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In today's episode we discuss Skills Club, a club within our ARTiculate programme for young people aged 24-30.

Join Tara, Sophia, Dave, Jordan, Stephanos and Flo as they share how Skills Club has helped them develop confidence, creativity, friendships and practical skills through art, volunteering and community projects.

From autism and social anxiety to employment, independence and finding a place to belong, this honest and uplifting conversation explores the real impact that a supportive and inclusive community can have on young disabled adults.

We also hear about the creative projects members have produced, including embroidery, ceramics, textiles and upcycling, and discover how Skills Club helps participants build skills for volunteering, work and everyday life.

To find out more about Skills Club please contact Flo Alfrey on 020 3743 2326, or email flo@communityfocus.co.uk

00:01:18 - Intro
00:02:00 - What's going on?
00:04:44 - What is Skills Club?
00:06:42 - Philanthropy
00:09:09 - What Skills club means to us
00:13:25 - Favourite projects
00:19:54 - What Community Focus means to us
00:22:19 - How to get involved
00:22:54 - Our passions
00:26:38 - Final Thoughts

Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell.

Editor: Phil Powell

Huge thanks to the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk

All enquiries: podcast@communityfocus.co.uk
Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/

Theme Music: Rastko Rasic & the students of Community FocusOther Music: Jazzy Frenchy by ⁠⁠⁠Benjamin Tissot

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In this episode of Dis-labled, Havva takes us through a day in her life and shares her experience of living with a brain injury.

With her trademark humour and honesty, Havva talks about family, friendships, daily routines, the things she enjoys most, and some of the challenges she faces. It's a warm, uplifting conversation that offers a genuine insight into her life and personality.

00:00:00 - Start
00:01:14 - Intro
00:01:59 - The Good News
00:06:35 - Pavement Guest by Alistair Scriven
00:07:54 - Discussion: A Day in My Life - Living with Brain Damage
00:26:53 - Final Thoughts

Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell.

Editor: Phil Powell

Huge thanks to the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk

All enquiries: podcast@communityfocus.co.uk
Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/

Theme Music: Rastko Rasic & the students of Community FocusOther Music: Jazzy Frenchy by ⁠⁠⁠Benjamin Tissot

Send us Fan Mail

Community Focus artist Laurent Barsotti has achieved something extraordinary.

In this special episode of Dis-labled, we follow Laurent’s journey from Community Focus to exhibiting at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2026, one of the world’s most prestigious art exhibitions.

We begin at Royal Academy varnishing day, where Royal Academician Humphrey Ocean explains why Laurent’s London bus painting stood out from thousands of entries and earned a place in his room. We also hear from comedian Harry Hill, an admirer and collector of Laurent’s artwork.

In the second half of the programme, Laurent and his mum Chantal share the story behind this remarkable achievement. From developing confidence through art at Community Focus to seeing his work displayed on the walls of the Royal Academy, it’s an inspiring story of creativity, perseverance and passion.

Community Focus is an Arts Centre for children and adults with disabilities. We are based in the borough of Barnet, North London and offer a selection of creative and well-being activities for all ages.

00:00:16 - Intro
00:01:06 - Live from the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2026: Varnishing Day
00:03:04 - We speak to Humphrey Ocean RA
00:04:12 - We speak to comedian and fellow artist, Harry Hill
00:05:07 - Reflections on the day
00:05:53 - In the room we have...
00:06:12 - Laurent and his mum, Chantal join us in the studio
00:06:22 - Laurent answers questions from the Dis-labled crew
00:13:44 - Chantal answers questions from the Dis-labled crew
00:21:15 - What were the highlights of the day?
00:25:53 - Final Thoughts

Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell
Editor: Phil Powell

Huge thanks to the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk

All enquiries: podcast@communityfocus.co.uk
Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/

Theme Music: Rastko Rasic & the students of Community FocusOther Music: Jazzy Frenchy by ⁠⁠⁠Benjamin Tissot