Empowering community-led change with Niki Banks

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