Introducing Off Hand: The Reach Podcast talking about life with Upper Limb Difference…
There are some conversations that people with an upper limb difference have all the time. And then there are the conversations we don’t have enough.
The awkward moments, dating, confidence, surgery; mental health, starting university, navigating work. Feeling proud of your upper limb difference one day and completely thrown by ableism the next.
Part of Reach’s commitment to giving more support to 18-25s, Reach has launched Off Hand — a brand-new podcast created by people with an upper limb difference, for people with upper limb difference.
Hosted by Megan Bacon-Evans, Off Hand opens up honest, funny, emotional and sometimes difficult conversations about the realities of living with an upper limb difference. The goal is simple: talk about the things that often go unspoken with the hope of connecting with more of the Upper Limb Difference community and continuing to break down barriers.
Real conversations from the limb difference community
What makes Off Hand special is how real it feels.
There’s no pressure to be inspirational and no pretending everything is easy. Just genuine conversations from people sharing their lived experiences openly and honestly.
Episodes so far have explored topics including:
- Dating and relationships with an upper limb difference
- Growing confidence at university
- Navigating workplaces and inclusion
- Surgery and body image
- Mental health and identity
Guests speak candidly about moments many people in the upper limb difference community will instantly recognise — from deciding whether to mention your limb difference on a dating app to figuring out how to advocate for yourself in medical settings.
Why this podcast matters?
For many people with Upper Limb Difference/s, especially young people, it can sometimes feel like nobody else truly understands their experiences.
Off Hand helps change that.
Listening to others talk openly about confidence, frustration, resilience and self-acceptance can be incredibly powerful. It reminds listeners they are not alone, and that their feelings — whatever they may be — are valid.
The podcast also reflects something Reach has always championed: the importance of community and connection. Sometimes hearing “me too” can make all the difference.
Honest, supportive and sometimes challenging
One of the strengths of Off Hand is that it doesn’t shy away from difficult subjects.
Recent episodes have discussed the emotional impact of surgery, the gaps in mental health support for people with upper limb differences, and the pressures created by society’s expectations around disability and appearance.
But alongside the harder conversations is humour, warmth and encouragement. The podcast captures the reality that life with an upper limb difference can be complicated — and joyful — at the same time.
Listen to Off Hand
Whether you have an upper limb difference yourself, are a parent, sibling, friend or simply want to better understand the Reach charity community, Off Hand offers something valuable: authentic stories told in people’s own words.
You can listen to Off Hand now on Spotify:
Listen on Spotify
You can also read the latest Within Reach magazine here.