The Backstory

Citizens' Advice https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/

Samaritans Call free anytime: 116 123 (UK)

You can support us with likes, shares and reviews.

Music credits:

Main theme:

Title: Nancy

Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)

Source: www.gosoundtrack.com

License: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Incidental music:

Title: Thunderbird

Author: Kevin MacLeod

Source: incompetech.com

Licensed under Creative Commons by Attribution 3.0 Licence

Title: Late Answer

Composer: Indigo Days

Source: Epidemic Sound

Title: Tea Time

Composer: Johnny Berglund

Source: Epidemic Sound

Title: Above It All

Composer: August Wilhelmsson

Source: Epidemic Sound

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Acid attack: Adele's story

Tue, 05 Mar 2019 01:00:00 GMT

Rounding up our season looking at people seeking justice, we hear from Adele Bellis who suffered an acid attack in August 2014. The attack was arranged by her ex-partner, Anthony, but carried out by someone acting on his behalf. It followed a long and abusive relationship in which Anthony had made numerous threats against Adele and her family, as well as physically attacking her. Adele describes the attack itself, the abusive relationship that preceded it and what came after.

Our podcast recommendations of the week are ‘Parentland’ and ‘Paradise’ available on BBC Sounds.

Trigger warnings for this episode: domestic violence, acid attack, coercive control

Help and support:

Acid Survivors’ Trust

Samaritans Call free anytime: 116 123 (UK)

Adele’s book, ‘Brave’ is published by Harper Collins

You can support us with likes, shares and reviews.

Music credits:

Main theme:

Title: Nancy

Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)

Source: www.gosoundtrack.com

License: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Incidental music:

Title: Thunderbird

Author: Kevin MacLeod

Source: incompetech.com

Licensed under Creative Commons by Attribution 3.0 Licence

Title: Interlude 2

Author: Ashley Burgoyne

https://ashleyburgoyne.wixsite.com/writerandcomposer

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shot in the back: Lee's story

Tue, 26 Feb 2019 01:00:00 GMT

This is Lee’s story of getting justice for his mother - Cherry Groce - who was shot in front of him by the police on 28th September 1985 when they raided his family home. She was shot through the spine and paralysed and the incident led to several days of rioting in Brixton. Lee was 11 at the time. Cherry died 26 years later from complications related to the injuries she sustained that night. This began Lee's search for justice for his Mum and their family. 29 years after the shooting, an inquest was finally held, but how would Lee ever come to terms with this traumatic incident at such a formative time in his life...

This programme does contain a short description of violence.

Our podcast recommendation of the week is BBC Sounds, Shreds: Murder in the dock.

Help and support:

https://www.inquest.org.uk - Inquest the charity, supported Lee in his legal battle.

Please support us with likes, shares and reviews.

Music credits:

Main theme:

Title: Nancy

Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)

Source: www.gosoundtrack.com

License: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Incidental music:

Title: Light Thought

Author: Kevin MacLeod

Source: incompetech.com

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dead in the Water: Penny's story PART TWO

Tue, 19 Feb 2019 01:00:00 GMT

In PART TWO we continue the shocking and compelling story of how Penny Farmer and her family tracked down her brother and his girlfriend’s killer; 38 years after they were murdered on a boat off the coast of Guatemala in 1978. After a eureka moment out walking with her mother, Penny suddenly realised that facebook may hold the key to finding the sons of the main suspect - Silas Boston - who were on board the boat when it happened. Penny finally found out exactly what happened to her brother and his girlfriend Peta on board the ship. Subsequently the police also caught up with Boston - although the story doesn’t even end there…

Heads up - this podcast does contain some graphic details.

Our podcast recommendation of the week is Love and Radio's 'The Living Room' and The Daily 'The Hunt for the Golden State Killer'.

Help and support:

https://www.gov.uk/world - Foreign Office overseas

Lucie Blackman Trust https://www.lbtrust.org/

Cruse Bereavement Care https://www.cruse.org.uk/

Samaritans https://www.samaritans.org/ 116 123 (UK and ROI - Free to call, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year)

Link to Penny's book

Dead in the Water - Bringing Down My Brother's Killer After His 39 Years On The Run - A True Story by Amazon.co.uk

Learn more: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1786069660/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_egzyCbVFHD1N3

You can support us with likes, shares and reviews.

Music credits:

Main theme:

Title: Nancy

Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)

Source: www.gosoundtrack.com

License: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Incidental music:

Title: Light Thought

Author: Kevin MacLeod

Source: incompetech.com

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

Title: Evening Fall

Author: Kevin MacLeod

Source: incompetech.com

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dead in the Water: Penny's story PART ONE

Tue, 12 Feb 2019 01:00:00 GMT

This is part one of Penny Farmer's remarkable story about her brother Chris and his girlfriend Peta who went off travelling to South America in 1978. Peta wrote home detailed letters every week and then the letters suddenly stopped. In this two-parter Penny describes the pain of Chris and Peta not coming home and their slow realisation that something dreadful had happened to them in the sea off Guatemala at the hands of Silas Boston. In this first part we hear about how Penny experienced their disappearance as she prepared to go off to university and their discovery of the horrific fate the couple had come to which set Penny on a 40 year quest to find and convict their killer - one which facebook held the key to in 2015.

Our podcast recommendation of the week is 'Love Stories with Dolly Alderton'.

Help and support:

https://www.gov.uk/world - Foreign Office overseas

Lucie Blackman Trust https://www.lbtrust.org/

Citizens' Advice https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/

Cruse Bereavement Care https://www.cruse.org.uk/

Samaritans https://www.samaritans.org/ 116 123 (UK and ROI - Free to call, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year)

Link to Penny's book

Dead in the Water - Bringing Down My Brother's Killer After His 39 Years On The Run - A True Story by Amazon.co.uk

Learn more: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1786069660/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_egzyCbVFHD1N3

You can support us with likes, shares and reviews.

Music credits:

Main theme:

Title: Nancy

Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)

Source: www.gosoundtrack.com

License: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Incidental music:

Title: Light Thought

Author: Kevin MacLeod

Source: incompetech.com

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

Title: Evening Fall

Author: Kevin MacLeod

Source: incompetech.com

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fit for life: Olly and Zane's story

Tue, 08 Jan 2019 01:00:00 GMT

Rounding up our season looking at the people whose job it is to help others, this week we’re heading to the gym to meet personal trainers Olly and Zane. Both have had their own struggles and have used exercise and fitness to help themselves out of a slump and maintain their mental well-being. For them, fitness isn’t about achieving the sort of image we’re all too familiar with - it’s about looking after yourself, valuing yourself and not expecting things to happen overnight.

Our podcast recommendation of the week is ‘Addicted to Sex’ by the BBC.

Trigger warnings for this episode: eating disorders, suicide, mental health.

Help and support:

Beat Eating Disorders 0808 801 0677

Samaritans Call free anytime: 116 123 (UK)

Links to weight diversity activists mentioned in the episode:

Marilyn Wann

Marianne Kirby

You can support us with likes, shares and reviews.

Music credits:

Main theme:

Title: Nancy

Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)

Source: www.gosoundtrack.com

License: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Incidental music:

Title: TeenQueens2

Composer: Stefan Netsman

Source: Epidemic Sound

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The art of nursing: Christie's story

Tue, 01 Jan 2019 01:00:00 GMT

This week Claire went to meet Christie Watson who worked as a nurse for over twenty years. We hear about when she found herself on the other side of the fence watching Cheryl her Dad’s nurse - look after him when he became terminally ill with lung cancer. She describes the minute cues that Cheryl took from getting to knowing her Dad that helped her nurse him so effectively. She describes the pressures that nurses are under and what needs to change as we head towards a bed crisis which is actually a nursing shortage this winter. Christie has gone on to write two fictional books and most recently The language of Kindness: A Nurse's Story.

You can support us with likes, shares and reviews.

Music credits:

Main theme:

Title: Nancy

Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)

Source: www.gosoundtrack.com

License: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your own front door: Nicky and Alan's story

Tue, 25 Dec 2018 01:00:00 GMT

Continuing our season looking at the people whose job it is to help others, this week it’s Nicky and Alan from St. Martin’s Housing in Norwich. They tell us about their work with John, who has been an on/off client of St. Martin’s. John (not his real name) was a rough sleeper, a chaotic heroin user and supporting him was not easy. When people are batting with complex and entrenched problems, there are no quick fixes, no easy answers. It turns out, though, that good old-fashioned perseverance and compassion go a long way. Nicky and Alan tell us about their work and what it takes to help someone move from the streets to having their own front door.

Help and support:

St. Martins Housing (Norwich based)

Shelter

Crisis

Samaritans Call free anytime: 116 123 (UK)

You can support us with likes, shares and reviews.

Music credits:

Main theme:

Title: Nancy

Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)

Source: www.gosoundtrack.com

License: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Incidental music:

Title: Stand Still

Composer: Johannes Hager

Source: Epidemic Sound

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Losing your business partner : Nick's story

Tue, 18 Dec 2018 01:00:00 GMT

This is a new season of the backstory - this run of four has a particular theme - we are looking at people’s jobs which involve doing good. This week we hear from Nick Little who set up a social enterprise company called the Outsiders with close friend Oz Osbourne. They quickly realised that in the world of social enterprise community work their high standards were tricky to maintain or were often undermined, but they stuck to their guns. They ran some amazing projects together including a human library where you could borrow people instead of books and have a chat with them for half an hour - the idea was to chose someone who totally challenged your prejudices - so they had categories like transgender, muslim and disabled. They also run the 12th man which is a project training barbers to be mental health first aiders, able to spot the warning signs among customers and point them in the right direction if they need help.

But then this summer Oz died.

Nick Little explains how hard it is to do good and how it is even harder when you suddenly lose your best friend and business partner.

Help and support:

the-outsiders.org.uk/about-us - Nick's social enterprise

12th-man.org.uk - Nick's

Samaritans 116 123 (24 hours)

www.mind.org.uk

thecalmzone.net

You can support us with likes, shares and reviews.

Music credits:

Main theme:

Title: Nancy

Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)

Source: www.gosoundtrack.com

License CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Incidental music:

Title: Eternal Hope

Author: Kevin MacLeod

Source: incompetech.com

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

Title: Evening Fall Harp

Author: Kevin MacLeod

Source: incompetech.com

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

NHS information about Parkinson’s

Title:Quiet Contemplation 18

Author: Christian Andersen

Source: Epidemic Sound

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Living with Parkinson's: Terry's story

Tue, 27 Nov 2018 01:00:00 GMT

Season 5 Episode 8

Terry was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease when he was 59. 8 years after his diagnosis, he and daughter Vicki talk about how the illness has changed their lives, individually and as a family, the strains and losses that come with living with a progressive disease and how it also has the potential to bring people closer together.

Help and support:

Parkinson’s UK

Samaritans 116 123 (24 hours)

Carers UK

You can support us with likes, shares and reviews.

Music credits:

Main theme:

Title: Nancy

Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)

Source: www.gosoundtrack.com

License CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Incidental music:

Title: "Light Thought Variation 3"

Author: Kevin MacLeod

Source: incompetech.com

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

Campaign to end loneliness

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Me, my baby and psychosis: Jess and Matt's story PART TWO

Tue, 20 Nov 2018 01:00:00 GMT

Season 5 Episode 7

In part two of Jess and Matt's story we hear about the tough journey from Norfolk to London to get Jess and baby Albert in to a psychiatric Mother and Baby unit. Jess explains what it was like to get treatment there and how they all coped with hospital life and getting used to slowly go out again. We hear about how it was eventually coming back to Norfolk and getting used to being at home and eventually the big decision of whether to try for another child.

You can support us with likes, shares and reviews.

Help and support:

Music credits:

Main theme:

Title: Nancy

Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)

Source: www.gosoundtrack.com

License: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Incidental music

Title: Light Thought Var

Author: Kevin MacLeod

Source: incompetech.com

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

Title: Eternal

Author: Kevin MacLeod

Source: incompetech.com

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Me, my baby and psychosis: Jess and Matt's story

Tue, 13 Nov 2018 01:00:00 GMT

Season 5 Episode 6

Jess and Matt had an excellent birth but then things started to go a bit weird, Jess just wasn't herself. Matt had been warned that women can be very affected by hormones after the birth, but this was extreme. It turned out that Jess was suffering from postpartum psychosis a mental illness that comes on just after having a baby. When baby Albert was taken in to hospital with jaundice it became clear that he wasn't the only one that was ill and Jess needed very specialist care which wasn't readily available...

You can support us with likes, shares and reviews.

Help and support:

Music credits:

Main theme:

Title: Nancy

Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)

Source: www.gosoundtrack.com

License: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Incidental music

Title: Light Thought

Author: Kevin MacLeod

Source: incompetech.com

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

Title: Evening Fall

Author: Kevin MacLeod

Source: incompetech.com

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

Title: Marrakesch

Author: Phillip Gross

Source: http://freemusicarchive.org

License: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Getting used to the quiet: Lillian's story

Tue, 06 Nov 2018 01:00:00 GMT

Season 5 Episode 5

Lillian and Dan have enjoyed a long marriage, full of travel and dancing. With Lillian in her 70s and Dan in his mid-90s, the time came recently when they took the difficult decision to move Dan into residential care. Lillian talks about still being married but not feeling like a wife, the gains she enjoys and the sadness of the losses brought about by this recent change.

You can support us with likes, shares and reviews.

Help and support:

Age UK

MIND

Samaritans 116 123 (24 hours)

The Loneliness Project

Music credits:

Main theme:

Title: Nancy

Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)

Source: www.gosoundtrack.com

License: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Incidental music:

Title: "Eternal Hope"

Author: Kevin MacLeod

Source: incompetech.com

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

Bullying UK – advice and support for children and parents/carers

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trichotillomania: Cara’s story

Tue, 02 Oct 2018 01:00:43 GMT

Trichotillomania: Cara’s story

Season 5 Episode 4

When Cara moved from a happy primary school to a large, intimidating high school her mental well-being plummeted. Her height and long red hair made her stand out and the attention caused her eczema to flare. Struggling to cope, Cara turned to hair pulling, a coping mechanism that offered temporary relief but created its own problems. In this week’s Backstory we hear about how one thing can lead to another, how conditions can take hold before you realise they’re a problem and how writing helped Cara to find the confidence to stop this compulsive behaviour.

Find out more about Cara here.

Cara’s book ‘Every Trich in the Book’ is available here.

You can support us with likes, shares and reviews.

The Backstory is taking a short break but please keep us in your library as we’ll be back in a few weeks.

Help and support:

0808 800 2222

Information from OCD UK about trichotillomania can be found here.

Samaritans

116 123 (24 hours)

Beat – The UK’s Eating Disorder Charity

Music credits:

Main theme:Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
License: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Incidental music:Title: “Eternal Hope”Author: Kevin MacLeodSource: incompetech.comLicensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The road to recovery: Hope’s story

Tue, 25 Sep 2018 01:00:48 GMT

The road to recovery: Hope’s story

Season 5 Episode 3

Hope is one of 5 children. It was a big, busy family and not without its fair share of conflict and discord. By the age of 17 Hope had been suffering from anorexia for 4 years, a condition she’d done her best to hide from friends and family. But when her heart nearly stopped things had to change. In this week’s Backstory we hear about life as an in-patient and how relapse and recovery are a long journey.

Hope’s fundraising page can be found here.

Her book ‘Stand Tall Little Girl’ is available here.

Help and support:

0808 801 0677

Samaritans

116 123 (24 hours)

Music credits:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

7/7 Behind the scenes: David’s story

Tue, 18 Sep 2018 01:00:29 GMT

7/7 Behind the scenes: David’s story

Season 5 Episode 2

In July 2005 London and the country were in jubilant mood, celebrating winning the bid to host the 2012 Olympics. The next day, during the morning rush hour, four bombs exploded, three on the Underground and one on a double-decker bus. 52 people were killed and hundreds were injured. David Videcette was working in counter-terrorism and was faced with the prospect of a complex and lengthy investigation that would take over his life for the next few years and cost him his marriage. In this week’s episode David talks candidly to Suzy about what life was like behind the scenes of the investigation into the worst single terrorist atrocity on British soil.

For more information about David Videcette and to find out about his books The Theseus Paradox and The Detriment visit davidvidecette.com

Information about Encompass can be found here.

The Encompass exhibition ‘Belonging in Britain’ runs from 23/9/18 – 13/10/18 at The Guardian, Kings Place, London N1. It is free to visit.

Help and support:

Samaritans

116 123 (24 hours)

Music credits:

Main theme: Title: Nancy

Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)

Source: www.gosoundtrack.com

License: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Incidental music: Title: “Eternal Hope” Author: Kevin MacLeod Source: incompetech.com Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Title: “Interlude 2” Author: Ashley Burgoyne Source: ashleyburgoyne.wixsite.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brethren to burlesque: Sapphira’s story

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 01:00:51 GMT

Brethren to burlesque: Sapphira’s story

Season 5 Episode 1

Welcome back to Season 5. We start with a love story. Sapphira felt like a misfit, naturally flamboyant but brought up by brethren. Eventually excommunicated, her life spiralled but then she met Tony. Tony had also been raised by brethren and together they started to heal. Sapphira talks about what it means to have the rug pulled out from under your feet and then find the real you through music and burlesque.

Sapphira’s book can be found here:

http://www.triggerpublishing.com/product/burlesque-or-bust-bringing-my-mental-health-to-heelpre-order-now/

Sapphira’s social media links:

www.facebook.com/sapphiramusic
www.twitter.com/sapphiramusic
www.instagram.com/sapphiramusic

Help and support:

Samaritans

116 123 (24 hours)

MIND

0300 123 3393 (Mon – Fri 9am – 6pm)

Music credits:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mindfulness on wheels: Tim’s story

Tue, 07 Aug 2018 01:00:02 GMT

Mindfulness on wheels: Tim’s story

Season 4 Episode 7

This is Tim McKenna’s account of what it is like to live with bipolar disorder – I think it is an amazing account of being male and mentally ill and initially not having much help or support through not knowing what was wrong and hiding how he was feeling – as he felt ashamed of it.

It does include some details of feeling depressed and a suicide attempt so if that is a trigger for you then just be aware of that – but it is a story of survival and realisation and learning about yourself and about cycling and straight jackets and how sometimes the worst sounding things are the biggest help.

Help and support:

CALM 0800 58 58 58

Helpline & web chat available 5pm to midnight every day

thecalmzone.net

Samaritans

116 123 (24 hours)

www.maytree.org.uk/index.php

Maytree

A sanctuary for the suicidal

020 7263 7070

MIND

0300 123 3393 (Mon – Fri 9am – 6pm)

Beat – The UK’s Eating Disorder Charity

https://www.time-to-change.org.uk

Papyrus

Prevention of Young Suicide

0800 068 41 41 (Mon – Fri 10am – 5pm / 7pm – 10pm. Weekends 2pm – 5pm)

www.papyrus-uk.org

Suicide awareness training is available online through Zero Suicide Alliance.

Tim’s facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/Tim-Cycles-The-Coast-495360543981739/

Music credits:

Main theme:Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
License: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Title: Eternal Hope

Author: Kevin MacLeod

Source: incompetech.com
License: CC Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From free school meals to the High Court: Ali’s story

Tue, 31 Jul 2018 01:00:09 GMT

From free school meals to the High Court: Ali’s story

Season 4 Episode 6

Ali grew up in Wales on free school dinners with four other siblings. This is the story of how he made an extraordinary success of himself and how his experience of difference tallies with his work as an immigration barrister. What gives some children the drive to move beyond their background? Who influenced Ali? How will it change for the next generation?

Help and support:

Citizens Advice

Music credits:Main theme:Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
Licence: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)You can really help us with reviews, likes, shares and signing up a friend. Thanks.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who helps NICU parents? Vicki’s story

Tue, 24 Jul 2018 01:00:18 GMT

Who helps NICU parents? Vicki’s story

Season 4 Episode 5

Vicki is a young woman on a mission. Having experienced life on the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) after the birth of her first son, she’s determined to push for better mental health provision for parents in similar situations. Vicki struggled with the shock and her mental health suffered, all whilst trying to care for a young baby with significant health problems. She talks openly about the experience for her, son Elijah and partner Greg.

As always, this week’s backstory is followed by backchat in which Claire and Suzy talk about the pros and cons of blogging and why getting the right therapy is so important, as well as our regular podcast recommendation.

Help and information:

Bliss – for babies born premature or sick bliss.org.uk

Samaritans 24 hours a day, free and confidential call 116 123

Vicki’s blog can be found here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One Punch: Michael and Robert’s story

Tue, 17 Jul 2018 01:00:58 GMT

This backstory is about two remarkable brothers. Michael is now 33 and he was punched in the jaw six years ago down on Great Yarmouth seafront on a saturday night, which knocked him over smashing his head on the side of the kerb. His brother Robert, who is ten years younger than him, has been a huge part of his support in enabling him to learn how to live again with what turned out to be a major brain injury.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Right person, right place: Naomi’s story

Tue, 10 Jul 2018 01:00:28 GMT

Right person, right place: Naomi’s story

Season 4 Episode 3

Naomi is a woman of many talents. Actress, stand up and academic. As part of her role with a school where the pupils wore Tudor uniform, Naomi went to Romania to work with young people in an orphanage, children who had been institutionalised their whole lives under Ceausescu’s regime, children for whom regular communication wasn’t possible.

As always, this week’s backstory is followed by backchat in which Claire and Suzy talk about the broader issues, working with teenagers and why Suzy is a psychic cat whisperer.

To support the charity mentioned in this episode please go to www.fundatianewlife.com

The Guardian article on Vişinel Balan can be found here.

Music credits:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recovering from anorexia: Dave’s story

Tue, 03 Jul 2018 00:43:59 GMT

Recovering from anorexia: Dave’s story

Season 4 Episode 2

Dave’s backstory is a tale of going to the brink and then choosing to live, of recovery and the ongoing struggles that come as part of the package. Challenging all the stereotypes, Dave talks about his anorexia with a massive dose of humour and gives a new perspective on this most pernicious and dangerous illness.

As always, Claire and Suzy discuss the backstory and occasionally veer off at a tangent, including talking about why spots have featured heavily in both their weeks.

For Help and information:

Helpline: 0808 801 0677

Download the cheat sheet here to help if you’re going to your GP.

Men get eating disorders too

Supporting men with eating disorders

Samaritans

Call for free anytime on 116 113

Music credits:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hide or confide? Kiki’s story

Tue, 26 Jun 2018 01:00:26 GMT

Hide or confide? Kiki’s story

Season 4 Episode 1

Kiki’s backstory is a tale of two halves – she is a footballer but it isn’t about football. It is about something that happened that changed the course of her career forever, a simple mistake that stopped Kiki’s plans in their tracks. The second half is about something she needs to tell someone but has built it up in her mind and she doesn’t know how to share it. It’s important she tells them really soon.

Claire and Suzy chat about the programme including Claire’s love of shades of grey, Suzy’s almost pHD and why we can’t agree on how rule abiding we should be.

For Help and Information:

www.stonewall.org.uk

https://www.samaritans.org

Music credits:

Main theme:Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
Licence: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Backchat Learning to Live Again: Tiff’s story

Thu, 24 May 2018 23:00:55 GMT

Hi and welcome to Backchat, where Suzy and Claire talk about the latest episode of The Backstory.

This week we’re talking about Learning to Live Again: Tiff’s story (Season 3 ep 4). Join us as we discuss what we’ve learnt about whether we consider Tiff to have been brave, what you can donate from your body whilst you are still alive and how to deal with being captain of Leicester Tigers when your wife finds out they are terminally ill. We also discuss which podcast we are recommending from the British Podcast Awards, alternative therapies, cannabis oil and mindset.

For Help and Information:

Information on stem cell donation: https://www.dkms.org.uk/en/register-now

Information on blood donation: https://www.blood.co.uk

Information on platelet donation: http://platelets.blood.co.uk/the-donation-process/

Bloodwise – the charity behind blood cancer research https://bloodwise.org.uk

Comprehensive information on all cancers and support: https://www.macmillan.org.uk

Music credits:

Main theme:Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
Licence: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learning to live again: Tiff’s story

Tue, 22 May 2018 01:00:15 GMT

Season 3: Episode 4

Learning to live again: Tiff’s story

In the latest episode, Claire travels to Leicester to talk to Tiffany Youngs…

Tiff appeared at the age of 28 to have an amazing life – recently married to Tom Youngs, the England and Leicester Tigers rugby player, with a new baby girl Maisie and a lovely family home in Leicester.

However this was all about to be turned on its head when she found out in 2014 that she was suffering from Hodgkin Lymphoma.

This is the remarkable story of how Tiff dealt with three years of ill health and numerous different treatments, including a stem cell transplant, only to be told the devastating news in April 2017 that her cancer was terminal.

“I said you know Mummy hasn’t been very well, unfortunately Mummy has got to go to heaven….and she was like Oh OK so I never see Mummy again.”

However a few months ago Tiff found out that she was in remission – the scan was completely clear of cancer.

How does it feel as a mother to face a terminal diagnosis? Tiff talks to Claire about her health and emotions, and the extraordinary turnaround which sees her now in remission from the disease.

For Help and Information:

Information on stem cell donation: https://www.dkms.org.uk/en/register-now

Information on blood donation: https://www.blood.co.uk

Information on platelet donation: http://platelets.blood.co.uk/the-donation-process/

Bloodwise – the charity behind blood cancer research https://bloodwise.org.uk

Comprehensive information on all cancers and support: https://www.macmillan.org.uk

Music Credits:

Music credits:

Main theme: Title: Nancy

Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)

Source: www.gosoundtrack.com

Licence: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Incidental music: Title: Eternal Hope Author: Kevin MacLeod Source: incompetech.com Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Title: Light Thought Variation 1 Author: Kevin MacLeod Source: incompetech.com Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Backchat – A Different Kind of Grief: Kathryn and Joy’s Story

Fri, 18 May 2018 01:00:54 GMT

Hi and welcome to Backchat, where Suzy and Claire talk about the latest episode of The Backstory.

This week we’re talking about A Different Kind of Grief: Kathryn and Joy’s Story (Season 3 ep 3). Join us as we discuss what we’ve learnt from online suicide awareness training, apps that might help and how we manage our own stress.

Help and support:

CALM 0800 58 58 58

Helpline & web chat available 5pm to midnight every day

thecalmzone.net

Samaritans

116 123 (24 hours)

www.maytree.org.uk/index.php

Maytree

A sanctuary for the suicidal

020 7263 7070

MIND

0300 123 3393 (Mon – Fri 9am – 6pm)

Papyrus

Prevention of Young Suicide

0800 068 41 41 (Mon – Fri 10am – 5pm / 7pm – 10pm. Weekends 2pm – 5pm)

www.papyrus-uk.org

Empathy

Support for anyone who is bereaved by suicide – Joy and Kathryn’s group in Norfolk

www.empathynorfolk.co.uk

Suicide awareness training is available online through Zero Suicide Alliance.

Our sponsor:

Huge thanks to our sponsor, Paola Cumiskey – Decorative Artist specialising in marbling, graining, murals, trompe l’oeil and other incredible paint effects. If you’re looking to create something unique in your home then get in touch at paolacumiskey.com.

Music credits:

Main theme:Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
Licence: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Different Kind of Grief: Kathryn and Joy’s story

Tue, 15 May 2018 01:00:54 GMT

Season 3 Episode 3

A Different Kind of Grief: Kathryn and Joy’s Story is about two women who have got together to run a support group for people who have lost a loved one to suicide.

We realise this programme could be a trigger for some people so please look after yourselves and perhaps don’t listen if you feel this will affect you. Support groups are below.

Both Kathryn and Joy sadly lost a relative to suicide themselves – Kathryn lost her sister Alison in 2015 and Joy lost her son Ian 11 years ago. This podcast is about how the grief of suicide impacts on loved ones in such a profound way. Kathryn and Joy talk about how they find so many people don’t entirely understand it, the stigma that still exists around suicide and how hard it is to accept that someone wanted to escape their pain and leave you. Joy’s brave insight and honesty over her own mental health and Kathryn’s observations of how friends and neighbours reacted and their suggestions over how to be a good friend in this scenario mean that you really come away understanding this grief and how to be a better a friend.

Both of their loved ones had pre-existing mental health problems and they believe both of them could have been saved if only they had had the right support.

Help and support:

CALM 0800 58 58 58

Helpline & web chat available 5pm to midnight every day

thecalmzone.net

Samaritans

116 123 (24 hours)

www.maytree.org.uk/index.php

Maytree

A sanctuary for the suicidal

020 7263 7070

MIND

0300 123 3393 (Mon – Fri 9am – 6pm)

http://zerosuicidealliance.com

Papyrus

Prevention of Young Suicide

0800 068 41 41 (Mon – Fri 10am – 5pm / 7pm – 10pm. Weekends 2pm – 5pm)

www.papyrus-uk.org

Empathy

Support for anyone who is bereaved by suicide – Joy and Kathryn’s group in Norfolk

www.empathynorfolk.co.uk

Our sponsor:

Music credits:

Main theme:Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
Licence: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Title: Light Though Variation 1Author: Kevin MacLeodSource: incompetech.comLicensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Title: SnowdropAuthor: Kevin MacLeodSource: incompetech.comLicensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Backchat – A Targeted Assault: Sheila’s Story PART TWO

Fri, 11 May 2018 01:00:20 GMT

Hi and welcome to Backchat, where Suzy and Claire talk about the latest episode of The Backstory.

This week we’re talking about the second and concluding part of A Targeted Assault: Sheila’s Story (Season 3 ep 2). Join us as we discuss what happened after the rape, why Sheila confided in Bridget and what we’ve learnt about how to respond if someone discloses sexual abuse.

Help and support:

Rapecrisis.org.uk 0808 802 9999

thesurvivorstrust.org/sarc/ – for information about SARCs 0808 801 0818

Our sponsor:

Music credits:

Main theme:Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
Licence: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Targeted Assault: Sheila’s Story PART TWO

Tue, 08 May 2018 01:00:14 GMT

Season 3 Episode 2

Sheila was raped at a garden party when she was 62. She’s a retired nurse, a mother and grandmother. In the concluding part of this two-part backstory, we find out what happened after the rape, how she confided in best friend Bridget and how the support of local services led to a full investigation and, crucially, a trial.

Help and support:

Rapecrisis.org.uk 0808 802 9999

thesurvivorstrust.org/sarc/ – for information about SARCs 0808 801 0818

Our sponsor:

Music credits:

Main theme:Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
Licence: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Incidental music:Title: ThunderbirdAuthor: Kevin MacLeodSource: incompetech.comLicensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Title: Light Though Variation 3Author: Kevin MacLeodSource: incompetech.comLicensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Backchat – A Targeted Assault: Sheila’s Story PART ONE

Fri, 04 May 2018 01:00:26 GMT

Hi and welcome to Backchat, where Suzy and Claire talk about the latest episode of The Backstory.

This week we’re talking about A Targeted Assault: Sheila’s Story (Season 3 ep 1). Join us as we discuss our thoughts about the terrible assault that Sheila was subjected to. We’ll also discuss your feedback about the programme, what we’ve learnt and what schools are teaching about consent.

Help and support:

Rapecrisis.org.uk 0808 802 9999

thesurvivorstrust.org/sarc/ – for information about SARCs 0808 801 0818

Our sponsor:

Music credits:

Main theme:Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
Licence: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A targeted assault: Sheila’s story

Mon, 30 Apr 2018 23:13:47 GMT

Season 3 Episode 1

Sheila was raped at a garden party when she was 62. She’s a retired nurse, a mother and grandmother. In episode 1 of this two part backstory, Sheila talks about the build up and how she believes she was targeted. Movingly, she describes the attack itself and we hear how best friend Bridget helped her to move forwards in the aftermath. Episode 2 of Sheila’s story airs next week.

Help and support:

Rapecrisis.org.uk 0808 802 9999

thesurvivorstrust.org/sarc/ – for information about SARCs 0808 801 0818

Our sponsor:

Music credits:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Backchat: Ali Golds A Life Less Ordinary PART TWO

Fri, 06 Apr 2018 01:00:55 GMT

Hi and welcome to Backchat, where Suzy and Claire talk about the latest episode of The Backstory.

This week we’re talking about Ali Golds: A Life Less Ordinary (Season 2 ep 4). Join us as we try to answer some of the questions thrown up by Ali Golds’s backstory – Ali’s relationship with her own mother, how backstories can be awkward sticking points when you are dating and the unusual way that podcasts can help in those circumstances.

We’re delighted once again to be sponsored by 16 Degrees Coaching. Don’t let your backstory dictate your future. Contact James today to find out more about leadership and career coaching.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ali Golds: A Life Less Ordinary PART TWO

Tue, 03 Apr 2018 01:00:00 GMT

Claire with Ali Golds

Ali is 50 years old and has had a life less ordinary – she has a complicated backstory. This is a two-parter and in this second part (please do listen to part one first) Ali is just escaping a violent partner with her youngest son Conor. Ali goes on to reflect on her tricky childhood which contains an episode of abuse. We go on to hear about her first marriage, her time in the women’s refuge and her search for her daughter.

She looks back on this time with compelling insight from her son Conor who is now 19 and adds a fascinating viewpoint as he recalls things that happened to his family when he was much younger.

We’re delighted once again to be sponsored by 16 Degrees Coaching. Don’t let your backstory dictate your future. Contact James today to find out more about leadership and career coaching.

Useful links:

https://www.thejunoproject.co.uk – Ali’s project that she runs to empower young women.

https://www.refuge.org.uk – 0808 2000 247 National Domestic Violence Helpline

http://www.riseuk.org.uk – Freedom from domestic violence

Music credits:

Main theme:Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
Licence: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Incidental music:Title: Light thought var 1Author: Kevin MacLeodSource: incompetech.comLicensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Title: SnowdropAuthor: Kevin MacLeodSource: incompetech.comLicensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Title: Comfortable MysteryAuthor: Kevin MacLeodSource: incompetech.comLicensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Backchat: Ali Golds: A Life Less Ordinary PART 1

Fri, 30 Mar 2018 01:00:44 GMT

Hi and welcome to Backchat, where Suzy and Claire talk about the latest episode of The Backstory.

This week we’re talking about Ali Golds: A Life Less Ordinary (Season 2 ep 3). Join us as we try to answer some of the questions thrown up by Ali Golds’s backstory – why Ali’s kids lived with their dad, what Esther Perel would make of her marriage and how Peter Andre dealt with his stepchildren.

We’re delighted once again to be sponsored by 16 Degrees Coaching. Don’t let your backstory dictate your future. Contact James today to find out more about leadership and career coaching.

Useful links:

http://www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk/ 0808 2000 247

https://www.thejunoproject.co.uk – Ali’s project that she runs to empower young women.

Refuge

Women’s Aid

Music credits:

Main theme:Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
Licence: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ali Golds: A Life Less Ordinary – PART 1

Mon, 26 Mar 2018 22:00:44 GMT

Claire with Ali Golds

Ali is 50 years old and has had a life less ordinary – she has a complicated backstory. This is a two-parter and in this first part we meet Ali as she is meeting her second husband. She already has two children who live with their dad and and after a series of failed relationships Ali is hoping that this next one will be different – but the blending of this family does not ultimately go to plan…with shocking outcomes.

She looks back on this time with compelling insight from her two sons who are now 19 and 27 and add a fascinating viewpoint as they recall things that happened to their family when they were much younger.

We’re delighted once again to be sponsored by 16 Degrees Coaching. Don’t let your backstory dictate your future. Contact James today to find out more about leadership and career coaching.

Useful links:

https://www.thejunoproject.co.uk – Ali’s project that she runs to empower young women.

Music credits:

Main theme:Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
Licence: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Incidental music:Title: Light thought var 1Author: Kevin MacLeodSource: incompetech.comLicensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Title: SnowdropAuthor: Kevin MacLeodSource: incompetech.comLicensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Backchat: Martin and Mo – Stepping Up

Thu, 22 Mar 2018 22:57:42 GMT

Hi and welcome to Backchat, where Suzy and Claire talk about the latest episode of The Backstory.

This week we’re talking about Martin and Mo – Stepping Up (Season 2 ep 2). Join us as we contemplate taking on a baby when you thought all of that was behind you, and how parenting a second time around can be a very different experience.

We’re delighted once again to be sponsored by 16 Degrees Coaching. Don’t let your backstory dictate your future. Contact James today to find out more about leadership and career coaching.

Useful links:

The Trussell Trust

Music credits:

Main theme:Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
Licence: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stepping up – Martin and Mo

Tue, 20 Mar 2018 00:00:13 GMT

#02 – Stepping Up: Martin and Mo

How far would you go to do the right thing? What does it mean to step up, to allow the course of your life to be changed completely? This week we hear from Martin and his partner Mo about how they stepped up to take on Martin’s baby grandson and how others in turn helped them.

We’re delighted once again to be sponsored by 16 Degrees Coaching. Don’t let your backstory dictate your future. Contact James today to find out more about leadership and career coaching.

Useful links:

The Trussell Trust

Music credits:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Backchat: Norman Lamb – the personal and political

Fri, 16 Mar 2018 06:43:01 GMT

Hi and welcome to Backchat, where Suzy and Claire talk about the latest episode of The Backstory.

This week we’re talking about Norman Lamb – the personal and political (Season 2 ep 1). Join us as we ramble on about confidence and how to get it, cycling and why we’re definitely not psychopaths.

We’re delighted once again to be sponsored by 16 Degrees Coaching. Don’t let your backstory dictate your future. Contact James today to find out more about leadership and career coaching.

Useful links:

Samaritans Available 24 hours a day, free and confidential. Call free from any ‘phone 116 123.

http://zerosuicidealliance.com

Music credits:

Main theme:Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
Licence: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Norman Lamb – the personal and political

Tue, 13 Mar 2018 00:15:05 GMT

#01 Norman Lamb – the personal and political

Welcome back to Season 2.

We’re kicking off with Norman Lamb, Lib Dem MP and former care minister. Norman has spoken openly about his own family’s mental health and we wanted to know whether these experiences had influenced his career. We return to the subject of OCD and Norman talks about the impact of his sister killing herself in 2015. We also talk confidence, compromise and coalition.

We’re delighted once again to be sponsored by 16 Degrees Coaching. Don’t let your backstory dictate your future. Contact James today to find out more about leadership and career coaching.

Useful links:

Samaritans Available 24 hours a day, free and confidential. Call free from any ‘phone 116 123.

The National Autistic Society

Music credits:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

backstory backchat #4

Fri, 22 Dec 2017 00:33:52 GMT

In this, our final podcast of Season 1, Claire and Suzy talk about ‘Blood, sweat and trauma’ (Season 1 Episode 8) and Lotty’s traumatic experience following the birth of her daughter. Keep us in your feed as we’ll be back in 2018 with more docupods telling stories that we think are worth listening to.

We’re proud to be sponsored by Farmdrop – the ethical grocer that brings the farmers’ market to your door. Use promo code BACKSTORY to get £25 off your first £50 order.Main theme: Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
Licence: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#8 – Birth, sweat and trauma

Tue, 19 Dec 2017 01:35:56 GMT

#08 Birth, sweat and trauma

What happens when the birth of your baby, that long-awaited happy event, leaves you traumatised? How do you manage when it feels as though every other new mum is coping and you’re struggling just to get through the day? Lotty speaks out about her experience of having her daughter, 7-month old Daisy and how the series of traumatic events she experienced will have lifelong consequences for her and her family.

Incidental music:

Incidental music: “Comfortable Mystery 2” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

For further information and support:Birth Trauma AssociationRead more about Lotty’s story in her own words here.NHS Choices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

backstory backchat #3

Fri, 08 Dec 2017 00:03:28 GMT

In today’s backchat Claire and Suzy talk about ‘What are the chances?’ (Season 1, ep 7)and discuss the unique friendship that Zoe and Emma have, and what’s important in friendship in general. And glitter poo, of course.

We’re proud to be sponsored by Farmdrop – the ethical grocer that brings the farmers’ market to your door. Use promo code BACKSTORY to get £25 off your first £50 order.Main theme:Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
Licence: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#7 – What are the chances?

Mon, 04 Dec 2017 23:42:10 GMT

#07 What are the chances?

Emma and Zoe had baby boys a few months apart with Down’s Syndrome which was undiagnosed before birth – quite a rare event these days. It turned out that they had older boys at the same school and when a mutual friend introduced them – to their surprise they got on! On talking with them Claire realised their backstories perhaps explained this remarkable friendship and a philosophy that has built up between them which helps them create a positive future for their sons.

Incidental music:

Incidental music: “Comfortable Mystery 2” and “Light Thought” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

“Interlude” by Ashley Burgoyne http://ashleyburgoyne.wixsite.com/writerandcomposer

For further information and support:https://thehamletcharity.org.uk/home/https://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk https://www.facebook.com/bestbuddiesandtheiradventures/ – Eli and Mason’s Facebook page

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

backstory backchat #2

Fri, 24 Nov 2017 14:20:28 GMT

Hi, welcome to the second episode of the backstory backchat. Claire and Suzy talk over a cuppa about the latest episode of the backstory. This week we’re talking about ‘Marrying a stranger’ (Season 1, episode 6).

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#6 – Marrying a stranger

Tue, 21 Nov 2017 07:29:08 GMT

#06 Marrying a stranger

When Hina got married the first time, as a modern British Asian, she went down the conventional route of marriage for ‘love’ – seeing arranged marriages as rather old fashioned. However, when the first marriage went wrong Hina was faced with a new proposition on a trip to Lahore with her mother and opened her mind and her heart to a totally new arrangement. Hina and her husband talk to Claire about different approaches to love.

Main theme: Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
Licence: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Incidental music:

Jalandhar Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Big Mojo Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Haratanaya Sree by Veena Kinhalfrom Free Music Archive is licensed under a Public Domain License.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

backstory backchat #1

Fri, 10 Nov 2017 05:00:43 GMT

Hi, welcome to the first episode of the backstory backchat. Claire and Suzy talk over a cuppa about the latest episode of the backstory. This week we’re talking about ‘Aspergers for girls’ (Season 1, episode 5).

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#5 – Aspergers for girls

Mon, 06 Nov 2017 23:36:10 GMT

#05 Aspergers for Girls

Isabella always felt different. As a child she was something of a loner with few friends. After three unsuccessful marriages, and with two children, one of whom is autistic, she met Edward who worked with children with special needs. Finally, in her 30s, Isabella was diagnosed with high-functioning autism. She explains to Suzy why she was diagnosed so late in life, the effect her condition has and what family life is like when half the members have autism and half are neurotypical.

Links:

NICE guidelines for getting help as an adult

NHS Choices – Autism Spectrum Disorder

Available on Apple Podcasts or wherever you choose to listen.

Find out more at thebackstorypodcast.co.uk and follow us: @thebackstorypod on twitter, @thebackstorypodcast on Facebook and Instagram.

Music credits:

Main theme: Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
Licence: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Incidental music: “Concentration” and “Light Thought var 4” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

“Interlude” by Ashley Burgoyne http://ashleyburgoyne.wixsite.com/writerandcomposer

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#4 – A new gender frontier

Mon, 23 Oct 2017 10:30:25 GMT

#04 A new gender frontier

Felix was born female and grew up as a girl with a different name. At 17, having gone through a lot of change at home, and in a lesbian relationship with Rebecca, Felix started to question his gender. Rebecca began to identify as gender neutral and Felix realised he identified as male and started the transitioning process. They both talk to Claire to explain this new gender frontier where people who now feel they weren’t assigned the right gender at birth or don’t want to identify as either gender are making big changes in their lives. Felix and Rebecca give us an honest and at times amusing insight into the trans world.

Looking for more information about terminology? You may find this glossary useful.

Further information and support:

Stonewall

Mermaids for children, young people and their parents/carers

NHS Choices Transgender health

Main theme:Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
Licence: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Incidental music:Titles: “Snowdrop”, “Comfortable Mystery 2” and “Eternal Hope”Author: Kevin MacLeodSource: incompetech.comLicensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

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#3 – An unwelcome presence

Mon, 09 Oct 2017 23:13:28 GMT

#03 An unwelcome presence

In her late 20s, Natasha woke up one morning and knew that she was HIV positive. She spent the next 9 years trying to hide her anxiety, planning her funeral and imagining how she would be rejected when everyone found out the truth. In fact, Natasha was suffering from a form of OCD which took over her life and cost her a career she loved, a family and countless opportunities. Natasha talks to Suzy about her OCD, its beginnings in early childhood and how she has learnt to survive a condition that remains invisible to other people.

Launched during OCD Awareness Week 2017

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