Meet the Mancunian Podcast: social impact stories from Manchester

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

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 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 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. 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