The Mic Drop Club

In this inspiring episode of The Mic Drop Club, Douglas Hamandishe sits down with Fouad El-Manaa, a dedicated volunteer and passionate advocate for the charity sector. Fouad shares his personal journey from overcoming hardship to finding purpose and fulfilment through volunteering with MVA.

Fouad dives deep into the importance of the charity sector, explaining how it steps in to fill the gaps where public and private services can't always reach. From supporting small businesses and community groups to providing life-changing resources, Fouad’s story sheds light on the power of giving back.

Key Takeaways:

• The charity sector’s unique role in delivering support where other sectors may fall short.

Fouad also opens up about how volunteering helped him find a sense of purpose, sharpen his communication skills, and become an integral part of Medway’s thriving community support network.

Feeling inspired by Fouad’s journey?

Discover how you can make a difference through volunteering. Visit MVA to learn more about available opportunities and how you can contribute your skills and time to help build a stronger community. Visit mva.org.uk, email [email protected], or call 01634 812 850 to get started.

In this dynamic episode of The Mic Drop Club, Douglas Hamandishe sits down with Clare Saunders, the Programmes Director at MVA, to discuss the heart and soul of the voluntary sector. Clare, who works closely with the CEO to ensure the growth and sustainability of MVA, shares her insights on what it takes to keep community projects thriving in the ever-evolving landscape of Medway.

This episode is packed with key takeaways:

• How MVA is leading the way in volunteering, empowering individuals while serving the wider community.

Clare's passion for community engagement and her belief in amplifying the voices of underserved groups comes through as she discusses how MVA is breaking down barriers to ensure no one is left behind.

Are you feeling inspired?

Get involved with MVA and be part of the change. Whether you're looking to volunteer or support a project, there’s a role for you. Visit mva.org.uk, email [email protected], or call 01634 812 850 to find out more.

In this special episode of The Mic Drop Club, host Douglas Hamandishe sits down with Briony, a dedicated advocate for public health, to explore her crucial work in raising awareness about bowel cancer screening and the power of volunteering. As part of the Bowel Cancer UK Screening Service, Briony has been at the forefront of engaging communities, dispelling myths, and encouraging early screening, particularly in Medway and Swale.

Briony shares her journey, from starting in public health initiatives to now leading community engagement projects for bowel cancer screening. She talks openly about the challenges of getting people to participate in screening, especially in hard-to-reach communities. She highlights the importance of trust, communication, and small conversations in raising awareness.

In this episode, Briony covers:

• The importance of bowel cancer screening and how early detection saves lives.

Briony’s call to action is clear: she seeks community champions to continue her important work once the project concludes. If you have a passion for health advocacy and want to make a difference, this episode is for you!

Are you interested in getting involved?

Reach out to Briony at [email protected] or visit MVA to learn how you can become a community champion, help raise awareness, and make a real impact in the fight against bowel cancer.

In this episode, Keira walks us through the three pillars of the program:

1. Building rapport with vulnerable communities.

Keira also shares personal stories from her own volunteering journey during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting how small acts of kindness can transform someone's day and how re-education is key to ensuring marginalized voices are heard.

Key Takeaways:

• The power of sharing personal experiences to build trust within communities.

Keira’s passion for social change shines through as she discusses the importance of amplifying marginalised voices and how platforms like The Mic Drop Club help inspire and drive that change.

Are you feeling inspired?

Get involved with MVA to support programs like the Community Health Catalyst or start your own volunteering journey today. Find out more at mva.org.uk, email [email protected], or call 01634 812 850.

In this heartfelt episode of The Mic Drop Club, we delve into the powerful stories of those at the forefront of volunteer work in Medway. Hosted by Douglas Hamandishe, Deputy Mayor of Medway, this episode features an enlightening conversation with Martyn Reeves, Chief Executive of Friends of Wisdom Hospice, and Pat, a dedicated volunteer whose personal journey of loss led her to find purpose in giving back.

Together, they share the incredible impact of volunteering on both the volunteers and the community. Martyn discusses the challenges and rewards of running a charity, while Pat opens up about how volunteering at Wisdom Hospice transformed her grief into a new sense of belonging and fulfilment.

This episode also pays tribute to Molly Wisdom, the visionary behind Wisdom Hospice. Molly’s legacy began with a simple yet profound call to action: she raised £2,000 through two coffee mornings, igniting the fundraising efforts that built the hospice. Her determination to create a space of comfort and care for the community continues to inspire volunteers and supporters today.

This episode explores:

• The vital role of hospices in providing compassionate end-of-life care and the myths surrounding these spaces.

Inspired by what you heard? Get involved with MVA and start making a difference today. Whether you're a student, a retiree, or somewhere in between, there's a place for you in the Medway volunteer community. Follow in the footsteps of Molly Wisdom—take action, support your community, and be a part of something greater. Reach out to MVA’s Infrastructure Team to learn how you can contribute—visit mva.org.uk, email [email protected], or call 01634 812 850.

Don’t just live life—make life. Boom!

In this uplifting episode of The Mic Drop Club, we sit down with Maria Dorey, the Volunteering Project Manager for Medway Changemakers, to explore the power of cultural volunteering and the impact it’s having across Medway. Hosted by Douglas Hamandishe, this conversation is all about how volunteering can give you those “warm fuzzies” while making a real difference in the community.

Maria, a passionate advocate for volunteering, shares her journey of connecting people with exciting and flexible volunteer opportunities that fit around their busy lives. From working at iconic events like the Sweeps Festival and Christmas markets to smaller community initiatives, Medway Changemakers is redefining what it means to volunteer. Maria explains how they break down barriers such as time constraints and accessibility, making volunteering more inclusive and accessible to everyone.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How volunteering can give you that feel-good factor, known as the “warm fuzzies.”

Join Medway Changemakers today! Whether you’re interested in arts, culture, or community events, there’s a volunteer opportunity waiting for you. Visit medwaychangemakers.org, follow @medwaychangemakers on Instagram, or like Medway Changemakers on Facebook to find out more. Get involved and experience the true power of volunteering!

Don’t just live life—make life boom!

In this special episode of The Mic Drop Club, we explore the profound impact of volunteering with Dr Gillian Fargher, a retired GP with over 40 years of experience and a true champion for community service. Hosted by Douglas Hamandishe, Deputy Mayor of Medway, this conversation delves into how Dr Fargher’s dedication to volunteering has transformed her life and the lives of those she serves.

Dr Fargher has taken on numerous voluntary roles since retiring from general practice, including serving as the Chair of the Organ Donation Committee at Medway Foundation Trust, where she advocates for life-saving organ and tissue donations—a cause close to her heart following the death of her husband, Tristan, who became an organ donor.

In addition to her work in healthcare, Dr Fargher holds the prestigious role of High Sheriff of Kent, a centuries-old position that allows her to support and honour local communities, the judiciary, law enforcement, and emergency services. As High Sheriff, she has the unique ability to acknowledge the unsung heroes in society—especially volunteers—by recognising their contributions and fostering connections across diverse groups. In this episode, Dr. Fargher shares how this ceremonial role has deepened her sense of purpose, allowing her to give back in ways that continue to uplift communities across Kent.

Dr. Fargher’s inspiring story demonstrates the healing power of volunteering—not only for those being served but also for those offering their time and expertise. Her passion for helping others shines through her work with Age UK Medway, The French Hospital, and her role in safeguarding within the Rochester Diocese, all of which make a positive impact on vulnerable populations.

Through this conversation, listeners will gain insight into:

• The profound fulfilment and personal growth that comes from volunteering.

Are you ready to make a difference?

Join Dr. Gillian Fargher and others in making an impact through volunteering. Whether you want to support organ donation, help older adults, or give back in any way that resonates with you, now is the time. Get involved by connecting with MVA’s Infrastructure Team. Visit mva.org.uk, email [email protected], or call 01634 812 850 to find out how you can contribute to your community today.

Don’t just live life. Make life. Boom!

Join us on a special episode of The Mic Drop Club as we collaborate with MVA and the Medway Council Mayor's Office to amplify the voices of those making a difference in the voluntary sector. Hosted by Douglas Hamandishe, Deputy Mayor of Medway, this episode features an engaging conversation with Munya Badze, Project Manager for Social Regeneration Programmes at Medway & Swale Health & Care Partnership.

Munya shares his journey in leading social regeneration programs, highlighting the critical role of volunteering in transforming communities and empowering individuals. From his work connecting senior leaders with education institutions to inspire future generations, to his passion for skill development and social impact, Munya’s insights are a must-listen for anyone passionate about making a difference.

This episode dives into:

• The importance of volunteering in driving social change and community health outcomes.

Ready to get involved? Connect with MVA’s Infrastructure Team to learn how you can start making a difference today—whether as an individual or part of a group. Visit mva.org.uk, email [email protected], or call 01634 812 850 to begin your volunteering journey.

Don’t just live life. Make life. Boom!

#MicDropMoments #Volunteering #CommunitySupport #SocialRegeneration #MVA #MedwayCouncil #MakeLifeBoom #Inspiration #Empowerment

Join us for a transformative episode of The Mic Drop Club as we team up with MVA and its incredible programme manager, Dawn Apcar, who brings her wealth of experience and passion for community work to the forefront of the discussion.

Dawn’s journey began when she left school after her A-Levels, unsure of her career path. She soon found her calling in the NHS, working as a Pharmacy Technician for nearly a decade at All Saints Hospital. However, after having children and gaining insight into the lives of people struggling with substance misuse and HIV, Dawn knew she wanted to do more—especially outside the hospital setting.

This realization led Dawn to a new role as an outreach worker with NHS Addiction Services, where she supported ex-offenders and sex workers, helping them reclaim their lives and empowering them to make positive changes. Her passion for advocacy continued as she moved into a position with KCC, where she engaged with service users to give them a voice in shaping the support they received.

After a brief break from over 25 years in public service, Dawn returned to full-time work in the voluntary sector, managing community-driven projects focused on health and well-being. Now, as the MVA Programmes Manager, she leads initiatives like the Befriending Program, supporting lonely and isolated individuals in Medway, and other projects aimed at tackling health inequalities.

In this episode, we explore:

• Dawn’s inspiring journey from the NHS to the voluntary sector and how her personal experiences fuel her passion for community work.

Through engaging conversations with host Douglas Hamandishe, Dawn shares how small actions, like a weekly phone call, can change lives. She also dives into her philosophy of giving people the opportunity to get involved in something meaningful, make positive changes, and ultimately transform their own lives.

Whether you're looking to volunteer, work in community development, or just need some inspiration, this episode is packed with insights from Dawn’s rich career and the life-changing impact she is making at MVA.

Don't just live life. Make life. Boom!

To find out more go to and register: https://www.mva.org.uk/

What If: The Future of Healthcare with Francesca Markland | Podcast #95

In this thought-provoking episode of the Mic Drop Club, host Douglas Hamandishe engages in a deep and expansive conversation with Francesca Markland, a pioneer in digital healthcare and a passionate advocate for health equity. Together, they explore the controversial and imaginative scenario: "What if the government closed all hospitals in London, only permitting life-saving operations?"

Douglas and Francesca delve into digital healthcare's transformative potential, early intervention's importance, and the critical role of Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) in a radically altered healthcare landscape. They discuss the implications for community-based care, the necessity of overcoming institutional biases, and the ethical considerations in collaborating with private sector suppliers.

Francesca's extensive experience and dynamic insights provide a compelling narrative on how we can reimagine healthcare delivery. She emphasises the need for a holistic, integrated approach that prioritises not just the physical but also the emotional and social well-being of individuals.

Join us as we navigate through these challenging yet essential conversations, uncovering the possibilities of a future where healthcare is accessible, equitable, and deeply connected to the communities it serves.

Highlights:

• The potential of digital infrastructure in a hospital-free healthcare system.

Special Note: This episode is packed with insightful discussions and "mic drop" moments that will leave you rethinking the future of healthcare. Don't miss it!

Thank you to Francesca Find out more about her great work and transformational insights:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesca-markland-269990172/

Don’t just live life make life BOOM!

Enjoy