Ep. 18 Our Altered Life: Charlie Beswick

Welcome to ‘This Is The North’ Podcast, your source of transformative conversations. An intentional challenge to the systems holding back the North of England. Hosted by Alison Dunn, an award-winning charity chief executive and former solicitor. This podcast is supported by Society Matters Community Interest Company and is dedicated to curating and sharing knowledge, powering the change we need for a more equal and inclusive society.

In this deeply moving episode, Alison sits down with Charlie Beswick, a passionate advocate for parent carers and the author of Our Altered Life. Charlie opens up about her emotional journey raising her twin boys, particularly Harry, who was born with Goldenhar syndrome and later diagnosed with autism. The conversation dives into the complexities of parenting a child with special needs, the impact on family dynamics, and the societal judgments they often face. Charlie also shares her professional evolution from teaching to advocacy, focusing on educating employers about the unique skills and needs of parent carers. This episode offers powerful insights into the emotional and practical realities of raising a child with special needs, highlighting resilience, community support, and enduring hope.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to This Is The North Podcast

00:32 Meet Charlie Beswick: Advocate and Author

01:35 From Pregnancy to Diagnosis: Charlie's Journey

02:46 Navigating Emotional Struggles and Family Dynamics

05:22 The Highs and Lows of Parenting a Child with Special Needs

12:57 Confronting Public Perception and Advancing Advocacy

18:55 Charlie's Professional Transition and Advocacy Work

23:16 Building Support Systems and Embracing Personal Growth

33:22 Advice for Carers and Final Reflections

Reflecting on this conversation, it's evident that Charlie’s strength and resilience are not only inspiring but also a powerful call to action. Her story shines a light on the unseen challenges faced by parent carers, urging us all to rethink how society supports and values these remarkable families. This episode is a testament to the transformative power of empathy and the urgent need for systemic change to build a world where every individual, regardless of circumstance, can flourish. Charlie's journey through grief and anger, challenges and triumphs, loss and acceptance, ultimately leads to a place of profound love for the life she shares with her two beautiful children—children she wouldn’t change for the world.

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Alison Dunn (Host)

Charlie Beswick (Guest)

Peter Bell (Producer)

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