Hidden Voices Healthwatch Essex

In this episode, we talk to our latest Trauma Ambassador Valerie about her personal experience of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM) as a teenager. Valerie is now the founder of an anti-FGM organisation Women of Grace to support other women and girls going through gender based violence. Valerie explains the different types of FGM people can experience, discusses some of the reasons why the practice happens and shares the ongoing impact of FGM on her life.



Please note this episode contains detailed descriptions of female genital mutilation, discusses other gender based violence and mentions miscarriages.

For our contact details and further support, visit our website - https://healthwatchessex.org.uk/speak-to-our-team/

For Women of Grace, visit https://www.womenofgrace.org.uk/

In this episode we talk to Darren Couchman, a testicular cancer survivor. Darren shares his experiences of losing both his parents to cancer at a young age and then being diagnosed with cancer himself at just 27. He talks about some of his incredible awareness campaigns including his Testicle Tour and going on This Morning.



More information on testicular and ovarian cancers can be found at https://www.therobincancertrust.org/.





Please note this episode contains swearing.

In this episode our Research Officer, Lorna, chats with Georgia whose son, Reuben was diagnosed with Prader-Willi syndrome shortly after birth. Georgia shares her experience of finding out that Reuben had the rare genetic condition and how life has been since diagnosis.  In the podcast, Georgia explains more about the condition as well as describing the incredible joy Reuben brings and her hopes for his future.  

In this episode, we talk to Shawn, who has had negative experiences with his mental health in the past and is a member of our Fellas' Forum. Shawn shares his story with us, including how his mental health impacted his life, the support he received as a result of his mental health and what he is doing now to help others improve their mental wellbeing.

In this episode we talk to Sophie, who is one of our Young Mental Health Ambassadors, about the topic of body image. Sophie shares how her view of her body image is shaped by her chronic illnesses/disabilities. We talk about the impact social media and celebrities have on how we feel about our bodies, as well as the people we surround ourselves with in real life. 

For our last episode of the year, we wanted to take a look back over series one and remember some of the funny moments as well as some of the serious moments.

Thank you for joining us in 2022, we'll be back in January with series two. If you have an idea for a topic for us to cover, get in touch by emailing enquiries@healthwatchessex.org.uk.

We hope you have a lovely festive season! 



Trigger warning - the later section of the podcast features discussions around addiction and baby loss.