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self-advocacy
Podcast provides a platform for us

All manner of topics are covered in podcasts created by Another was supporting Heidi Crowter
self-advocates and, whatever someone’s skills are, they have a and Máire Lea-Wilson to get equality in
abortion law about Down syndrome. This
role in making them, say Hanna Bennett and Catrina Farnell campaign was not about whether abortions
are right or wrong. We firmly believe
everyone deserves equal rights and equal
ne of the few podcasts by people they can learn new skills and have fun opportunities and that extends to inside the
with learning disabilities is run by while making a professional podcast. womb. It is about the inequality in the law.
OPeople First Keighley and Craven. People First Keighley and Craven, based Our members Tracey Line and Daniel
The People First Podcast, launched in near Bradford, has around 30 members Jones travelled to London with two staff
June 2021, is one way in which we who come into the office each week. In members to attend the proceedings at the
advocate. We have created more than 20 total, around 300 people attend our social Royal Courts of Justice.
podcasts, each up to 30 minutes long. events throughout the year. The way we see it is that, while it would
A podcast is like a radio show but you Our group was formed in 2004 and, be far easier to look away, nothing would
listen whenever and wherever you want, although there are many People First change. The message this law sends to our
on your phone, TV, computer, in a car or organisations around the country – all disabled community is that our lives are
on a smart speaker. Anyone can make a affiliated to national People First in worth less than those without a disability.
podcast and get it online, so they have London – we all operate independently.
become a popular way for people to We are a self-advocacy group run by and
communicate with the world. for adults with learning disabilities, We have interviewed social
We can talk about whatever we like in representing ourselves and speaking out workers, politicians, doctors,
our episodes, and we discuss issues that on behalf of others people with disabilities.
matter to us and our members. We believe we can support each other to nurses, cybersecurity experts,
People from all walks of life, lead fulfilling lives with dignity and respect. wrestlers, entertainers, artists,
backgrounds and professions are hosted.
Those interviewed include politicians, It doesn’t stop there authors and more
social workers, doctors, nurses, The podcast is just one of many projects
cybersecurity experts, wrestlers, that our members can get involved with.
entertainers, artists, authors and more. Our work includes running craft and We run regular week-long residential
We want to learn from our guests’ gardening groups, campaigning, educational retreats offering everything
experiences and share our experiences promoting healthy living, organising social from healthy recipes and cooking skills to
with them so listeners can be informed nights, offering training and peer support inclusive exercise. There are also regular
and entertained. and a cookery school, and we will soon be healthy cooking courses in the cafe below
Eight of our members work on the opening a community cafe. our office where members learn food
project, alongside one staff member, Our in-house campaigning and admin preparation, hygiene and service skills that
although the whole office team support the teams are always busy. Recently, we contribute to life skills and employability.
podcast and feature regularly in episodes. organised Covid booster drop-in We ask a lot from our members because
There are many ways our members can information sessions and an event they are capable of incredible things.
be involved. Some favour the technical highlighting the work of community Sadly, however, society doesn’t always
side and like to use the equipment in the pharmacies, so people can better manage recognise the ability in disability.
podcast studio and the computers in the their health, as well as an event, Dying Our mission statement is for people to
office. Some like to interview guests, while Matters, which focused on getting people aim high and aspire to have the
others promote the shows on social media. talking about grief and bereavement. autonomy, self-confidence and self-belief
We always want to recruit new Recent campaigns include successfully to create both the life they want and a
members to the team, and we are challenging our local council and MP to society that recognises people’s value.
confident that whatever someone’s skills stop taxis overcharging customers who So the podcast is another platform to
and abilities, there is a role for them and use a wheelchair. raise awareness about the issues that
affect people with learning disabilities in
Our voices out our community and all over the world.
there: podcasting This is like having a stage where we can
allows the team to speak out and get our voices heard.
raise local and We believe that, just as one flame can
global issues light an infinite number of candles, one
People First Keighley and Craven l The People First Podcast is on Spotify,
advocate can change the world. n
Apple Podcasts and other platforms

Hanna Bennett is chief officer and Catrina
Farnell is team leader at People First
Keighley and Craven

www.cl-initiatives.co.uk Community Living Vol 36 No 1 | Autumn 2022 21