Empowering Voices – Autism Awareness & Mental Health Support - Episode 134

Welcome, fabulous listeners!

A very warm welcome to today’s inspiring episode where we bring you not one, but two incredible women who are making waves in the world of autism advocacy and mental health support. As always, thank you for tuning in and for being part of the ever-growing 1230 TWC community of businesswomen and changemakers.

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Today’s Guests

🌟 Anna Kennedy OBE

Anna Kennedy OBE is the passionate founder of services for children and adults with autism, as well as the UK Autism Charity AnnaKennedyonline. Married to barrister Sean Kennedy, she is also a devoted mother to two autistic adults, Patrick and Angelo.

Anna is well known for creating life-changing initiatives such as:

• Autism’s Got Talent – the spectacular event returning on 11 October at Mermaid Theatre, Blackfriars.
• Autism Hero Awards – celebrating unsung heroes, with entries still open until 31 January 2026.

Her tireless campaigning for better autism services has included the petition: “Who will look after our children when we are no longer around?” directed to Wes Streeting MP. She also champions more job opportunities for autistic adults, reminding us that even small, reasonable adjustments can make a huge difference.

Fun fact: Anna even danced alongside Robin Windsor on The People’s Strictly Comic Relief!

Key Message from Anna: Autistic adults deserve the same opportunities as everyone else – inclusion and respect matter.

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💬 Sue Doughty

Our second guest, Sue Doughty, is a counsellor who brings warmth, wisdom, and lived experience to her work. Married with two children and the proud Nanny of five grandchildren, Sue lives life to the full. She loves family time, travel, dining out, and keeps herself strong in both mind and body through regular gym sessions.

Sue is the Founder and Owner of Westmeria Counselling Services, and we discussed:

1. Shifting Perspectives – How attitudes towards mental health have changed since the charity began, and whether these changes have brought more positives than challenges.
2. Future Growth – With the recent opening of a new building that houses both a counselling college and more therapy space, Sue reflected on how this expansion will transform the charity and what further support would help them go even further.

Business Tip from Sue: Invest in yourself and your people – because when you grow, your business and community grow too.

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1230 TWC News

🎉 Birthdays – Celebrating our wonderful members with birthdays this week! Sending hugs and cheers from the 1230 TWC family.

🎙️ Next Week’s Guests – Don’t miss the amazing Jo de Serrano OBE and the ever-vibrant Menopause Gang. You know it’ll be lively, informative, and filled with connection!

🤗 HUGS – Here at 1230 TWC, HUGS are always in abundance – Helping, Understanding, Giving, and Supporting.

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Thank You & Final Thoughts

Huge thanks to our brilliant guests Anna Kennedy OBE and Sue Doughty for sharing their journeys and insights. To our fabulous listeners – you are the heartbeat of this podcast. Stay safe, keep shining, and join me again next time for more inspiring stories and practical business tips.

Until then, remember: connection creates opportunity. 💫

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