On Track, Off Course

In episode two of On Track, Off Course, Lauren and Tina talk to former Classic winning jockey, George Baker about life after a career ending injury. In an incredibly frank and emotional conversation, George talks about rebuilding his life after a traumatic head injury, having to learn to walk again and about struggling with intrusive and unwelcome thoughts.Trainer Katie Scott also comes on to talk about the support both her and her staff have received from Racing Welfare with their physical health and we also hear from Ross Hollinworth, lead physio at the Injured Jockeys Fund who gives some top tips for looking after your health whether you are working in a physical job or behind a desk.Racing Welfare's services are open to anyone who works in, or is retired from, the thoroughbred breeding industry. If you would like to get in touch for support with your physical or mental health you can contact Racing Welfare 24/7 by calling 0800 6300 443 or go to our website www.racingwelfare.co.uk.If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode and do not work in the industry you can call Samaritans 24/7 on 116 123.Follow Racing Welfare on social media for all our latest news and events. We are on Facebook @racingwelfare, Twitter @Racingwelfare and Instagram @racingwelfare.You can find George Baker on Twitter @GeorgeENB1982. To find out more about Katie Scott head to her website katiescottracing.com/ and to learn more about the fantastic work done by the IJF go to injuredjockeys.co.uk/.

Welcome to Episode 1 of On Track, Off Course, the new podcast from Racing Welfare in which we discuss all aspects of wellbeing, including everything from mental health and physical health to careers and housing. In this first episode, we talk to racing broadcaster of the year Lydia Hislop about the recent death of her mother, Margaret, and the impact this has had on both her personal and professional life. Lydia was incredibly open and honest on a topic that is often so hard to discuss as was our second guest Joe Foley-Corah. Joe is the Jockey Development Manager at the British Racing School and he talks to us about the death of both of his parents and how counselling has helped him navigate life after loss. We are also joined in this first episode by bereavement counsellor, Karen Burgess who explains how therapy can help you to understand grief. It was really uplifting to talk to Karen who explained that counselling can have an incredibly positive impact on a person's life, even after a very traumatic experience. Racing Welfare's services are open to anyone who works in, or is retired from, the thoroughbred racing and breeding industry. Anyone who is dealing with grief or who thinks they could benefit from counselling can contact Racing Welfare 24/7 by calling 0800 6300 443 or got to our website www.racingwelfare.co.uk If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode and do not work in the industry you can call Samaritans 24/7 on 116 123. Follow Racing Welfare on social media for all our latest news and events. We are on Facebook @racingwelfare. Twitter @Racingwelfare and Instagram @racingwelfare You can find Lydia on Twitter @LydiaHislop To follow Joe on Twitter head to @JoeCorah And if you would like to find out more about the charity Petals, founded by Karen, go to their website www.petalscharity.org/