Meet the Mancunian Podcast: social impact stories from Manchester

In the season 10 finale of Meet the Mancunian podcast, host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe speaks with Sophie Jones, Community Engagement Lead at In Our Nature about taking climate action in communities across GreaterManchester. Sophie shares her lifelong passion for environmentalism, her journey from being a school recycling monitor to studying zoology and working with the Manchester Climate Change Agency. She discusses how 'In Our Nature supports diverse Manchester communities in taking climate action tailored to their needs. Highlighting projects like textile upcycling and public transport use, Sophie highlights a holistic approach to overcoming barriers like cost of living and misinformation. She also underscores the power of collective community efforts in making a significant impact on climate change. The episode concludes with Sophie sharing some heartwarming success stories and her vision of empowering communities.   The Meet the Mancunian Podcast will take a break until October 2025, while the podcast host makes some time for work and personal travel, a creative project, and a milestone birthday. The Meet the Mancunian podcast will return with Season 11 in October 2025. In the meantime, listeners can listen to the over 120 inspiring guest episodes on the Meet the Mancunian podcast on www.meettthemancunian.co.uk or your favourite podcast channel. #ClimateChange #ClimateAction #Sustainability #community #GM #manchester #SocialImpact #NonProfit #podcast Did you know:  ·     Climate Action is one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.·     Manchester is aiming to be zero carbon by 2038.·      In Our Nature is a city-wide programme in Manchester connecting the climate crisis to practical actions we can all take to make a difference. Key resource: In Our Nature Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode &transcript:(01:21) Guest Introduction: Sophie Jones(02:03) Sophie's Journey into Climate Action(03:05) In Our Nature: Mission and Activities(05:02) Community Engagement and Challenges(09:51) Impact Stories and Successes(14:26) Personal Insights and Advice(17:50) Signature QuestionsListen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk

In the 11th episode of Season 10 of the Meet the Mancunianpodcast, host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe interviews Chris Marsh, an ambassador for Forever Manchester. Chris shares his journey of becoming involved with the charity through his passion for running and discusses the various community initiatives supported by Forever Manchester.  From supporting local disability groups to knitting collectives,Chris highlights how the organisation helps various causes within Greater Manchester. He also recounts his experience being named the Great Mancunian of the Year and discusses the challenges of continuous fundraising. The episode provides a comprehensive look at the impactful work of Forever Manchester and offers insights for those looking to make a difference in their own communities. #community #CommunityGroups #GM #manchester #SocialImpact #NonProfit #podcast Did you know:  ·      There are over 17,000 community groups, voluntary organisations and social enterprises in Greater Manchester.·      Community volunteering involves individuals dedicating their time and energy to help others and improve their local community.·      Getting involved in local projects is a great way to be part of a community, building its strength and resilience and ensuring no one is left behind.·      Forever Manchester supports over 1,300 community projects in Greater Manchester every year.  Key resource:Forever Manchester Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode & transcript: (00:57) Introducing Chris Marsh(01:38) Chris's Journey to Community Support(04:19) Forever Manchester's Impact(06:55) Challenges and Achievements(14:41) Discovering Local Impact(16:03) Upcoming Events and Initiatives(17:19) Signature Questions: Manchester's Unique Social Impact(20:09) Life Lessons and Personal InsightsListen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk

In the 10th episode of Season 10 of the Meet the Mancunian podcast, host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe interviews Zoe Marlow, Food Bank Manager at Dandelion Community Church. They discuss Zoe's personal journey from seeking help to becoming a community leader, the operations and challenges of running a food bank, and the importance of treating individuals with compassion and respect.  Zoe shares insights into food poverty, the stigma attached to seeking help, and community initiatives aimed at reducing poverty and fostering self-sustainability. The episode also highlights Zoe's inspiring trip to Africa and its impact on her community work. #FoodPoverty #FuelPoverty #community #GM #manchester #SocialImpact #NonProfit #podcast Did you know:  ·      In 2022/23 there were 7.2 million people, or 11% of the UK population, in households experiencing food poverty, including 17% of children.·      Food banks are run by charities and are intended as a temporary provision to supply emergency food. ·      In 2022/23, 2.3 million people in the UK lived in households which had used a food bank in the previous 12 months, a rate of 3%. This includes 6% of children, 3% of working-age adults, and around 1% of pensioners.·      In 2023/24 the Trussell Trust supplied 3.12 millionemergency food parcels, the highest number of parcels distributed by the network in a year. Key resource:Dandelion Community CentreTime stamps of key moments in the podcast episode &transcript: (01:02) Meet Zoe Marlow: Food Bank Manager(01:49) Zoe's Personal Journey(02:32) Dandelion Food Bank: How It Works(05:03) Challenges and Obstacles(07:27) Community Support and Services(11:30) Dandelion Community Savers and Africa Trip(16:38) Misunderstandings and Myths(23:15) Community Voice and Development(24:58) Signature Questions Listen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk

In the ninth episode of Season 10 of the Meet the Mancunian podcast, host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe speakswith Ghada Soliman, Founder, of Sustainable Threads. They discuss Ghada's journey from overcoming a serious health condition to her passion for volunteering and helping marginalised communities. Ghada shares how Sustainable Threads reuses old fabrics to create new products, aiming tosupport vulnerable women and promote environmental sustainability. Despite funding challenges and language barriers, the initiative has made significant social and environmental impacts by providing a safe space for women to learn new skills and generate income. Ghada offers advice on turning simple ideas into impactful projects and emphasises the importance of resilience, networking, and kindness.#Sustainability #SustainableClothing #community #GM #manchester #SocialImpact #NonProfit #podcast Did you know:  ·      Approximately 73% of waste clothing in the UK goes to landfill·      In the UK, approximately 350,000 tonnes of clothing waste are sent to landfills each year.·      The UK is the fourth largest producer of textile waste in Europe.·      The environmental impact of fashion waste includes landfill pollution, water pollution, and carbon emissions. Key resource:Sustainable Threads Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode & transcript:(00:55) Introducing Ghada Soliman(01:34) The Journey to Volunteering(03:52) Sustainable Threads Initiative(08:26) Challenges and Impact(20:36) The Power of Advertising and Visibility(20:59) Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs(22:22) Networking and Community Engagement(24:58) Upcoming Opportunities for Sustainable Threads(26:57) Reflections and Personal InsightsListen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk

In the eighth episode of Season 10 of the Meet the Mancunian podcast, host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe speaks with Niki Banks, co-founder of One World Together. Niki shares herjourney from her academic background in global development to launching a social enterprise aimed at providing flexible funding directly to communities.  She highlights the challenges faced by small charities and community groups in obtaining long-term funding and highlights the importance of trust and local empowerment in solving community issues. Niki also discusses the impact OneWorld Together has made in Manchester, Kenya, and Zambia, and the importance of collaboration and community bonds in driving social impact. The episode ends with Niki sharing upcoming events and her thoughts on Manchester's uniquespirit for social impact work. #Community #Fundraising #Charities #GM #manchester #SocialImpact #NonProfit #podcast Did you know:  ·     Smaller charities face challenges of funding. Nearly 90% of UK funds reaching international charities go to the 77 largest charities.·     Smaller charities are often overlooked in favour of larger, well-established charities and face challenges of trust.·     Local, grassroots charities are often the ones best placed to support the most vulnerable in their communities. Key resource:One World Together Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode &transcript:(00:56) Meet Niki Banks(01:37) Niki's Journey into Charity Work(02:55) Challenges in the Charity Sector(04:13) One World Together's Mission(07:00) Community Savers and Global Learning(09:10) Impact and Achievements(15:46) Volunteer Opportunities and EventsListen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk 

In the seventh episode of Season 10 of the Meet the Mancunian podcast, host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe engages with Ryan Miemczyk, Chair of Trustees at Manchester Young Lives. Ryan shares his journey into social work, driven by his passionfor supporting youth and his love for sports. He discusses the charity's mission to empower young people through play and recreation, providing alternative education, and improving employability skills.Ryan highlights the critical challenges faced by the organisation, particularly sustainable funding, and emphasises the importance of community involvement. He also shares insights on the broader social impact landscape, advocating forclear communication of purpose and beneficiary engagement. Tune in for an inspiring episode on making a tangible difference in the lives of young people.#Youth #Sports #community #GM #manchester #SocialImpact #NonProfit #podcast Did you know:  ·       Over 75% of children under 12 aren't getting enough active free play. ·       Only one in four boys and one in five girls in England get the recommended 60 minutes of activity every day.·       Participation in sport and physical activity varies greatly among different demographic groups.  ·       Significant inequalities remain in activity levels, with Black (42%) and Asian (43%) children and young people, and those from the least affluent families (45%), still less likely to play sport or be physically active than the average across all ethnicities and affluence groups. Girls (45%) are also less likely to be active than boys (51%).  Key resource:Manchester Young Lives Time stamps of key moments in the podcastepisode & transcript:(00:54) Episode 10.7: Meet Ryan Miemzyk(01:47) Ryan's Journey into Youth Support(02:56) Manchester Young Lives: History and Mission(05:48) Challenges and Impact(08:55) Misunderstandings and Buzzwords(12:10) Advice for Making an Impact(14:08) Ryan's Other Charitable Work(16:39) Signature QuestionsListen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk

Join host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe in the sixth episode of Season 10 of the Meet the Mancunian podcast as she interviews Lydia German, Senior Content and Campaigns Officer at Lancashire Wildlife Trust. Lydia discusses her journey into wildlife conservation, inspired by her grandfather and her passion for environmental politics. She shares insights on the goals and challenges of Lancashire Wildlife Trust, including their aim to have 30% of land and sea recovering by 2030 and mobilising one in four people to takeaction for nature. Lydia also talks about the importance of reaching diverse communities and young people, as well as her impactful work in policy communication and community engagement. (Host tip: This episode is a nice follow on from the previous episode featuring Simon Owen, Ambassador, Lancashire Wildlife Trust.)#Conservation #Environment #Wildlife #community #GM #manchester #SocialImpact #NonProfit #podcast Did you know:  ·      Lancashire Wildlife Trust look after 1,288 hectares of nature reserves for rare and threatened species and habitats·      They deliver environmental education to around 20,000 children per year. Key resource:Lancashire Wildlife Trust Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode &transcript:(00:52) Introducing Lydia German(01:50) Lydia's Journey into Wildlife Conservation(03:29) Role and Goals of Lancashire Wildlife Trust(05:19) Challenges in Environmental Politics(06:59) Reaching Diverse Communities(08:45) Impact and Achievement(15:38) Signature Questions and Personal InsightsListen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk 

In the fifth episode of Season 10 of the Meet the Mancunian podcast, host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe interviews Simon Owen,founder of Standby Productions and the first-ever ambassador for the Wildlife Trust of Lancashire, Greater Manchester, and North Merseyside.Simon shares his passion for supporting the environment and his journey from birdwatching with his dad to making award-winning wildlife films. He discusses the importance of peatlands, the challenges of conservation funding, and his unique partnership with the Wildlife Trust. Simon also highlights community projects and the positive impact of connecting people with nature. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on turning passion into purpose and making a meaningful social impact.#Conservation #Environment #Peatlands#community #GM #manchester #SocialImpact #NonProfit #podcast Did you know:  ·     Peatlands are vital ecosystems that store carbon, provide clean water, and support biodiversity. ·      They also help prevent flooding. ·   They support rare plants, insects and wading birds, Key resources:Standby ProductionsLancashire Wildlife Trust Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode &transcript:(00:55) Simon Owen on Environmental Support(03:58) Partnership with Wildlife Trust(07:37) Challenges and Community Impact(18:42) Finding Your Passion and Making an Impact(20:42) Unique Partnerships and Creative Funding(22:02) Harnessing Business for Environmental Good(22:53) Signature Questions: Manchester's Unique Social Impact(28:53) Heartwarming Stories and Final Thoughts Listen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk

In the fourth episode of Season 10 of the Meet the Mancunian podcast, host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe speaks withMarianna Vaszilyliv, co-founder and project lead of United for Ukraine. Marianna shares her journey from being a teacher to passionately supporting Ukrainian refugees in the UK after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Marianna discusses the inception and evolution of United for Ukraine, which started as an informational platform and has grown to provide extensive employment servicesand support. She highlights key challenges such as language barriers and emotional distress faced by refugees and how her team is helping them overcome these obstacles. The episode also focuses on inspiring stories of refugees finding new purpose and employment in the UK and underscores the ongoing need for community support and involvement.#Ukraine #refugees #employability #community #GM #manchester #SocialImpact #NonProfit#podcast Did you know:  ·     Around 217,000 Ukrainians were living in the UK as of 30 June 2024. ·     As of 2024, 70% of adults who arrived under the two main Ukraine schemes were women. Around 27% of all arrivals were children under the age of 18.Key resource:United for Ukraine Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode &transcript:(00:44) Meet Marianna Vaszilyliv: Championing Ukrainian Refugees(01:49) Marianna's Journey: From Teacher to Advocate(03:13) United for Ukraine: Mission and Services(06:22) Overcoming Challenges: Bias and Language Barriers(09:01) Emotional Support and Success Stories(10:21) Impact and Inspirational Stories(13:38) Balancing Personal and Professional Life(15:54) How to Support Ukrainian Refugees(20:21) Signature Questions and Closing ThoughtsListen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk

In the third episode of Season 10 of the Meet the Mancunian podcast, host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe interviews Kieran Innes, CEO of Tootoot. Kieran shares his inspiring journey from growing up in a council estate to co-founding Tootoot, apioneering platform that provides children with a safe, anonymous way to report bullying and safeguarding issues. He discusses the development of Tootoot from a university project to a tool used globally in over 500 schools, impacting over half a million children. Kieran shares the importance of giving children a voice, the challenges of gaining schooladoption, and tips for those looking to make a social impact in their communities.  #AntiBullying #Youth #children #community #GM #manchester #SocialImpact #NonProfit #podcast Did you know:  ·      About 24% of school pupils reported being frequently bullied and about 6% admitted to frequently bullying others·      Pupils with special educational needs or disabilities, or in receipt of free school meals, were significantly more likely to be bullied. Key resource:Tootoot Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode &transcript:(00:57) Introduction and Guest Welcome(01:24) Kieran's Early Inspiration(02:02) Journey to Tootoot(03:08) Building the First MVP(04:38) Challenges and Obstacles(07:33) Impact and Success Stories(09:34) Understanding the Market(11:28) Future Developments(13:26) Signature Questions(18:04) Closing Remarks Listen to the episode and read the transcript onwww.meetthemancunian.co.uk

In the second episode of Season 10 of the Meet the Mancunian podcast, host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe speaks with Jolene Sheehan, a social entrepreneur, creative, and founder of Joy Ethic.Jolene shares her journey, from being a teacher in Manchester to founding her social enterprise dedicated to well-being and community connections. She discusses the transformative power of understanding one's core values, overcoming personal and professional obstacles, and the importance of fostering mutual exchanges in community work. Jolene also highlights upcoming projects involving AI and being, and offers advice for those looking to make a social impact. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on living with purpose and authenticity.#wellbeing #SocialEntrepreneurship #community #GM #manchester #SocialImpact #NonProfit #podcast Did you know:  Wellbeing is the state of feeling healthy and happy. Wellbeing includes physical health, mental health,emotional health, social health and purpose.Key resource:JoyEthic Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode &transcript:(00:56) Meet Jolene Sheehan: Social Entrepreneur(01:51) Jolene's Journey to Community Work(04:32) Founding Joy Ethic(07:55) Challenges and Obstacles(10:34) Impact and Achievements(12:44) Understanding Joy Ethic(16:08) Future Projects and AI Exploration(19:22) Signature Questions Listen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk 

In the first episode of Season 10 of the Meet theMancunian podcast, host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe interviews Mike Wild, Chief Executive of Macc. Mike shares his journey from volunteer work in school to leading Macc, an organisation supporting thousands of voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise groups in Manchester. He discusses the challenges faced by the sector, such asfunding and workforce issues, and emphasises the importance of collaboration and self-care. Mike also highlights the impact of initiatives like the Migrant Destitution Fund and the Spirit of Manchester Awards in supporting and celebrating the local community. #charity #VCSE #community #volunteering #GM #manchester #SocialImpact #NonProfit #podcast Did you know:  There are over 160,000volunteers living in Manchester?Key resources:MaccMacc You Tube channel Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode &transcript:(01:06) Meet Mike Wild: Passion for the VCSE Sector(01:45) Mike's Early Journey and First Job(02:56) Joining Macc and Early Experiences(07:40) Macc's Role and Impact in Manchester(10:14) Challenges in the VCSE Sector(14:50) Supporting the Community: Stories and Initiatives(21:16) Advice for Aspiring Changemakers(23:57) Upcoming Events and Initiatives(25:28) Signature Questions and Closing Thoughts Listen to the episode and read the transcript onwww.meetthemancunian.co.uk

Welcome to Season 10 of the Meet the Mancunian podcast, hosted by Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe. This season celebrates social impact community heroes across Manchester and aims to inspire listeners through their life experiences, challenges, and passion for their causes.   The season is dedicated to the memory of Deepa's rescue dog, Sandy who died last month. Join Deepa every Tuesday starting February 11, 2025, for thought-provoking conversations available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and the Meet the Mancunian website (www.meetthemancunian.co.uk). The podcast cover art is designed by artist Mahua Roy from Purple Art Studio.   Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode & transcript: (00:00) Welcome to Season 10 (00:29) Dedication to Sandy - the rescue dog (00:54) Podcast Goals (01:06) Where to Listen and Launch date (01:51) Closing Remarks and Credits   Listen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk   #SocialImpact #Community #Manchester #GM #podcast #NonProfit #volunteer

A warm Mancunian welcome to all my listeners from your host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe. In the season finale of Season 9 of the Meet the Mancunian podcast, I speak with Judy Vickers, Executive Officer of Lifeshare and Spirit of Manchester Award nominee. Judy shares her journey from overcoming personal challenges, including domestic violence, to passionately working in the homelessness sector. She discusses her extensive work with Lifeshare, an organisation providing services to the homeless in Manchester, and the critical issues of food and data poverty. The episode highlights Lifeshare's broad range of services and the ongoing challenges amid economic and social shifts. Judy's dedication to advocating for the voiceless and fostering community collaboration stands out as a beacon of hope. #Homelessness #FoodPoverty #DataPoverty #community #GM #manchester #SocialImpact #NonProfit #podcast   Did you know:   ·     Homelessness is a complex social phenomenon and represents one of the biggest challenges to modern society. ·     Manchester has some of the highest levels of homelessness in the UK –Manchester ranks third-highest in the country for people experiencing homelessness per capita, with around 7,407 people (one in 74 people) experiencing homelessness. ·     3 Million people in the UK experience data poverty. ·     Data poverty is when individuals or households cannot afford data or digital devices to meet their essential devices. ·     Data poverty can have a negative impact on people's lives, affecting their ability to learn, work, connect with others, and access services like banking, benefits and healthcare. Key resources Lifeshare Lifeshare Limited Edition Christmas tees   Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode & transcript: (01:30) Introduction to Judy Vickers and Her Passion (01:39) Judy's Personal Journey and Inspiration (03:26) Early Involvement with Lifeshare (04:44) Lifeshare's Mission and Services (07:27) Challenges Faced by Lifeshare (10:15) The Issue of Data Poverty (13:27) Impact and Achievements (17:02) Advice for Starting Community Movements (21:21) Signature Questions (23:28) How to Get Involved with Lifeshare Listen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk  

A warm Mancunian welcome to all my listeners from your host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe. In the seventh episode of the Meet the Mancunian podcast, I interview Beth Powell, Managing Director of Creative City and a nominee for the Spirit of Manchester Award for Social Economy Champion. Beth details her motivations for supporting women and youth, her journey through personal mental health challenges, and the founding of Creative City. The organisation uses arts for empowerment, offering long-term community and youth projects in challenging environments. Beth discusses the hurdles of funding and inclusivity, the importance of community, and the impact they have achieved. She emphasises trust in people, collaboration, and the significance of starting small. Beth also shares how to get involved with Creative City and her pride in being nominated for the Spirit of Manchester Awards. #Women #Youth #CreativeCommunities #community #GM #manchester #SocialImpact #NonProfit #podcast   Did you know:   ·      Creativity can be a powerful tool for empowerment, as it can help people express themselves, challenge societal norms, and inspire change.  ·      Creativity can be a way for people to tell their stories and advocate for gender equality.  ·      Creativity can help people challenge societal norms and promote empowerment.  ·      Creativity can help people inspire change and make the world a more inclusive and equitable place.  ·      Creativity can help people broaden their perspectives and overcome prejudices.  ·     Creativity can help people find solutions and discover new possibilities.    Key resource Creative City Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode & transcript: (02:21) Founding Creative City (02:38) Empowerment Through Arts and Community (04:50) Challenges in Social Work (07:28) Impact and Community Building (09:54) Spirit of Manchester Awards Nomination (10:44) Advice for Aspiring Changemakers (16:23) Personal Reflections and Life Lessons   Listen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk

A warm Mancunian welcome to all my listeners from your host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe. In the sixth episode of the Meet the Mancunian podcast, I interview Shelley Roberts, CEO of Home-Start Manchester, an award-winning volunteer involving organisation. Shelley discusses her lifelong passion for supporting children,the impactful work of Home-Start in providing peer support for families with young children, and the challenges and successes they've faced.   Shelley shares inspiring stories of how Home-Start volunteers have made a difference, emphasising the importance of normalising the challenges of parenthood and the critical role of early years support. The episode underscores the tremendous impact Home-Start has on families' lives and offers insights on building successful volunteer-led organisations.   #Families #EarlyYears #Children #community #GM #manchester #SocialImpact #NonProfit #podcast   Did you know:   ·      The brain develops most rapidly before birth and during the first two years of life. Good health, good nutrition, and nurturing are especially important during this time. ·      Eighty per cent of human brain's structure takes shape between the ages of 0-3 and the 90 percent of the human brain's structure takes shape until the age of 5. ·      More than 200 million children under 5 years are not fulfilling their developmental potential. ·      Early childhood offers a critical window of opportunity to shape the trajectory of a child's holistic development and build a foundation for their future. For children to achieve their full potential, as is their human right, they need health care and nutrition, protection from harm and a sense of security, opportunities for early learning, and responsive caregiving with parents and caregivers who love them. All of this is needed to nourish developing brains and fuel growing bodies.  Key resource Home-Start Manchester     Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode & transcript: (01:09) Interview with Shelley Robert (01:29) Shelley's Journey and Passion (03:01) Home Start Manchester's Mission (04:46) Challenges and Overcoming Them (07:35) Impact Stories and Volunteer Contribution (17:51) Advice for Starting Similar Movements (24:35) Closing Remarks and Next Episode Preview   Listen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk

A warm Mancunian welcome to all my listeners from your host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe. In the fifth episode of Season 9 of the Meet the Mancunian podcast, I speak to Tracey Torley, director of Cracking Good Food and a Spirit of Manchester award winner for community and business collaboration. Tracy discusses her journey into food advocacy, stemming from her West Indian heritage, and her impactful work with organisations aimed at alleviating food poverty and promoting sustainable cooking practices. Tracy also shares the operational challenges and successes of her initiatives, including kitchen kit redistribution and community cooking workshops. #FoodPoverty #FuelPoverty #community #GM #manchester #SocialImpact #NonProfit #podcast   Did you know:   ·      Food poverty is the inability of individuals and households to secure an adequate and nutritious diet. It can affect those living on low incomes, with limited access to transport and poor cooking skills. ·      Fuel poverty is when a household needs to spend at least 10% of its income on maintaining a satisfactory heating regime. ·      Around 13% of households in England are classed as fuel-poor. ·      In 2022/23 there were 7.2 million people, or 11% of the UK population, in households experiencing food poverty, including 17% of children. ·      In 2022/23, 2.3 million people lived in households which had used a food bank in the last 12 months. ·      An estimated 620,000 people, including over 200,000 children, in Greater Manchester are living in poverty and struggling to put food on the table. This includes many households with people in work, families with children, as well as older and disabled people. Key resource: Cracking Good Food Combating food insecurity   Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode & transcript: (01:15) Introduction to Tracey Torley and organisations (01:39) Discovering a Passion for Food (02:39) Cultural Influences and Food Stories (04:36) Joining Cracking Good Food (05:29) Roles and Responsibilities at Cracking Good Food (07:43) Community Impact and Services (13:53) Challenges and Overcoming Them (17:32) Spirit of Manchester Award Nomination (20:16) Advice for Starting Similar Movements (26:06) Final Thoughts and Contact Information Listen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk

A warm Mancunian welcome to all my listeners from your host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe. In the fourth episode of Season 9 of the Meet the Mancunian podcast, I interview Jan Iceton, Board Chair of Smart Works Greater Manchester. Jan discusses Smart Works' mission to support unemployed women aged 16 to 66 in rebuilding confidence and securing employment. Jan shares her journey in the sector, the pivotal role of Smart Works in empowering women, and the significant impact of their services. Featuring job search coaching, styling sessions, and follow-up appointments, Smart Works boasts a 63% success rate in helping women find jobs within a month. #employability #careers #women #community #GM #manchester #SocialImpact #NonProfit #podcast   Did you know:   ·     There are over 75,000 people unemployed in Greater Manchester which is 5.4% of the population. 41,500 of these are women. ·     Women in Greater Manchester reported applying for an average of 30 jobs, and 40% were out of work for over a year. On average, women reported spending 23 hours a week applying for jobs, but only attended 3 interviews, rarely receiving any feedback on why their applications were unsuccessful. ·      Since 2015, Smart Works Greater Manchester has delivered over 5,000 appointments supporting over 4,000 individual appointments, with 69% succeeding at job interviews. Key resource: Smart Works Greater Manchester   Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode & transcript: (01:36) Jan's Professional Journey and Support for Women (02:50) Getting Involved with Smart Works (04:13) Smart Works' Mission and Services (05:10) The Styling and Coaching Process (08:05) Impact and Success Stories (09:55) Challenges and Outreach Efforts (11:26) Expansion and Future Goals (16:24) Partnerships and Awards (27:11) Final Thoughts and Contact Information   Listen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk  

A warm Mancunian welcome to all my listeners from your host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe. In the third episode of Season 9 of the Meet the Mancunian podcast, I interview Claire Biggs, Director of Sustainable Northmoor Urban Greening (SNUG) and Spirit of Manchester award nominee for Inspiring Campaign.   Claire discusses her involvement with Longsight Community Artspace and the impact of their projects on the local community. From offering free art workshops and exhibitions to transforming an unused bowling green into a fruitful orchard, Claire highlights the importance of funding, community engagement, and building relationships. The conversation also touches on Claire's personal motivations and the joy of seeing community-driven projects flourish.   #community #sustainability #UrbanGreening #environment #GM #manchester #SocialImpact #NonProfit #podcast   Did you know:   ·      Urban greening involves making our towns and cities greener by adding more trees, hedges, parks, gardens, and ponds. ·      Urban greening lessens the impacts of climate change by cooling our city, benefiting wildlife, reducing flood risk, and decreasing air and noise pollution. ·      Around 26% of Greater Manchester's urban areas are green spaces (parks, gardens, grass and woodland). ·      Almost 20% of GM's urban tree canopy is over hard surfaces such as paths, carparks, and squares. These trees provide important climate change adaptation functions including shading, cooling, and capturing rainwater. Key resources: SNUG Longsight Community Artspace   Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode & transcript: (01:10) Episode 9.3- Spotlight on Claire Biggs and SNUG (01:28) Community Engagement and Challenges (06:10) Impact and Achievements of Longsight Community Artspace (07:06) Harvesting the Fruits of Labour (08:07) Community Spirit and Recognition (09:46) Advice for Community Projects (10:54) Signature Questions and Closing Remarks   Listen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk  

A warm Mancunian welcome to all my listeners. In the second episode of Season 9 of the Meet the Mancunian Podcast, host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe chats with Josh Deegan, a volunteer at Happy Somedays and Spirit of Manchester Award winner for Community Cohesion. Josh shares his inspiring journey of supporting the Wythenshawe community, discussing the inception and evolution of Happy Some Days from a lockdown initiative into a multifaceted community group offering free fitness sessions, sports, walks, and community events.   Happy Some Days addresses local challenges like high obesity rates, while fostering inclusivity and friendships. Josh highlights their inclusive approach, collaboration with local entities, and plans for a forthcoming festival. He also shares his personal journey of weight loss and fitness, the importance of self-care, and advice on networking to create awareness for similar initiatives across the world.   #community #sports #wellbeing #GM #manchester #SocialImpact #NonProfit   Did you know:   ·      Sports and physical activity can have a positive impact on both mental and physical well-being. ·      Physical activity can improve mood, reduce anxiety and depression, and increase self-esteem and confidence.  ·      Physical activity can reduce the risk of developing a number of medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cancer, dementia, strokes, and heart disease. It can also help to maintain a healthy body weight, improve strength, balance, and movement, and improve sleep quality.  ·      Physical activity can be done at any level of skill and can include sports, cycling, walking, wheeling, active recreation, and play.  Key resource: Happy Somedays   Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode & transcript:   (01:06) Episode 2: Meet Josh Deegan (02:30) The Birth of Happy Somedays (04:52) Expanding Beyond Football (11:14) The Spirit of Manchester Award (12:37) Advice for Starting Similar Movements (14:27) Signature Questions (15:44) Life Lessons and Personal Journey (16:48) Connecting with Happy Somedays (17:52) Final Thoughts and Community Impact (19:19) Gratitude and Community (19:58) Inspiring Positive Change   Listen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk  

In the Season 9 opener of the 'Meet the Mancunian' podcast, host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe highlights award-winning activist Maria Romanenko's journey. Maria was nominated as Volunteer of the Year in the Spirit of Manchester Awards.   Fleeing Ukraine amid war, Maria finds solace and purpose in assisting fellow Ukrainian refugees in Manchester, providing free walking tours among other support initiatives. She addresses the challenges Ukrainian refugees face, the shortcomings of official support systems, and the emotional struggles refugees undergo.   Despite personal challenges, Maria invests thousands of volunteer hours, earning the Prime Minister's Points of Light Award. Her story encourages others to find creative, community-driven solutions and partnerships for social impact.   #volunteering #GM #manchester #community #Ukraine #refugees #SocialImpact #NonProfit   Did you know:  There are over 160,000 Ukraine refugees living in the UK. Many of them are not familiar with English and struggle to find jobs similar to their occupations in Ukraine, in spite of having qualifications and work experience. Key resource: United for Ukraine   Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode & transcript:   (01:12) Introduction to Maria Romanenko (01:37) Maria's Journey from Kyiv to the UK (02:45) Settling in the UK and Media Attention (03:40) Finding Purpose in Helping Others (06:38) Challenges Faced by Ukrainian Refugees (09:59) Initiating Free Walking Tours (11:31) Expanding the Walking Tours (12:39) Recognition and Awards (14:43) Ongoing Efforts and Future Plans (25:43) Advice and Reflections   Listen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk

Celebrating Social Impact: Season 9 of Meet the Mancunian Podcast In Season 9 of the Meet the Mancunian Podcast, host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe collaborates with the Spirit of Manchester Awards to feature interviews with award winners and nominees from the city's voluntary and community sector.   Each episode, released weekly on Tuesdays, showcases Manchester's community champions dedicated to various causes. The season aims to inspire listeners to engage with the social impact sector and spread positivity. Listeners can tune in on major platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or the podcast's website www.meetthemancunian.co.uk.   The podcast cover art is designed by Mahua Roy from Purple Art Studio.   Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode & transcript:   (00:00) Welcome to Season 9: Meet the Mancunian Podcast (00:31) Celebrating Community Champions (01:01) Upcoming Episodes and Listening Options (01:21) Join the Mancunian Community   #SocialImpact #SpiritofMcr24 #Community #Manchester #GM #podcast #NonProfit #volunteer

In the 16th and final episode of Season 8 of the Meet the Mancunian Podcast, host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe welcomes Matthew Carroll, Station Manager of Evolve Radio. Carroll shares his 25-year journey in community and hospital radio, discussing the personal and professional challenges he has faced, including struggles with mental health. He introduces his latest venture, Evolve Radio, aimed at bringing community radio to Stockport and providing training opportunities for aspiring broadcasters. The episode reflects on the importance of staying goal-focused, the impact of community radio, and plans for future programming. This episode also marks the celebration of the Meet the Mancunian podcast's 100th guest. The podcast will return with Season 9 in October 2024 in partnership with the Spirit of Manchester Awards. #Community #Radio #MentalHealth #Manchester #GM #SocialImpact #NonProfit #Podcast Did you know:  ·      Community radio stations are low-power, not-for-profit radio stations that are operated and influenced by the communities they serve. They are different from commercial and public service radio stations. ·     They are usually run by volunteers and activists, rather than paid staff.  ·      They provide a platform for people to learn new skills and contribute their own. ·     They provide access to the airwaves for under-represented voices.   Key resource: Evolve Radio   Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode & transcript: (01:32) Introduction to Matthew Carroll and Evolve Radio (02:17) Matthew's Journey into Community Radio (02:40) Commitment to Community Radio (04:24) The Birth of Evolve Radio (06:25) Challenges in Community Radio (06:32) Overcoming Mental Health Struggles (10:29) Supporting New Talent in Radio (15:05) Advice for Aspiring Community Radio Enthusiasts (21:42) Signature Questions and Personal Reflections   Listen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk  

In the 15th episode of Season 8 of the Meet the Mancunian Podcast, host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe speaks with Tanny Rowland, Secretary of Wythenshawe Safety Patrol. Tanny shares her journey from experiencing homelessness at 17 to co-leading a non-profit organization dedicated to community safety and support in Wythenshawe. They discuss various initiatives like street patrols, a community café, a garden project, and safe places for vulnerable individuals. Tanny emphasises the importance of community involvement, overcoming challenges, and the power of positivity in making a difference. The episode concludes with heartwarming stories of lives transformed through their work and Tanny's gratitude for the support they receive. #Community #Safety #Allotment  #Homelessness #Manchester #GM #SocialImpact #NonProfit #Podcast Did you know:  ·     Community safety is all about the issues that make people feel safe or unsafe in their communities ·     This is often a shared responsibility between the community, the public sector (Council, Police), the private sector (local businesses), the faith sector, voluntary organisations ·     More than three-quarters of people (78%) feel safe in the area where they live, compared with 11% who do not  (Public polling on community safety in the UK in 2023) Key resource: The Real Wythenshawe Safety Patrol   Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode & transcript: (01:48) Introduction and Welcome (01:57) Tanny's Journey: From Homelessness to Helping Others (02:50) Joining Wythenshawe Safety Patrol (03:56) Community Patrol Activities and Impact (05:54) Challenges Faced by the Organisation (07:26) Success Stories and Positive Outcomes (09:06) The Power of Social Media and Community Support (10:57) Advice for Starting Community Movements (13:45) Signature Questions: Manchester and Personal Insights (19:22) Heartwarming Stories and Conclusion Listen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk  

In the 14th episode of Season 8 of the Meet the Mancunian Podcast, host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe interviews Hemant Patel, CEO of Anumana. They discuss Hemant's passion for community support, inspired by his mother and Indian cultural values, and his initiative, the Code Academy. Patel highlights the academy's mission to address challenges in the tech sector, such as lack of diversity, skills gap, and social mobility barriers. The academy offers a free 16-week Python programming course to Manchester schools delivered by University students, targeting students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Hemant also shares the struggles and successes of establishing this program simultaneously with his business, Anumana, and emphasises the importance of relatable role models in inspiring young talent. The episode concludes with insights into the program's impact and Hemant's advice for creating similar initiatives. In Hemant's own words: “I think the biggest common myth is that you have to have a specific skill set and I guess the biggest common myth is that you have to come from a computer science background to be able to program, or you have had to have previous program experience to program. I think certainly there are a lot of programs out there where people are retraining from completely different vocations into programming.” #Youth #Coding #students #community #Manchester #GM #SocialImpact #NonProfit #Podcast Did you know:  ·     In 2024, the House of Commons Library reported that 18% of UK adults lack the digital skills needed for the workplace.  ·     The Government's 2022 Digital Strategy states that over 80% of UK job advertisements require digital skills, and the skills gap could cost the economy up to £120 billion a year by 2035. ·     Young people face several barriers to entering digital training and careers, including a lack of encouragement, limited awareness of options, and low teaching quality. Many also hold negative perceptions of the tech sector, seeing it as difficult, with long hours and high discrimination. Additionally, retraining is hindered by financial costs and a lack of junior-level roles   Key resource: Anumana Code Academy   Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode & transcript: (00:55) Introduction to Hemant Patel and Anumana (01:42) Finding Passion for Community Support (02:46) The Birth of Code Academy (06:33) Challenges in Building Code Academy (07:50) Scaling and Sustainability of Code Academy (09:20) Impact and Success Stories (12:31) Debunking Myths in Coding and IT (13:36) Advice for Starting Similar Movements (18:25) Personal Reflections and Life Lessons (19:49) Signature Questions and Closing Remarks Listen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk  

In the 13th episode of Season 8 of the Meet the Mancunian Podcast, host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe interviews Daniel Firea, a self-development YouTuber and photographer. Daniel shares his journey from a life filled with vices and bad mental health to one focused on positive self-development. He discusses the impact of stopping vices, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and finding faith. Daniel explains his motivation to help others through his YouTube channel, promoting a holistic approach to self-improvement. The episode emphasises the importance of continuous learning, honesty, and having a higher power to rely on. In Daniel' own words: “I'm trying to promote working out, sport because when I was in that bad period, I stopped sport, I was eating bad, I was smoking, I was doing all these bad things that I'm saying. But after I managed to stop them, I start seeing an improvement in my mental health immediately just by stopping devices, starting sport again, working out. regularly dieting, so eating better, stopping the bad friendships.” #Selfdevelopment #Physicalhealth #community #Manchester #GM #SocialImpact #NonProfit #Podcast Did you know:  ·     Self-development is the capacity and action to grow one's self-awareness, abilities, talents, and skills in order to improve one's quality of life. This personal development may be done at any time and in any place, with or without the help of others. ·      It is the process of learning new things and building new skills that help people achieve their goals and manifest their dreams. ·     It is often a lifelong process. Key resources: Daniel's YouTube channel Future Learn courses on self-development   Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode & transcript: (01:02) Introduction to Daniel Firea (01:43) Daniel's Journey to Self-Development (03:06) Finding Passion in Photography (04:43) Broad Focus on Self-Development (06:15) Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle (07:21) Overcoming Physical Challenges (08:40) Debunking Myths About Self-Development (11:12) The Long Game of YouTube Success (14:03) Signature Questions (18:58) Final Thoughts and Contact Information   Listen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk

In the twelfth episode of Season 8 of the Meet the Mancunian Podcast, host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe speaks with Jazzy J, an Artist and Executive Committee Member of the Indian Association of Manchester. Jazzy J shares his passion for community support, rooted in his upbringing in Mumbai, and discusses his role in the Indian Association of Manchester. He highlights the organisation's efforts to bring together people from various backgrounds, provide platforms for local talent, and support activities that celebrate South Asian culture. The episode covers the importance of patience, kindness, and a forward-thinking approach. The conversation underscores the significance of fostering inclusion and giving people opportunities to showcase their talents. The episode concludes with Jazzy J offering advice for those looking to start similar movements in their communities. In J's own words: “I think I have made an impact by making people believe that if they have a talent that they can come forward and present it. Age does not matter. Form does not matter. Style does not matter. As far as you have it in you, you go ahead and you share it with the world and you enrich it in the way that you feel that is fit for you.' #Community #SouthAsian #culture #Manchester #GM #SocialImpact #NonProfit #Podcast   Did you know:  ·     South Asian culture is a blend of many cultures in and around the Indian subcontinent. It has a rich history of kingdoms, empires, spiritual and artistic movements, and cultural, religious, economic, and political connections to other regions.  ·     South Asian culture has made a significant impact on Britain in various aspects, such as food, clothing, music, words, and the overall ambiance of our towns and cities.  ·      South Asia has a rich legacy of music and dance, including classical music traditions like Hindustani and Carnatic music in India, Ghazals in Pakistan, and Baul music in Bangladesh. Dance forms like Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Bhangra are art forms that also express emotions and cultural narratives.   Key resources: This is Jazzy J. Indian Association of Manchester   Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode & transcript: (00:52) Introduction and Finding Passion (02:45) Involvement with the Indian Association of Manchester (03:52) Role and Objectives of the Indian Association (04:51) Supporting the Indian Community (07:46) Challenges Faced in the Journey (10:47) Impact and Encouragement (13:00) Advice for Starting a Community Movement (13:41) Additional Cultural Involvements (14:30) Signature Questions: Mancunian Spirit (20:12) Heartwarming Conclusion   Listen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk

In the 11th episode of Season 8 of the Meet the Mancunian Podcast, host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe interviews Claire Hines, owner of Shine and a passionate advocate for shared community spaces. Claire shares her journey from volunteering at her children's school to starting her own eco-friendly business Shine within Emporium M33, a community-centric retail hub in Sale.   The discussion covers the challenges and rewards of running a small business and the significance of local support. Claire emphasises the importance of tenacity, community collaboration, and supporting local enterprises. The episode wraps up with heartfelt anecdotes that illustrate the profound impact of community ties and mutual support.   In Claire's own words: “It is tough for us to match some of the prices that you can find, on the high street, but I think we're constantly trying to improve that and trying to basically give the customers the best experience.   So whether that's that you maybe pay slightly more than you would one of the big supermarkets or whatever, but you might get lovely gift wrap, or you get a little handwritten note with your gift, or, just like a little something extra that you wouldn't expect. “   #Community #SharedSpace #Manchester #GM #SocialImpact #NonProfit #Podcast   Did you know:  ·      Shared spaces in communities can include urban design approaches, residential facilities or communal areas. ·     Co-location is an example of shared spaces where a number of organisations may share a space ·     Community Hubs are shared spaces that provide direct services to the geographic community in which they are located. ·     Coworking spaces provide work space and community to people who are often working on their own.   Key resources: Emporium M33 Shine   Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode & transcript: (01:04) Introduction to Claire Hines and Shine (01:47) Discovering a Passion for Community (02:38) Life in the Cayman Islands and Moving to Sale (03:46) Starting a Small Business: The Journey to Shine (04:53) Emporium M33: A Community Hub for Entrepreneurs (08:13) Challenges of Running a Small Business (10:23) Impact and Success Stories (14:14) Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs (16:59) Signature Questions: Manchester and Beyond (23:54) Heartwarming Stories and Conclusion   Listen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk  

In the tenth episode of Season 8 of the Meet the Mancunian Podcast, host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe interviews volunteer and photographer, David McLenachan. David shares his journey from retirement to discovering a passion for volunteering, starting with The Met Theatre in Bury and expanding through various music festivals in Manchester. He discusses the challenges and rewards of volunteering, his photography career progression, and his role as a patient representative for Greater Manchester Cancer. The episode also touches on David's significant impact, his advice for aspiring volunteers, and heartwarming stories from his volunteering experiences.   In David's own words: “I really think that's for any individual, that's the most important thing is to go out and make it happen. Now, it's really difficult to know in more specific detail how to do that. And people I've mentioned like Mac, M A C, is one route so that you can just identify the vast number of opportunities that they collate.  But there's many other ways as well. So it might be in a more local environment. So what do you have in your local community, your local town or area of Manchester that you might want to get engaged in?  Go and see them, find out if there's any need for any volunteers and see where that takes you.”  #volunteering #GM #manchester #SocialImpact #community #NonProfit   Did you know:  ·     Volunteering can be a great way to learn and develop new skills ·     Volunteering improves your mental health and sense of wellbeing ·     Volunteering can help people feel less isolated in their surroundings and form meaningful connections with the people around them ·     Volunteering can help you ‘pay it forward'   Key resources: Macc volunteer centre David McLenachan Instagram   Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode & transcript:   (02:30) Volunteering at The Met (04:12) Expanding Volunteering Horizons (05:37) From Volunteering to Photography (07:03) Challenges and Rewards of Volunteering (11:18) Impact and Serious Roles (15:13) Advice for Aspiring Volunteers (20:59) Personal Reflections and Life Lessons (28:45) Heartwarming Volunteering Stories   Listen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk

In the ninth episode of Season 8 of the Meet the Mancunian Podcast, host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe welcomes Advita Patel, founder of Comms Rebel. Advita shares her passionate journey towards fostering diversity and inclusion, recounting personal experiences of feeling excluded and how witnessing a colleague's poor treatment ignited her advocacy. Advita explains the inception of Comms Rebel, emphasising the importance of being a 'positive disruptor' in driving inclusive communication. She also discusses 'A Leader Like Me,' her initiative for underrepresented speakers, and the significance of micro steps in achieving social change. The conversation highlights Advita's challenges with identity and confidence, the impact of her work, and her upcoming role as president-elect for the CIPR, illustrating the profound effects of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in the UK and beyond.   In Advita's own words: “And I thought, you know what? We need a list of people who can put themselves out there, who want to speak and  want to have conversations. So I messaged a few of my friends, asked them to put their names on the list and then spread the word. And that's how the Underrepresented Speaker list started.” #Diversity #Inclusion #GM #manchester #SocialImpact #community #NonProfit   Did you know:  ·     The public relations profession faces a diversity challenge.CIPR data shows that 9 in 10 UK practitioners are White and 25% are privately educated – around four times higher than the UK national average. ·     In a recent CIPR report, over 73% of professional surveyed experienced barriers to progression while 72% faced discriminatory behaviour in the workplace.   Key resources: Comms Rebel Underrepresented Speakers List   Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode & transcript:     (00:54) Meet Advita Patel: Champion of Diversity and Inclusion (01:37) Advita's Journey to Inclusion (05:46) Founding Comms Rebel (08:31) A Leader Like Me: Underrepresented Speaker's List (13:44) Overcoming Personal Challenges (18:20) Impact and Volunteering with CIPR (24:48) Advice for Starting a Movement (29:28) Signature Questions and Reflections   Listen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk

In the eighth episode of Season 8 of the Meet the Mancunian Podcast, host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe welcomes Danny Ryder, actor and creative producer of Reload Theatre. They discuss Danny's passion for theatre, his diverse acting career, and the formation of Reload Theatre. Danny highlights the 'One Play One Day' initiative, an innovative theatre concept that challenges actors, directors, and writers to create and perform plays within 24 hours while supporting various charities. The episode explores the impact of community theatre on budding actors and the importance of creating platforms for unsung talents. Danny emphasises self-awareness in acting and shares insights into the life of a community-focused actor. The conversation wraps up with Danny offering advice for others looking to start similar initiatives and his future plans for Reload Theatre.   In Danny's own words, “It's a really good challenge for actors specifically to learn a script so quick and get up on stage and do it. Some never want to do it again, but they're always happy they did it. They always say it was a good experience and they're happy they did it. But for some people that don't want to do it again, then we've got people that do it repeatedly, that want to do it all the time.” #Community #Theatre #GM #manchester #SocialImpact #NonProfit   Did you know:  ·     Community theatre can be a social development tool that helps build community spirit, artistic skills and social capital. ·     Community theatre can reflect the personal experiences and difficulties of participants through storytelling and improvisation. ·     Community theatre is often staged in public places, schools, prisons, traditional meeting spaces or other institutions rather than traditional playhouses.   Key resource: One Play One Day   Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode & transcript:   (01:34) Discovering a Passion for Theatre (02:02) Screen Productions and TV Roles (02:42) Founding Reload Theatre (04:07) The Concept of One Play One Day (05:26) Community Impact and Charity Work (06:57) Challenges and Opportunities in Theatre (12:56) Advice for Aspiring Theatre Creators (16:02) Signature Questions (18:29) Contact and Final Thoughts Listen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk

In the seventh episode of Season 8 of the Meet the Mancunian Podcast, host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe talks with Mark Sproston, Founder of Project 23. Mark shares his personal journey, dealing with the mental health crisis following his brother's suicide, and the formation of Project 23, an award-winning, self-funding mental health group aimed at preventing suicides and providing support. They discuss the impact of physical fitness on mental health, the challenges of mental health services, and Mark's commitment to creating a safe space for people in distress. Listeners learn about the importance of openness, commitment, and community in tackling mental health issues. The episode concludes with poignant anecdotes, reflecting the significance of genuine support and advocacy.   In Mark's own words, “Project 23 is an award winning, self-funding mental health group. I founded the group, obviously, because I wanted to try and stop suicide. And that's impossible. But, I didn't realise at the time how big of a problem it was.  It's horrendous, why somebody wants to do that.”   #MentalHealth #Fitness #GM #manchester #community #SocialImpact #NonProfit   Did you know:   ·     Endorphins are the brain's natural pain reliever ·     Endorphins can also release stress and create a feeling of well-being. ·     High levels of endorphins can boost your emotional and overall well-being. ·     Lower levels could mean you're more likely to experience mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, as well as increased pain levels and certain inflammatory diseases.   Key resource: Project 23     Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode & transcript: (01:34) Introduction to the Podcast (02:05) Discovering Manchester and Its Culture (03:21) Mark's Journey into Mental Health Advocacy (14:07) Challenges and Triumphs of Project 23 (21:34) Commitment to Free Services (21:49) The Impact of the Gymnasium (22:43) Addressing Myths and Misconceptions (25:52) Advice for Starting a Community Movement (27:15) Global Outreach and Support (27:25) Personal Motivation and Commitment (29:02) Upcoming Events and Community Engagement (35:11) Heartwarming Stories and Impact (36:52) Suicide Prevention and Community Support (37:56) Final Thoughts and Gratitude   Listen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk

In the sixth episode of Season 8 of the Meet the Mancunian Podcast, host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe interviews Shanaz Hussain, Network Leader for WomenEd Northwest. Shanaz shares her passion for supporting women and battling inequality, tracing it back to her early community work. She discusses her involvement with WomenEd, a global network supporting women leaders in education, and her role as a headteacher in Blackburn, empowering young girls and addressing challenges such as digital poverty.   Shanaz reflects on impactful moments, the importance of passion and determination, and how the WomenEd movement provides opportunities for networking and professional growth. The episode highlights the power of community, shared experiences, and the ongoing fight against stereotypes and inequality. In Shenaz's own words, “I think it was roughly about two years ago, I was asked by one of the network leaders, Nassima Riazat, a network leader for the Northwest, and now she is involved more widely in the United Kingdom with the Women Ed movement.   She asked me if I would be the keynote speaker to a conference that they was hosting and that was my first interaction. I hadn't heard of the Women Ed Network prior to that, and I didn't know a great deal about it. So I had the privilege of being a keynote speaker at this event.”   #women #education #GM #manchester #community #SocialImpact #NonProfit Hosted by Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe (https://www.instagram.com/meetthemancunian/).   Did you know:   ·     WomenEd is a global grassroots movement that connects aspiring and existing women leaders in education and gives women a voice in education ·      Even though women dominate the workforce across all sectors of education, there are still gender and racial inequalities in terms of the numbers of women in senior leadership, the large gender pay gap and the number of women who want to stay in education yet whose requests for flexible working are not met.     Key resource: WomenEd   Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode & transcript:   (01:01) Meet Shanaz Hussain (01:53) Shanaz's Early Passion for Supporting Women (02:53) Success and Challenges of the Women's Group (06:09) Involvement with WomenEd (08:30) Current Activities and Challenges (12:12) Impact and Opportunities (17:46) Advice and Personal Reflections (20:34) Signature Questions   Listen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk  

A warm Mancunian welcome to all my listeners.   In the fifth episode of Season 8 of the Meet the Mancunian Podcast, host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe welcomes Steve Goodman, Chair of Liv's Trust. They discuss Liv's Trust's mission to support young people in Greater Manchester by offering music and dance opportunities. Steve shares inspiring stories on how the Trust provides safe spaces and activities for youth, particularly those affected by the Arena bombing and the COVID pandemic.   Listeners learn about the programs 'Hear Me Roar' music clubs, scholarships for arts education, and the significant impact made on the community. Steve highlights the importance of listening to and investing in young people, overcoming barriers, and fostering a supportive environment. The episode concludes with heartwarming anecdotes, emphasizing the transformative power of music and community support.   In Steve's own words, [00:01:10] Steve Goodman: It's also a safe space for them to go. They come initially because they wanted the music, but some just come because they just want something to do in an evening. So many young people with nothing to do out there, and especially since COVID has hit. We decided that this would be something that we could do and help. Not only the young that Olivia wanted to help but others in the community. So we've extended it a bit and some come just to play pool or kick a ball about and have somewhere to come #dance #music #youth #GM #manchester #community #SocialImpact #NonProfit Hosted by Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe (https://www.instagram.com/meetthemancunian/).   Did you know:   ·     Bury is among the top 35% most densely populated English local authority areas at the last census   Key resources: Liv's Trust Bury census   Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode & transcript:   (01:38) Introduction and Guest Welcome (01:41) Discovering a Passion for Music and Dance (02:19) Founding Liv's Trust (02:59) Hear Me Roar Music Club (05:43)Challenges and Community Support (07:29) Impact on Young People (09:01) Advice for Starting Similar Initiatives (09:38) Common Myths and Community Engagement (12:20) Signature Questions and Personal Insights (18:27) Heartwarming Stories and Conclusion   Listen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk  

A warm Mancunian welcome to all my listeners.   In the fourth episode, the Meet the Mancunian podcast talks to Andrew Alan Matthews, artist and poet about his inspiring story of transforming the negative portrayal of Moss Side into a positive one through his Moss Side Nostalgia art collection. Andrew discusses his lifelong passion for art, the challenges he faced, including mental health struggles, and his efforts in aiding the community through his uplifting work. He also touches on his recent projects, including a tribute to boxer Len Johnson. Listeners are encouraged to view his impactful artwork and learn how to channel creativity for mental health and community improvement. In Andrew's own words: Andrew Alan Matthews: “I've been producing me Moss Side Nostalgia Collection for some years now. My first collection of me Moss Side Nostalgia Collection got sold to a private collector from Down South. He drove all the way on a Sunday to buy all the collection. He was so impressed with it. And I've been now doing more work on that collection just recently. Trying to turn negative portrayal of Moss Side into a positive portrayal by doing poetry and paintings of the areas around Manchester and Salford. And especially Moss Side at the moment because that's what I'm concentrating on. So, the Moss Side Nostalgia Collection is all about bringing positivity to Moss Side.” #art #poetry #GM #manchester #community #SocialImpact #NonProfit Hosted by Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe (https://www.instagram.com/meetthemancunian/).   Did you know:   ·     52.1% of all households in Moss Side are single family households, the largest household composition ·      36.4% of all households are deprived in one dimension, the largest category in Moss Side, above the average of Manchester (32.8%). ·     64.9% of Moss Side's population are deprived in one or more dimensions.   Key resources: Andrew Alan Matthew's art Moss Side community fund   Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode & transcript: 01:49 Introduction to Andrew Alan Matthews 02:00 Discovering a Passion for Art 03:08 Exhibitions and Revisiting Influences 03:26 Moss Side Nostalgia Collection 04:45 Challenges and Mental Health Journey 06:01 Impact and Community Work 10:50 Len Johnson Tribute 15:05 Signature Questions 21:22 Closing Thoughts and Farewell   Listen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk  

A warm Mancunian welcome to all my listeners.   It's Autistic Pride Day on 18th June.  The purpose of Autistic Pride Day is a uniquely autistic led initiative celebrating neurodiversity and the strengths of autistic individuals. It empowers the autistic community, promotes self-advocacy, and fosters a sense of pride and unity, challenging stereotypes and inspiring change.   In the third episode, the Meet the Mancunian podcast talks to Charlie Michael Baker, author about supporting autism awareness through his book Charlie Baker: Autism and me. Diagnosed with autism at a young age and overcoming bullying, Charlie shares his journey of writing the book, which has become a global success. Throughout the interview, Charlie discusses his personal experiences, the challenges faced by autistic individuals, and the impactful charitable contributions from his book's proceeds. He also addresses myths about autism and offers advice for those looking to start similar movements. In Charlie's own words: “Autism, it basically means that you just think differently to other people. A neurodiverse person and a neurotypical person will look at the same things, but take different things away from that. Autistic people see things differently to other people. It's not anything bad, obviously. Sometimes we struggle with friends, relationships and we just take different things away from different things, really.”   #Autism #Awareness #GM #manchester #community #SocialImpact #NonProfit Hosted by Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe (https://www.instagram.com/meetthemancunian/).     Did you know:   ·      Autism is a lifelong developmental disability which affects how people communicate and interact with the world. ·      Over 1 in 100 people are on the autistic spectrum. ·      There are over 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK. ·      Autistic people have difficulties with interpreting both verbal and non-verbal language like gestures or tone of voice. ·      Some autistic people are unable to speak or have limited speech while other autistic people have very good language skills but struggle to understand sarcasm or tone of voice.  ·      Many famous people are thought to be on the spectrum Key resources: Charlie's Instagram handle National Autistic Society   Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode & transcript: (01:58) Introduction to Charlie Michael Baker (02:11) Charlie's Journey with Autism (02:58) The Inspiration Behind the Book (03:11) Insights from 'Charlie Baker Autism and Me' (03:35) Understanding Autism (05:33) Challenges and Overcoming Them (06:24) Writing and Publishing the Book (08:24) Impact and Philanthropy (11:00) Future Projects and Advice (13:11) Signature Questions    Listen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk    

A warm Mancunian welcome to all my listeners. In the second episode, the Meet the Mancunian podcast talks to Katie Geelan, Choir Director, Bolton Cancer Voices, Bury Fire Choir and Encore Youth Fire Choir. Katie expands on her passion for supporting community choirs in Bolton. Katie discusses the challenges and triumphs faced, including the recruitment of male singers and the impact of choir participation on community well-being. Katie also offers practical advice for anyone wishing to start their own community choir, emphasising the accessibility and mental health benefits of music. Tune in for an uplifting conversation that underscores the importance of community, music, and the power to inspire. At the end of the podcast, I play a segment of the Bury Fire Choir performance. In Katie's own words: “I think, with a choir and this is what I say to my members. Obviously, we've got singers of all abilities. We don't audition.  People don't have to read music. We are genuinely there for anybody who wants to come and sing, but every member makes up that choir. And yes, it's me that stands at the front and fronts it, but it wouldn't be what it is without all the volunteers and the singers we have. Every single person makes up that choir and is there for the success of it.”   #CommunityChoirs #Music #GM #manchester #community #SocialImpact #NonProfit Hosted by Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe (https://www.instagram.com/meetthemancunian/).   Did you know:   ·      Choral singing can have a positive impact on mental well-being by releasing feel-good neurotransmitters and reducing stress hormones ·      Joining a community choir creates a sense of camaraderie and belonging, diminishing feelings of loneliness and isolation ·      Singing in a choir can boost confidence and personal growth through a supportive and encouraging environment ·      Choral singing provides a healing and cathartic experience, allowing individuals to process and release emotions ·      Choral singing is also a form of cognitive exercise, sharpening focus and enhancing mental agility Key resources: Bury Fire Choir Encore Youth Fire Choir Bolton Cancer Voices   Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode & transcript:   (01:43) Introduction to Katie Geelan and Her Choirs (01:53) The Genesis of a Community Choir (02:17) Adapting to the Pandemic: The Birth of Bury Fire Choir (03:05) The Role and Impact of a Choir Director (03:40) Challenges and Triumphs in Choir Management (05:52) The Power of Community and Music (08:19) Advice for Starting a Community Choir (09:23) Busting Myths and Sharing Successes   Listen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk

A warm Mancunian welcome to all my listeners. In the season premiere episode, the Meet the Mancunian podcast talks to Vicky McKinlay, Volunteer, Blackburn Harriers Athletics Club about her passion for supporting sports in the community. As a volunteer, Vicky is a coach, an official and a joint welfare official working with children in the age group 8-11 years in sports hall and competitions. She shares her journey into supporting sports in the community, challenges, and the impact she has made. The episode explores the importance of volunteering, maintaining diverse sports activities for youth, and ensuring fairness and empathy in officiating. Tune in to be inspired and learn how you can contribute to your community. In Vicky's own words,” I love being part of the community. I love learning from other people. I like how everyone's a volunteer. It's a bit of a different feel than when you're in paid employment. Everyone wants to be there.”   #volunteering #GM #manchester #community #sports#SocialImpact #NonProfit Hosted by Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe (https://www.instagram.com/meetthemancunian/).    Did you know:  It's Volunteers Week in the UK from 3-9 June. The focus is on celebrating the amazing contributions volunteers make to communities across the UK. Volunteering helps you create new skills and experiences and boosts your confidence. It also makes you feel good and improves your wellbeing.   Key resources: Blackburn Harriers Athletics Club Volunteering opportunities in Manchester Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode & transcript: (01:20) Introduction to Vicky McInlay and Her Passion for Community Sports (01:57) Discovering a Passion for Sports Through Family (03:01) Volunteering Journey at Blackburn Harriers Athletics Club (04:57) The Variety of Roles and Their Impact (06:54) Challenges Faced in Supporting Athletes and Volunteering (10:23) Making a Positive Impact in Athletics and Community (15:09) Busting Myths About Sports and Volunteering (18:59 )Advice for Starting a Community Sports Movement (23:39) Reflecting on Personal Growth and Insights Listen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk  

Welcome to Season 8 of the Meet the Mancunian podcast: social impact stories from Manchester. A warm Mancunian welcome from your host, Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe. Thank you for joining me today. I am a new Mancunian who enjoys meeting inspiring people who are helping to support the Manchester community and creating social impact. Over the last 2.5 years, I have been hosting the Meet the Mancunian podcast and have interviewed over 84 guests so far.   Every Tuesday, I bring you the stories of Manchester's unsung heroes, the individuals who help to create positive change in our community. My aim is to inspire you dear listener, to follow your own passions whether through volunteering or working in the social impact sector. I am also keen to spotlight good causes and create more awareness and support for them. Season 8 starts this week on Tuesday, 28 May 2024 and every Tuesday for the next 16 weeks, I will be featuring the story of an inspiring Mancunian guest. Next week on Tuesday, 4 June 2024, we heard from Vicky Mckinlay talking about supporting sports in the community. Whether you're tuning in on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or on my website www.meetthemancunian.co.uk, get ready for a season filled with inspiring tales of social impact within our beloved city.

In the season finale of Season 7 of the Meet the Mancunian podcast, host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe talks with Susie Hughes, Head of RSPCA Manchester and Salford, about the significant impact the organisation has on improving animal welfare in the UK. The episode covers Susie's personal journey to becoming passionate about animal welfare, influenced by David Attenborough. It explores the mission of the RSPCA Manchester and Salford, highlighting their efforts in rescuing animals from neglect and cruelty and their community outreach initiatives. Susie shares the challenges faced by the organisation, from funding challenges to the emotional toll on workers. The conversation also touches on the value of community support, the importance of neutering pets to control overpopulation, and offers advice for those looking to make a difference in animal welfare. The podcast aims to inspire action and awareness regarding animal welfare, underscoring the resilience and recovery of animals in care and the critical role of the community. #AnimalWelfare #Community #SocialImpact #Manchester #GM Key resources RSPCA Manchester and Salford   Key Moments in the podcast and transcript (01:35) Discovering a Lifelong Passion for Animals (02:25) The Journey to RSPCA: Making a Difference (04:13) Inside RSPCA Manchester and Salford: Mission and Operations (05:59) The Challenges of Animal Welfare Work (10:48) Celebrating Successes and Overcoming Heartbreak (15:22) Advice for Aspiring Animal Welfare Supporters  

A warm Mancunian welcome to all my listeners. Presenting Season 7, Episode 11 of the #MeettheMancunian #podcast #GM #manchester #Education #Youth #SocialImpact #NonProfit. Hosted by Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe. (https://www.instagram.com/meetthemancunian/).   In the eleventh episode, host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe engages with Rahiela Koser, Community Organiser for Oldham Parent Power, detailing her journey from a participating parent to her current role, and the positive impact the initiative has had in Oldham. The discussion covers Oldham Parent Power's efforts to address educational challenges and the social and economic barriers that hinder young people's success, particularly in higher education. Significant achievements such as winning campaigns for laptops during COVID-19 to address the digital divide, and advocating for improved mental health support in educational institutions are highlighted. Rahiela also shares insights on personal growth, the power of community and listening, and the broader impact of their work on parental empowerment and higher education access.    Did you know? ·     Oldham where the charity works is the most deprived borough in Greater Manchester ·     Disadvantaged young people are around 50% more likely to be out of education, employment and training (NEET) as their better-off peers. ·     1 in 7 young people in the Northwes are not in education or employment   Key resources Parent Power   Key Moments in the podcast and transcript (01:56) The Genesis of Rahiela's Involvement with Oldham Parent Power (02:54) Understanding Oldham Parent Power's Mission (04:20)Rahiela's Role and Activities as a Community Organizer (06:00) Overcoming Challenges in Community Organizing (07:50) Impactful Achievements of Oldham Parent Power (12:46) Expanding the Reach: How to Get Involved (13:34) Advice for Starting a Similar Movement (17:10) Rahiela's Personal Journey and Inspirations  

7.10 Meet the Mancunian: Talking supporting mental health with theatre with Zac Blinston   A warm Mancunian welcome to all my listeners. Presenting Season 7, Episode 10 of the #MeettheMancunian #podcast #GM #manchester #MentalHealth #Theatre #SocialImpact #NonProfit. Hosted by Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe. (https://www.instagram.com/meetthemancunian/).   In the tenth episode, the Meet the Mancunian podcast features Zac Blinston, Artistic Director of Mental Rebellion Theatre, who shares his journey from recovering from alcoholism to founding a community theatre company. The company works with individuals in recovery from addiction and mental health conditions, celebrating social impact through theatre. Zac also discussed his upcoming project 'Papering Over the Cracks,' addressing the housing crisis, The podcast closes with a beautiful poem, ‘Long after tonight is all over' capturing the essence of the Northern soul scene.   Did you know? ·      14% of adults in England and Scotland regularly drink over the guidelines ·      27% of drinkers binge drink on their heaviest drinking days ·      Alcohol misuse is the biggest risk factor for death, ill-health and disability among 15-49 year-olds in the UK, and the fifth biggest risk factor across all age groups ·      Manchester has one of the highest rates of alcohol abuse in the UK   Key resources Mental Rebellion Theatre Alcohol Change   Key Moments in the podcast and transcript   (1:37) The Birth of Mental Rebellion Theatre (05:59) Empowering Through Theatre: Mental Rebellion's Mission (07:10) Tackling Social Issues: The Housing Crisis Project (09:29) Overcoming Challenges and Making an Impact (24:40) Upcoming Projects and Collaborations (26:33) Signature questions  

A warm Mancunian welcome to all my listeners. Presenting Season 7, Episode 9 of the #MeettheMancunian #podcast #GM #manchester #community #SocialImpact #NonProfit. Hosted by Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe. (https://www.instagram.com/meetthemancunian/).   In the ninth episode, the Meet the Mancunian podcast interviews Tahera Khannam, Founder, Better We. Tahera talks about improving the mental health of the community by promoting social inclusion, health awareness, and engaging in physical activities. Tahera shares how they support the community with education courses, computer lessons, community lunches, swimming lessons, and youth clubs. Better We won a Be Proud Award. Did you know? Census 2021 classifies households in England and Wales by four dimensions of deprivation: Employment, education, health and disability, and household overcrowding. In Longsight where Better We works, ·      65% of households are deprived in at least one dimension ·      Longsight has the 3rd largest proportion of households deprived in three dimensions, compared to all other wards.    Key resources Better We Key Moments in the podcast and transcript (01:20) Discovering the Passion for Mental Health (02:29) Expanding Services: From Coffee Mornings to Youth Clubs (05:03) Overcoming Challenges and Building a Supportive Environment (06:32) Recognising the Impact: Awards and Community Feedback (10:40) How to Get Involved with Better We (11:24) Advice for Aspiring Community Workers

A warm Mancunian welcome to all my listeners. Presenting Season 7, Episode 8 of the #MeettheMancunian #podcast #GM #manchester #women #children #SocialImpact #NonProfit. Hosted by Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe. (https://www.instagram.com/meetthemancunian/).   In the eighth episode, the Meet the Mancunian podcast interviews Fiona Spencer, Vice President, Soroptomist International Manchester Club, about how they support women and girls in UK and in India to reach their full potential. Fiona introduces how she got involved with Soroptomist as an ophthalmologist and introduces the charities the Manchester club supports which include Women Matter, Manchester Action in Street Health, Cornerstone, Pankhurst Trust and refuges in Manchester. Fiona talks about their efforts to support a hospital for leprosy patients and an orphanage in Orissa, India. Fiona emphasises collaboration and harnessing the power of the community.   Did you know? This episode is being released ahead of International Women's Day, 8 March 2024. International Women's Day (IWD) is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. Each year, this day serves as a powerful reminder of the progress made towards gender equality and highlights the work that still needs to be done. In 2024, the theme Inspire Inclusion emphasises the importance of diversity and empowerment in all aspects of society.   Key resources Soroptomist International   Timestamps of key moments in the podcast episode and transcript   (02:15) Fiona's Passion for Supporting Women and Children (03:23) Introduction to Soroptomist International (04:54) Local Initiatives and Projects in Manchester (10:10) Challenges and Call for Volunteers (11:43) Impact of Soroptomist's Work (13:42) International Projects and Initiatives (19:57) How to get involved with Soroptomist (22:41) Closing Thoughts and Future Plans   Listen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk

A warm Mancunian welcome to all my listeners. Presenting Season 7, Episode 7 of the #MeettheMancunian #podcast #GM #manchester #veterans #SocialImpact #NonProfit. Hosted by Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe (https://www.instagram.com/meetthemancunian/).   In the seventh episode, the Meet the Mancunian podcast interviews Joel Oxberry, Director, Walking with the Wounded about how supporting veterans. Joel shares how they empower veterans by reigniting their sense of purpose, enabling them to make a positive contribution to their communities and lead independent lives. They help veterans with employment, mental health, and wellbeing, and support care coordination.   Did you know? ·     There are 1.85 million UK veterans (approx. 3.8% of the total population aged 16 and over) ·     38% of veterans suffer from mental health concerns ·     32% of veterans are disabled ·     1/3 of veterans are aged 80 years and over   Key resource Walking with the Wounded   Timestamps of key moments in the podcast episode and transcript (01:23) Journey to supporting veterans (02:56) Introducing Walking with the Wounded (05:18) Challenges and evolution of services (08:17) Impact and success stories (11:47) Fundraising and getting involved (19:15) Advice   Listen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk

A warm Mancunian welcome to all my listeners. Presenting Season 7, Episode 6 of the #MeettheMancunian #podcast #GM #manchester #YoungPeople #skills #football #employability #SocialImpact #NonProfit. Hosted by Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe. (https://www.instagram.com/meetthemancunian/).   In the sixth episode, the Meet the Mancunian podcast interviews John Shiels, CEO, Manchester United Foundation talks about supporting young people with pastoral care, life skills, and career skills. John talks about his start as a PE and drama teacher, and then working with Sir Bobby Charlton at his soccer school. At Manchester United Foundation, John and his team use the power of football and the iconic Manchester United brand to connect with youth from socially deprived areas with a holistic approach. He also emphasised the long-term commitment of the Foundation to the areas they are focused on.     Did you know ·     66.5% of participants showed improved physical activity levels ·     62% of participants showed improved social engagement and sense of belonging ·     60.7% of participants showed progression into new education, training or employment pathways   Key resources Manchester United Foundation   Timestamps of key moments in the podcast episode and transcript (01:08) Introduction and Guest Background (01:19) Journey from teaching to impacting millions (02:56) The role of the foundation in youth development (05:20) Challenges and solutions in supporting the youth (07:50) The power of community involvement and contribution (19:36) Advice for people looking to start a similar movement   Listen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk

A warm Mancunian welcome to all my listeners. Presenting Season 7, Episode 5 of the #MeettheMancunian #podcast #GM #manchester #Cycling #Fundrasing #Community #SocialImpact #NonProfit. Hosted by Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe. (https://www.instagram.com/meetthemancunian/).   In the fifth episode, the Meet the Mancunian podcast interviews Wes Hamnett, a dedicated fundraiser for local charities including Wythenshawe Hospital, the Christie Charity, Macmillan Cancer Support, and the British Heart Foundation. Wes shares his passion for supporting the community, the inspiration he draws from his grandparents, and some of the heart-warming encounters he has experienced during his fundraising events.   He also talks about his most interesting fundraising feat, which involved cycling across 11 countries, totalling 1,174 miles in 16 days. Wes concludes by offering advice to aspiring fundraisers.   Did you know ·     Every two minutes, someone in the UK is diagnosed by cancer. A person's risk of developing cancer depends on many factors, including age, genetics, and exposure to risk factors. ·     Around 4 in 10 UK cancer cases every year could be prevented, that's more than 135,000 every year.   Key resources Cancer statistics Cancer Screening   Timestamps of key moments in the podcast episode and transcript (01:13) Introduction and Guest Background (01:36) Discovering the Passion for Fundraising (02:26) The Epic Cycling Fundraising Journey across Europe (04:09) Challenges and Lessons Learned in Fundraising (06:37) The Impact of Fundraising and Future Plans (09:18) Advice for Aspiring Fundraisers   Listen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk

A warm Mancunian welcome to all my listeners. Presenting Season 7, Episode 4 of the #MeettheMancunian #podcast #GM #manchester #SocialJustice #SexualViolence #SocialImpact #NonProfit. Hosted by Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe .(https://www.instagram.com/meetthemancunian/).   In the fourth episode, the Meet the Mancunian podcast talks to Jesmin Chowdhury, Founder, Ayna Arts and social justice activist. Jesmin talks about her passion for societal change and her personal journey from being a victim of unfavourable social practices to a changemaker. She delves into the challenges she faced and her participation in impactful initiatives, including stage plays tackling societal issues like domestic violence and the luxurious lifestyle's contribution to climate change. The episode also explores Jesmin's online presence and how she lends her voice to issues fighting against patriarchal norms, inspiring thousands of other individuals around the world. Did you know? This episode Is being released during Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week, which is from the 5th to the 11th of February, 2024. The Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week is the UK's National Week to raise awareness of sexual abuse and violence and to provide an opportunity for any organisation or individuals to engage in dialogue. This week is an opportunity for anyone who wants to use their voice to join a conversation with thousands of others. #ItsNotOK Key resources: Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week Greater Manchester support for rape and sexual assault Greater Manchester Rape Crisis   Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode & transcript: (00:01:58) journey to social activism (00:03:37) Ayna Arts (00:09:54) challenges she has overcome (00:14:49) impact she makes (00:19:48) advice for people looking to start a similar movement   Listen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk

A warm Mancunian welcome to all my listeners. Presenting Season 7, Episode 3 of the #MeettheMancunian #podcast #GM #manchester #Youth #Mentoring #SocialImpact #NonProfit. Hosted by Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe .(https://www.instagram.com/meetthemancunian/). In the third episode, the Meet the Mancunian podcast talks to Victoria Ramsden, Mentor, Bolton Lads and Girls Club about mentoring the youth.  Victoria also shares how mentors provide a safe space and stability for young people in times of challenge and change. Victoria also highlights the need for more mentors, encouraging listeners to look for volunteer opportunities. Did you know? It's Time to Talk Day on 1 February 2024, the UK's largest mental health conversation, run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness.  it's a day for friends, families, communities, and workplaces to come together to talk, listen and change lives. Who will you reach out to today for a brew or a friendly video call. Key resources: Bolton Lads and Girls Club Meet the Mancunian episodes on supporting the youth Greater Manchester Youth Network   Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode & transcript: (00:01:56) journey into youth work (00:05:55) mentoring experience (00:11:04) impact she makes (00:13:56) advice for people looking to volunteer   Listen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk

A warm Mancunian welcome to all my listeners. Presenting Season 7, Episode 2 of the #MeettheMancunian #podcast #GM #manchester # Refugees #AsylumSeekers #SocialImpact #NonProfit. Hosted by Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe .(https://www.instagram.com/meetthemancunian/). In the second episode, the Meet the Mancunian podcast talks to Mona Moussa, Refugee and Asylum Seeker Service Manager, Caritas Diocese of Shrewsbury about supporting refugees and asylum seekers and helping them integrate into the community. Mona shares how the charity fundraises and provides support including shoes for winter, toys for children, and basics to help make temporary accommodation more like home. Caritas also supports the Home Office resettlement programme, Community Sponsorship which supports families through their first couple of years in the UK. The charity also raises awareness through talks at school assemblies, parishes, and community groups. Did you know: In March 2023, a total of 18,176 asylum seekers were supported in the North West?   Key resources: North West Regional Strategic Migration Partnership Community Sponsorship Meet the Mancunian podcast episodes on supporting refugees and asylum seekers   Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode & transcript: (00:01:30) passion for supporting refugees and asylum seekers (00:02:58) difference between refugees and asylum seekers (00:03:44) getting involved with Caritas Diocese of Shrewsbury (00:06:35) the challenges (00:08:15) the impact   Listen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk

A warm Mancunian welcome to all my listeners. Presenting Season 7, Episode 1 of the #MeettheMancunian #podcast #GM #manchester #youth #community #SocialImpact #NonProfit Hosted by Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe (https://www.instagram.com/meetthemancunian/).   In the season premiere episode, the Meet the Mancunian podcast talks to Nick Buckley, author and mayoral candidate about his passion for supporting the youth in the charity he founded, Mancunian Way. He talks about the charity's philosophy of no last chances and supporting youth who are at risk of becoming involved in crime and anti-social behaviour as well as making poor choices. The charity focuses on prevention and early intervention through engagement, education, and promoting personal responsibility.   Did you know: Youth crime rates in Greater Manchester have reduced since 2021. Some of that is due to the engagement and education outreach by the Police and youth charities.   Key resources: Mancunian Way Greater Manchester Police: Prevention of knife crime   Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode & transcript: (00:01:39) passion for supporting the youth (00:02:39) introducing Mancunian Way charity (00:06:34) the challenges he has overcome (00:09:31) his books (00:14:04) the impact he has made   Listen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk