Meet the Mancunian Podcast: social impact stories from Manchester

By Deepa Thomas-SutcliffeBusiness Non-Profit

Meet the Mancunian Podcast: social impact stories from Manchester episodes

March 26, 2024 The power of education with Rahiela Koser
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

🎧✨Listen now: www.meetthemancunian.co.uk

26 min
March 19, 2024 Mental health with theatre with Zac Blinston
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

🎧✨Listen now: www.meetthemancunian.co.uk
36 min
March 12, 2024 Community mental health with Tahera Khannam
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
🎧✨Listen now: www.meetthemancunian.co.uk

24 min
March 05, 2024 Women and girls with Fiona Spencer
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

31 min
February 27, 2024 Veterans with Joel Oxberry
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
35 min
February 20, 2024 Young people with John Shiels
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
30 min
February 13, 2024Fundraising through cycling with Wes Hamnett
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
20 min
February 06, 2024 Social justice and theatre with Jesmin Chowdhury
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
27 min
January 30, 2024 Youth mentoring with Victoria Ramsden
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
23 min
January 23, 2024 Refugees and asylum seekers with Mona Moussa
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

21 min

About Meet the Mancunian Podcast: social impact stories from Manchester

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Welcome to Season 12 of the Meet the Mancunian podcast, hosted by Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe.

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Meet the Mancunian Podcast: social impact stories from Manchester

Meet the Mancunian Podcast: social impact stories from Manchester episodes

About Meet the Mancunian Podcast: social impact stories from Manchester