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Offhand: Living life with an upper limb difference

Offhand: Living life with an upper limb difference

by Reach Charity

Health & Fitness Society & Culture

Season 1

Awkward Encounters, Everyday Adaptations & Life with Upper Limb Differences

What happens when everyday situations collide with other people's assumptions? In this episode, Megan and Leah explores the funny, awkward, and sometimes downright bizarre moments that come with living with an upper limb difference. From a viral police stop that dropped a million jaws to negotiating discounts at nail salons and airport scanners, this conversation shines a light on the realities of navigating public spaces, social curiosity, and accessibility. In This Episode A viral police encounter involving Kathleen Thomas and why her response resonated with so many people The strange and unexpected situations have in airports, restaurants, and public places Handling stares, questions, and curiosity from strangers, both young and old Why nail salons can create surprisingly awkward conversations Dining out with a limb difference and practical techniques for eating independently Everyday accessibility hacks, from soap dispensers to kitchen gadgets Want to talk to us? Leave a comment or find us on socials @reachcharityuk Join us at the Reach Annual Family Weekend! https://www.reach.org.uk/events/annual-family-weekend-2026-23rd-25th-october-2026 Join up for the Reach Triathlon! https://www.reach.org.uk/the-reach-triathlon With thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund for supporting the development of the Offhand Podcast Leah’s views and experiences are her own and do not reflect those of Reach Charity

Adapt & Thrive: Life Hacks for Upper Limb Difference

In this episode of Offhand, hosts Megan and Lottie dive into the creative, practical, and sometimes unexpected ways people with upper limb differences adapt everyday life to work for them. From kitchen hacks and adapted instruments to driving, fashion, and inclusive design, the chat explores how independence often comes from experimentation, community knowledge, and not accepting “one-size-fits-all” work arounds. The episode also looks at the “social model” of disability highlighting how it’s often environments, systems, and inaccessible design that create barriers, rather than upper limb difference itself. Whether it’s modifying clothing, discovering new gadgets, or sharing tips within the upper limb difference community, this episode celebrates ingenuity, resilience, and the power of learning from each other. In This Episode Why the social model of disability matters Adapting school activities, music, and learning tools Clever kitchen and cooking hacks for greater independence Driving adaptations and accessible car technology The impact of Reach bursaries and charitable support Inclusive fashion, makeup, and adaptive clothing challenges Community-led innovation and sharing life hacks Why there’s no “right” way to adapt Want to talk to us? Leave a comment or find us on socials @reachcharityuk Join us at the Reach Annual Family Weekend! https://www.reach.org.uk/events/annual-family-weekend-2026-23rd-25th-october-2026 Join up for the Reach Triathlon! https://www.reach.org.uk/the-reach-triathlon One handed recorder and scissor kit: https://www.reach.org.uk/resources/one-handed-recorder-and-scissor-kits-to-hire Prosthetic makers https://www.reach.org.uk/partners/prosthetic-makers Adaptations https://www.reach.org.uk/partners/adaptations Find out more about bursaries https://www.reach.org.uk/resources/apply-for-a-bursary Vinted campaign https://www.change.org/p/ask-vinted-to-add-adapted-clothing-category Discover RAW: https://www.reach.org.uk/news/reach-activity-week-2026-bookings-are-now-live MimiTEns: https://mimitens.com/ Tilt Beauty: https://tiltbeauty.com/ With thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund for supporting the development of the Offhand Podcast Lottie’s views and experiences are her own and do not reflect those of Reach Charity

Living With Upper Limb Difference and Building Confidence

Megan chats to Leah about her relationship with confidence and how it has shifted throughout different stages of her life. The conversation looks at how your confidence can be shaped by the realities of growing up with an upper limb difference, the way people perceive and how you don’t need to be positive about your upper limb difference all the time. They also explore how confidence is rarely fixed, it can change from day-to-day, but can be boosted by getting older, positive experiences, relationships, therapy, representation, and community support. What you can expect from this episode: How confidence evolves from childhood into adulthood The emotional impact of comments, staring, and misconceptions Why representation and community matter The pressure to always appear “inspiring” or resilient The role of therapy, social media, and adaptive activities in building confidence Accepting that confidence naturally ebbs and flows Want to talk to us? Leave a comment or find us on socials @reachcharityuk Join us at the Reach Annual Family Weekend! https://www.reach.org.uk/events/annual-family-weekend-2026-23rd-25th-october-2026 Join up for the Reach Triathlon! https://www.reach.org.uk/the-reach-triathlon Find out more about bursaries https://www.reach.org.uk/resources/apply-for-a-bursary Discover RAW: https://www.reach.org.uk/news/reach-activity-week-2026-bookings-are-now-live With thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund for supporting the development of the Offhand Podcast Leah’s views and experiences are her own and do not reflect those of Reach Charity

Love, Confidence and Upper Limb Difference

Megan is joined by Lottie to talk openly about the realities of dating with a limb difference. Together, they explore the challenges, awkward moments, and positive experiences that can come with navigating relationships, both online and in person. Lottie shares her personal journey, including how she approaches conversations about her limb difference, the role it plays in dating profiles, and how she’s built confidence over time. The discussion also touches on wider societal perceptions, including misconceptions and fetishisation, and why honest conversations are so important in breaking down barriers. This is a reassuring conversation designed to support anyone navigating dating with a limb difference, while encouraging self-acceptance and confidence in being yourself. In this episode, you’ll hear about: • Experiences of online and in-person dating with a limb difference • Whether (and how) to include a limb difference in dating profiles • Navigating other people’s perceptions and questions • Building confidence and self-acceptance over time • The importance of honesty and communication in relationships • Tips and reassurance for young people starting their dating journey A thoughtful and empowering conversation about relationships, identity, and embracing what makes you unique. Want to talk to us? Leave a comment or find us on socials @reachcharityuk Join us at the Reach Annual Family Weekend! https://www.reach.org.uk/events/annual-family-weekend-2026-23rd-25th-october-2026 Join up for the Reach Triathlon! https://www.reach.org.uk/the-reach-triathlon With thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund for supporting the development of the Offhand Podcast Lottie’s views are her own and do not reflect those of Reach Charity

Why is Mental Health Support for Limb Difference Still an "Optional Extra"?

When it comes to limb loss and limb difference, the world usually focuses on the physical; the prosthetics, the surgery, and the "recovery." But what happens beyond the physical care and when support stops? In this episode, host Megan Bacon-Evans is joined by a powerhouse panel, including Marie Tidball MP and young adults from the community, to discuss the "hidden side" of limb difference: mental health. Together they talk about the "dual reality" of living with a limb difference, where fierce pride and daily struggle coexist, and why the healthcare system must stop treating mental wellbeing as an "optional extra." YOU MAY FIND SOME OF THE CONTENT IN THE PODCAST UPSETTING OR TRIGGERING What We Discuss The Identity Shift: Self-acceptance is key, but that takes work and support which can be hard to find The Power of "And": Understanding how you can love your "little hand" and still have days where the world feels heavy. The Systemic Gap: Why people with a limb difference face anxiety/depression, yet support remains inconsistent across services. People as Medicine: How finding a community that understands your lived experience is more transformative than any clinical appointment. Dismantling Ableism: Challenging the outdated societal views that hold people back more than their physical differences ever could. Guests Megan Bacon-Evans (Host) Marie Tidball MP, Connor Ballard, Ella Dickinson, Leah Hardy, Scarlett Walker, Walid Saleh, and Jesse Velosa. With thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund for supporting the development of the Offhand Podcast SUPPORT LINKS: https://www.mind.org.uk https://www.youngminds.org.uk https://www.reach.org.uk/ https://findingyourfeet.net/ https://www.limbpower.com/ https://steelbone.co.uk/ https://amputationfoundation.org/ https://www.blesma.org/

Navigating Work with An Upper Limb Difference: Leah’s Story

Megan is joined by Leah, who tells her about her experience navigating the workplace with an upper limb difference. From disclosing her upper limb difference at work to building confidence in professional environments, Leah talks openly about the realities of workplace inclusion, representation, and career growth when you don’t fit the “standard” mould. If you’ve ever wondered how to approach conversations about your upper limb difference at work or how to feel more confident showing up as yourself, this one’s for you. In this episode, we cover: • Real experiences of working with an upper limb difference • How workplace inclusion actually shows up day-to-day • Why your workplace should be helping you with reasonable adjustments • Building confidence, visibility, and representation at work Key takeaways: • There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to inclusion at work • Being open (on your terms) can improve workplace inclusion • Assistive tools and small adjustments can transform your workflow • Representation matters for confidence, careers, and culture Whether you’re starting your career or already in the workplace, this episode explores how to navigate professional life with an upper limb difference, practically, honestly, and on your own terms. Want to talk to us? Leave a comment or find us on socials @reachcharityuk With thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund for supporting the development of the Offhand Podcast More on Bold Kids research: https://www.reach.org.uk/resources/a-guide-to-motor-development-in-children-with-limb-differences Join us at the Reach Annual Family Weekend! https://www.reach.org.uk/events/annual-family-weekend-2026-23rd-25th-october-2026

Starting University with a Limb Difference | Lottie’s Story

Megan Bacon-Evans sits down with Lottie to talk about her experience of living with an upper limb difference at university. Starting uni is a big step for anyone, but for Lottie, it came with the added challenge of doing so during the COVID-19 pandemic. She talks about how she adapted to new environments, built her confidence, how she coped with meeting a large group of new people and starting new jobs Together, they explore how importance support systems are, from friends and family to wider community connections, and how these relationships can make a real difference when stepping into something new. Lottie also reflects on the everyday realities of living with a limb difference, offering honest insights, reassurance, and advice for others who may be preparing for similar experiences. This is Offhand, the podcast by Reach where we share real stories, experiences, and conversations from the limb difference community. In this episode, you’ll hear about: • Growing up with an upper limb difference • Starting university during the COVID-19 pandemic • Building confidence and independence in a new environment • Navigating social life and making connections • The role of support systems and community • Advice for others with limb differences starting university This is an open and encouraging conversation about resilience, confidence, and finding your place on your own terms. Lottie’s views are her own and not indicative of the charity as a whole. Find out more about Reach: https://www.reach.org.uk/ With thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund for supporting the development of the Offhand Podcast

57 operations - Leah's story of surgery and upper limb difference

Surgery with an upper limb difference is something that gets talked about a lot. Some people need it for medical reasons, others may be thinking about it for cosmetic reasons. Megan talks to Leah, who has so far had 57 operations on her upper limb difference at the age of 23. From hospital rooms to school corridors, she shares how constant procedures shaped her confidence, independence, and identity. This conversation focuses on the emotional side of surgeries (the isolation, frustration, and “why me?” moments), as well as the physical grind of recovery and adapting, including having to relearn life as a right-handed person. Leah also opens up about navigating a medical system that can feel overwhelming and impersonal, especially as you transition from being a kid to advocating for yourself as an adult. She talks frankly about cosmetic surgeries the pain, the pressure, the confidence boost, and the complicated feelings that can come with changing your body. Plus, she touches on something not enough people talk about: how hard it can be to find clothes that actually work and feel good with a limb difference. Most importantly, this episode is about resilience, community, and owning your own story. Whether you’re navigating surgeries, figuring out your style, or learning how to speak up in medical spaces, Leah’s journey is a reminder that you’re not alone and that your voice matters. Leah's views are her own and not indicative of the charity as a whole. Find out more about Reach: https://www.reach.org.uk/ With thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund for supporting the development of the Offhand Podcast

Dating with an upper limb difference - Do you tell them about Handy and Stumpy?!

In our first podcast - recorded just before the start of the Reach Annual Family Weekend in Swansea - host Megan Bacon-Evans chats to Gemma Adby, a social media influencer, about dating with an upper limb difference. They cover a lot in this short first episode, but in it we discover: Should you put your limb difference out there if you're online dating? How do you navigate that point when people see your limb difference for the first time? Why you shouldn't feel like you should hide it And how to show your limb difference without shouting about it We'd love to hear from you, contact us reach@reach.org.uk With thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund for supporting the development of the Offhand Podcast LINKS https://www.reach.org.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/meganbaconevans/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/gemmaadby/?hl=en