Join me on an emotional and insightful journey as we explore the transition from creating humorous TikTok videos to becoming an advocate for mental health. In this episode, Rachel shares their personal story of coping with the loss of their mum seven years ago and the recent diagnosis of OCD. Discover how social media became a platform for serious discussions about grief, self-care, and mental health support.

From the struggles of finding the right therapist to understanding the impact of social media on well-being, we dive deep into what it means to be kind to oneself. Rachel shares her inspiring story of resilience, this episode offers valuable insights and a sense of solidarity for anyone facing mental health challenges or looking to support others.

Find out more about Rachel here: Rachel Kitcat | Instagram, TikTok | Linktree

In this powerful and emotive episode of our podcast, we sit down with an inspiring advocate for disability rights who began her journey at Leeds Uni in 2016. With the evolution of her blog into a force for societal transformation, she challenges us to rethink our perceptions of disability. Join us as we delve into topics such as Down Syndrome Day, the personal impact of living with a disability, and the complex dynamics of social media interaction.

My guest candidly shares the emotional toll that comes with her lived experience, emphasizing the need for empathy and allyship in the fight against ableism. We discuss the critical role of support systems and celebrate the contributions of disabled people in all aspects of society.

Listen to personal stories, laugh with us, and be part of the conversation as we explore how to make the world more inclusive for everyone.

Don't forget to connect with us on social media for more engaging and meaningful content.

Chapters:
00:06 - Advocating for Disability Rights and Visibility
13:12 - Navigating Challenges of Disability Awareness
17:58 - Challenging Ableism and Empathy
25:27 - Lackluster Conclusion and Social Media Promotion

Key Quotes:
"I'm a very emotional person and when I'm out and about, I'm very observant and I can see how people see me and I can see that they're not seeing me the way that I am."
- Advocating for Disability Rights and Visibility

"I break bones regularly. That's what I do. So when people ask me like what's the beginning, like how it all started, first of all, I don't know, because I was a baby and no one remembers that."
- Navigating Challenges of Disability Awareness

"Don't be scared to get it wrong... Try, have the conversation, ask. Ask about access requirements, just like you would about dietary requirements. Make it a normal conversation and it will become a normal conversation."
- Challenging Ableism and Empathy

Connect with Gem:
- Follow our guest on social media: Gem Turner (@gem_turner)
- Visit her website: www.gemturner.com


Join our podcast community for more discussions that inspire change and foster understanding.

Thank you for listening and remember to subscribe for more episodes that shine a light on important social issues.

In this episode, Pete's Ascent Beyond Boundaries in Para climbing, where we delve into the extraordinary journey of Pete, an athlete with cerebral palsy who defies all odds in the competitive world of climbing.

Pete's story is not just about scaling physical walls but also about overcoming societal attitudes and financial challenges that athletes with disabilities often face. From his early days finding a sense of belonging in the Sheffield University climbing club to his current endeavours on the GB team, Pete exemplifies determination and resilience. 💪

In this episode, we explore:
- The transformation in perspectives towards disabilities and the power of community support.
- The significant funding obstacles para-athletes face and how we can contribute to their success.
- Pete's personal experiences with ableism, prejudice, and the ongoing battle for better representation in para-sports.

We invite you to be part of this conversation and call to action. Support Pete and para-athletes like him by engaging with their stories and helping to provide the financial backing they crucially need. Your engagement can make a real difference in fostering the growth of this inclusive sporting community.

Don't miss out on this eye-opening discussion. Tune in, be inspired, and help champion the change for athletes with disabilities. Let's climb these mountains together!

Chapters:
(0:00:06) - Challenges and Perspectives on Disability (14 Minutes)
(0:14:32) - Funding Challenges in Climbing Community (1 Minute)

Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our channel for more content that moves and motivates. Drop a comment below to show your support for Pete and para-athletes worldwide. Together, we can push beyond limits and celebrate the victories of all athletes. #ParaAthlete #InclusiveSport #motivationalvideos