On this episode: Living with Cerebral Palsy

We speak to Charlotte Evans, who is part of the Service Users Group (SUC’s) on her experiences with living with Cerebral Palsy. Charlotte shares her key challenges, strengths and aims to provide education about Cerebral Palsy.

Charlotte bravely shares some of the negative experiences she has had, but says how these shape how education and awareness are a vital consideration for a disability that is not as well recognised. 

I explore with Charlotte the challenges surrounding diagnosis, treatment and options for the transition from paediatric services to adult, as well as how Charlotte navigated the system.

“Yes it’s a bit rubbish, but there’s always going to be upsides. So take the upsides”  

Web links from the show:  

Service User and Carer Team

Service User and Carer Team  

Learn about the teams function within the University, and information to join this group if you feel inspired by the mini-series Podcasts!    

UP Movement – The Adult Cerebral Palsy Movement        
A movement that is working for the community voice to be heard.     
 Cerebral Palsy Manifesto – aid the communities voice to be heard and to move the message up the political agenda.   
Raise awareness, education and build a community.  

Cerebral Palsy in Adults (NICE guidelines NG119, 2019) 
Newer guidelines to promote participation and support independent living.
Transition from paediatric services to adult services at the age of 25.  

Adult Cerebral Palsy and Neuro disability Service – University College London Hospitals    Specialised adult Cerebral Palsy clinic in London.  

Cerebral Palsy Post Impairment Syndrome 
A condition characterised by pain, muscle weakness and fatigue due to bone and muscle abnormalities, overuse and arthritis.
This condition is related to Cerebral Palsy.

Wellbeing/Mental Health Support Contacts:
If you are a student or staff member at Staffordshire University and have been affected by any of the topics that have been discussed in this podcast, don’t struggle alone, Staffordshire University are here to help…

Contact Wellbeing Support on 01782 294976 or by emailing studentwellbeing@staffs.ac.uk.


For external listeners, mental health crisis lines and suicide prevention contacts can be found below. Please reach out if you feel you need to!

NHS Mental Health Services - https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/where-to-get-urgent-help-for-mental-health/

Mind Support and Services - https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/seeking-help-for-a-mental-health-problem/where-to-start/

Samaritans Contact - https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/  


Upcoming Podcasts: Death within other cultures, human factors, Holistic therapies and we take a LIVE guided meditation with our personal reflections afterwards.    

Previous Podcasts: Race, Transgender, Neurodiversity, Impacts of trauma, Mature student experiences, Transition from student to healthcare professional, and also specialised areas such as mental health and organ transplant teams.  

Want to get involved? Are you a student? Member of staff? A Healthcare worker?
Do you have a topic you would like to share?
Get in touch! Let’s Pod!  
Contact The Link podcast team: 

Contact The Link podcast team: 

@TheLinkPodcast on X (formally Twitter) 

Ben W-H:
@benw_h on X (formally Twitter) 
 ben.woodrow-hirst@staffs.ac.uk 


Kirsty Egan:
@KirstyODP on X
e008085c@student.staffs.ac.uk 
 
Hosted by: Ben Woodrow-Hirst 
Produced & Edited by: Ben Woodrow-Hirst & Kirsty Egan 
Artwork: Shaun Kelly 
Theme Music: Gavin Samways