FocusAF
Our podcast aims to provide listeners with information on current topics, in an informal conversational format. Each episode will be dedicated to raising awareness and understanding of mental health and the impact it has in our communities, as well as exploring different areas of advocacy from lived-experience and professional lenses. Hosted by Carolina de Almeida.
Episodes
23 episodes
Breaking the Stigma of Debt and Embracing Financial Wellness with Dawn Sheedy
In this episode, we’re joined by Dawn Sheedy, a fully qualified financial advisor and passionate advocate for financial wellness. As the founder of Dawn Sheedy Financial Management,...
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Season 3
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Episode 4
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30:16
Health Coaching with Amanda Robinson
We talk with Amanda Robinson, an award winning health and well-being coach and founder of Health Steps. Amanda shares what it’s like to work with a health coach and how they can help people feel better at work and in life.We also chat a...
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Season 3
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Episode 3
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41:32
The role of a Spot Purchase Advocate with Leanne Barber
Our Spot Purchase Advocates are skilled and help people through their health and social care journey. They work in different areas of advocacy to provide the right support when it's needed. In our latest episode of FocusAF, we talk ...
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Season 3
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Episode 2
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19:24
Meet our new host
Meet Jody, the new host of FocusAF!Jody is part of our Community Focus team and served 16 years in the Royal Navy, 18 years in dentistry, and is passionate about helping others and advocating for her two sons. Have a listen t...
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Season 3
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Episode 1
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22:32
Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney, with Kirsten Marshall from Wills on Wheels
It's Free Wills Month and we're joined by Kirsten Marshall from Wills on Wheels to discuss all things Wills and Lasting Powders of Attorney (LPAs)!Kirsten talks us through what Wills and LPAs are, who needs to consider creating these do...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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22:50
The power of self-advocacy, with Darren Hayward and Ashley Mee
In this episode we interview Darren Hayward, experienced self-advocate, and discuss all things self-advocacy including his extensive voluntary work supporting Trafford Council to improve services for autistic people and those with learning disa...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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24:06
What happens after a car collision, with Karen Blair from Aftermath Support
Trigger warning: This episode discusses death, car collisions, and serious injury.In this episode we welcome Karen Blair, Chief Executive Officer of Aftermath Support a Northwest charity supporting victims of car collisions.We d...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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27:47
Workplace Wellbeing, with Dan Murphy from TVS Supply Chain Solutions
In this episode we are joined by Daniel Murphy, from TVS Supply Chain Solutions a multi-national logistics company, to discuss workplace wellbeing. We talk about TVS' journey in this space and share ideas of what you may want to try in your own...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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20:23
Court of Protection Case Studies - with Megan Taylor and Leanne Barber
FocusAF series 2 is here!Listen to the first episode of the new series, ‘Court of Protection’ with host Carolina de Almeida, joined by Megan Taylor from Stephensons Solicitors and Leanne Barber from Advocacy Focus, to discuss two Court o...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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46:19
A day in the life of an Independent Advocate - with Independent Advocate Racheal Hall
In this episode, we take you along to Racheal's visits and give you an insight into what a day in the life of an advocate can look like. We go from our office to a mental health ward, care homes, and supported living homes. Listen to find out m...
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Season 1
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21:26
Leading a charity - with Justine Forster, Advocacy Focus' CEO
Get ready to learn about the biggest challenges of leading a charity. Find out what it is really like to be a charity CEO and find out how you can make a difference in YOUR community.You can connect with Justine on LinkedIn here: https:...
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Season 1
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39:40
Mark's Story - Relevant Person's Representative Advocacy with Leanne Barber
Mark was unhappy, living in a care home far from his family and subject to a high level of restrictions to his day-to-day life. Leanne, one of our Advocacy Managers, talks us through how she supported Mark to move closer to family and regain co...
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Season 1
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21:54
James' Story - Child Protection Advocacy with Charlotte Murphy
In this episode, we are joined by our very own Charlotte Murphy, an Independent Advocate at Advocacy Focus. We talk about James' story and his experience through the Child Protection processes, and how we supported him through multiple changes ...
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Season 1
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20:50
Financial Wellbeing - with Diane Broadhead from Haworths Financial Services
Diane and I got together to chat about money! Taboo-no-more, we talk about debt, savings, and financial goals with some top tips on how you can begin your journey to financial wellbeing.You can find Diane on LinkedIn here: https://www.l...
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Season 1
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40:12
Therapy is Self-Care - with Shelley Perry from Flourish Therapy Clinic
In this episode, Shelley and I discuss the different therapy services available at Flourish, the benefits of therapy, and the work we still need to do to challenge mental health stigma. We have a candid conversation about our own experiences of...
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Season 1
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56:59
Mental Health of Marginalised Communities - with Dorcas Onabanjo
In this episode, mental health advocate Dorcas Onabanjo joins us to discuss how marginalised communities are impacted by poor mental health, the difficulties some may face when accessing support, and what we can do to create more supportive com...
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Season 1
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54:10
LBGTQ+ Inclusive Workplaces - with Dr Lewis Turner
Dr Lewis Turner, CEO of Lancashire LGBT, joined us for a conversation about all things inclusivity at work. We talk about the support Lancashire LGBT offers to the people of Lancashire, and how employers can make their organisations more ...
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Season 1
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32:57
What makes a good advocate - with Kate Mercer
In this episode we are joined by Kate Mercer, owner of Blackbelt Advocacy to talk about the six types of Independent Advocates.You will meet ‘The Silent Resistor’, ‘The Radical Aggressor’, ‘The Rescuer’, ‘The Helper’, ‘The Make Your Own...
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Season 1
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35:05
Court of Protection and Advocacy - with Megan Taylor and Leanne Barber
In this episode, we are joined by Megan Taylor from Stephensons Solicitors and Leanne Barber from Advocacy Focus to talk about what the Court of Protection (CoP) is, what cases it hears, and the Advocate's role in such cases.To find out...
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Season 1
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21:56
Children's Mental Health with Jennifer Chesworth from Be Happy Resources
Jennifer Chesworth from Be Happy Resources joins us to discuss children's mental health. We talk about how early poor mental health can develop in children, some common misconceptions, and what preventative actions we can take.Post-reco...
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Season 1
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26:22
Mental Health & Tech with Mark Edwards - Seriun
Mark Edwards from Seriun joins us to discuss mental health and technology. The positives, negatives and tips on how you can use technology to better improve your mental health at work. You can find out more about Seriun here:
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Season 1
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35:22
