Social justice and theatre with Jesmin Chowdhury

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