Access All: Disability News and Mental Health

Our guests were all told to shield at the start of the pandemic. Gareth has Crohn's disease and receives nutrition through a line in his chest leaving him open to sepsis. George struggles with respiratory infections due to Muscular dystrophy. And Keiligh, with a kind of leukaemia, takes meds that suppress her immune system. Now, as the prime minister lifts restrictions for everyone, they recall their two years of isolation and consider a future living with the virus. Produced by Keiligh Baker and Emma Tracey. Tell your smart speaker "Ask the BBC for Ouch" and subscribe to us on BBC Sounds to get the latest podcast.

In 2020 the global sex toy market was valued at more than £24bn by industry experts* – but does it cater enough to disabled people?Curious? Explore the world of accessible (and inaccessible) sex toys in this podcast... Kelly Gordon, head creative at sex toy brand Hot Octupuss, shares her own saucy anecdotes alongside Joy Addo, who talks about her life as a “fat, black, blind, SEXY, single mother-of-one” on her own show, Joy’s World The Podcast. The duo also discuss practical advice, a secret “pleasure room” and how disabled people can buy and use sex aids, helping to navigate a topic that is too often taboo. Don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast on BBC Sounds or say "Ask the BBC for Ouch" to your smart speaker. Presented by Keiligh Baker Produced by Amy Elizabeth *Grand View Research first reported the global sex toys market had been valued at £24bn in 2020: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/sex-toys-market

Our reality podcast continues. Kate has Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and is recovering from a hysterectomy when, after managing to avoid it for almost two years, she contracts covid-19. Holly has no immunity due to being a transplant patient, will she also test positive now it's reached the household? If you have any advice or wish to share your experiences with Kate, please email producer Amy at amy.elizabeth@bbc.co.uk Please note this podcast is not to be used as a reference for medical advice; always speak to a professional if you have any concerns regarding covid-19. Listen to Ouch's Isolation Diaries with Kate and Holly right now by saying "ask the BBC for Ouch" to your smart speaker. And subscribe now on BBC Sounds.

Our reality podcast. Kate has Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, is a mum of two, wife to an immunocompromised Holly, and is awaiting a hysterectomy. A complex situation where Covid restrictions have brought more obstacles than anyone could have imagined. After months of anxiety and years of pain, Kate is given a date for the surgery - but unfortunately it doesn't go smoothly. Emotions take over as plans are thwarted. Expect tears as Kate records the most intimate and challenging moments - as they happen. If you have any advice or wish to share your experiences with Kate, please email producer Amy Elizabeth at amy.elizabeth@bbc.co.uk Listen to Ouch's Isolation Diaries with Kate and Holly right now by saying "ask the BBC for Ouch" to your smart speaker. And subscribe now on BBC Sounds.

Rianna Walcott, The co-editor of upcoming anthology The Colour of Madness, says being black made it harder to get mental health support. She explains why some in her family are wary of medication. In the last episode of Mentally Interesting for now, our presenters are thinking about hope and revealing their "most absurd secret habits." With Mark Brown and Seaneen Molloy. The producer is Emma Tracey and the studio manager is Dave O'Neill.

They're useful to many, but Seaneen often feels isolated during mental health awareness weeks because her story hasn't had a perfect ending. The presenters discuss how standing out as a mentally ill teen has stayed with them and still makes connecting with others tricky. Meet Shuranjeet Singh from Taraki, a mental health organisation for the UK Punjabi community. And the Amazing New Feature would be funny, if it wasn’t so unfunny. With Mark Brown and Seaneen Molloy, produced by Emma Tracey. Subscribe to Ouch on BBC Sounds or say "Ask the BBC for Ouch" to your smart speaker

Can you tell if your pain or symptoms mean you have a physical or mental problem? Our presenters often delay getting medical help because of this and worry everything will be put down to mental ill health. Plus, guest Helen Moulinos from POHWER explains what advocacy is, and describes how she learned to speak up for herself and her mentally ill father from very young. She is also a 9/11 survivor. With Seaneen Molloy and Mark Brown. Produced by Emma Tracey. Subscribe to Ouch on BBC Sounds or tell your smart speaker "Ask the BBC for Ouch" email ouch@bbc.co.uk

Having pets has helped presenters Seaneen and Mark with their mental health ... though Seaneen admits it’s tricky hiding cats from landlords. Hear listeners' stories including gaming journalist Sam's choice of animal which might be more distressing than helpful for some! His rats give him something to come home to, he says. Pictures of pets mentioned in this episode will appear on our Twitter feed @bbcouch With Seaneen Molloy and Mark Brown - every week in January 2022. Produced by Emma Tracey. Use your smart speaker to "Ask the BBC for Ouch". And subscribe on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts.

As 2021 has been a strange old year, the BBC Ouch team decided to look back at some of their favourite podcasts from the past 365 days. From space travel on the “vomit comet” to Love Island, Covid-19, climate change and adoption – we really have covered it all with our own unique and disabled look at the world. Some podcasts were sad, some were happy but all (we like to think) were insightful. Merry Ouchmas! Presented by Emma Tracey, Beth Rose and Keiligh Baker Produced by Keiligh Baker Subscribe to this podcast on BBC Sounds or say "Ask the BBC for Ouch" to your smart speaker.

Matilda Feyisayo Ibini became physically disabled at five but wasn’t diagnosed with the progressive muscle-weakening condition Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy until aged 13. Her radio play, Little Miss Burden, captures the fun and anxiety of growing up in an inaccessible London council house in the 90s, with a single mother and two non-disabled siblings. Here, Matilda tells Emma Tracey about managing mental health difficulties and the freedom of living independently for the first time in her mid-20s.