #Infertility #ParenthoodStruggles #DrRobinHadley #FatherhoodPerceptions #EmotionalChallenges #MensHealth #Stereotypes #SupportNetworks #TherapyForMen #InvoluntaryChildlessness #FertilityJourney #PaternityLeave #GigEconomyImpact #Grandparenthood #SupportingChildlessMen #SocialNorms #MentalHealthMatters #BreakingStigmas #SafeSpacesForMen #UnderstandingEmotions #ChallengingSocietalExpectations #MaleInfertility #EmpathyMatters #MenTalkParenthood #bbc #bbcnews #gmb #skynews #worldchildlessweek #babies









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