Supporting mental health with Mark Sproston

In the 16th and final episode of Season 8 of the Meet the Mancunian Podcast, host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe welcomes Matthew Carroll, Station Manager of Evolve Radio. Carroll shares his 25-year journey in community and hospital radio, discussing the personal and professional challenges he has faced, including struggles with mental health. He introduces his latest venture, Evolve Radio, aimed at bringing community radio to Stockport and providing training opportunities for aspiring broadcasters. The episode reflects on the importance of staying goal-focused, the impact of community radio, and plans for future programming. This episode also marks the celebration of the Meet the Mancunian podcast’s 100th guest. The podcast will return with Season 9 in October 2024 in partnership with the Spirit of Manchester Awards. #Community #Radio #MentalHealth #Manchester #GM #SocialImpact #NonProfit #Podcast Did you know:  ·      Community radio stations are low-power, not-for-profit radio stations that are operated and influenced by the communities they serve. They are different from commercial and public service radio stations. ·     They are usually run by volunteers and activists, rather than paid staff.  ·      They provide a platform for people to learn new skills and contribute their own. ·     They provide access to the airwaves for under-represented voices.   Key resource: Evolve Radio   Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode & transcript: (01:32) Introduction to Matthew Carroll and Evolve Radio (02:17) Matthew's Journey into Community Radio (02:40) Commitment to Community Radio (04:24) The Birth of Evolve Radio (06:25) Challenges in Community Radio (06:32) Overcoming Mental Health Struggles (10:29) Supporting New Talent in Radio (15:05) Advice for Aspiring Community Radio Enthusiasts (21:42) Signature Questions and Personal Reflections   Listen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk  

In the 15th episode of Season 8 of the Meet the Mancunian Podcast, host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe speaks with Tanny Rowland, Secretary of Wythenshawe Safety Patrol. Tanny shares her journey from experiencing homelessness at 17 to co-leading a non-profit organization dedicated to community safety and support in Wythenshawe. They discuss various initiatives like street patrols, a community café, a garden project, and safe places for vulnerable individuals. Tanny emphasises the importance of community involvement, overcoming challenges, and the power of positivity in making a difference. The episode concludes with heartwarming stories of lives transformed through their work and Tanny's gratitude for the support they receive. #Community #Safety #Allotment  #Homelessness #Manchester #GM #SocialImpact #NonProfit #Podcast Did you know:  ·     Community safety is all about the issues that make people feel safe or unsafe in their communities ·     This is often a shared responsibility between the community, the public sector (Council, Police), the private sector (local businesses), the faith sector, voluntary organisations ·     More than three-quarters of people (78%) feel safe in the area where they live, compared with 11% who do not  (Public polling on community safety in the UK in 2023) Key resource: The Real Wythenshawe Safety Patrol   Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode & transcript: (01:48) Introduction and Welcome (01:57) Tanny's Journey: From Homelessness to Helping Others (02:50) Joining Wythenshawe Safety Patrol (03:56) Community Patrol Activities and Impact (05:54) Challenges Faced by the Organisation (07:26) Success Stories and Positive Outcomes (09:06) The Power of Social Media and Community Support (10:57) Advice for Starting Community Movements (13:45) Signature Questions: Manchester and Personal Insights (19:22) Heartwarming Stories and Conclusion Listen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk  

In the 14th episode of Season 8 of the Meet the Mancunian Podcast, host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe interviews Hemant Patel, CEO of Anumana. They discuss Hemant's passion for community support, inspired by his mother and Indian cultural values, and his initiative, the Code Academy. Patel highlights the academy's mission to address challenges in the tech sector, such as lack of diversity, skills gap, and social mobility barriers. The academy offers a free 16-week Python programming course to Manchester schools delivered by University students, targeting students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Hemant also shares the struggles and successes of establishing this program simultaneously with his business, Anumana, and emphasises the importance of relatable role models in inspiring young talent. The episode concludes with insights into the program's impact and Hemant's advice for creating similar initiatives. In Hemant’s own words: “I think the biggest common myth is that you have to have a specific skill set and I guess the biggest common myth is that you have to come from a computer science background to be able to program, or you have had to have previous program experience to program. I think certainly there are a lot of programs out there where people are retraining from completely different vocations into programming.” #Youth #Coding #students #community #Manchester #GM #SocialImpact #NonProfit #Podcast Did you know:  ·     In 2024, the House of Commons Library reported that 18% of UK adults lack the digital skills needed for the workplace.  ·     The Government's 2022 Digital Strategy states that over 80% of UK job advertisements require digital skills, and the skills gap could cost the economy up to £120 billion a year by 2035. ·     Young people face several barriers to entering digital training and careers, including a lack of encouragement, limited awareness of options, and low teaching quality. Many also hold negative perceptions of the tech sector, seeing it as difficult, with long hours and high discrimination. Additionally, retraining is hindered by financial costs and a lack of junior-level roles   Key resource: Anumana Code Academy   Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode & transcript: (00:55) Introduction to Hemant Patel and Anumana (01:42) Finding Passion for Community Support (02:46) The Birth of Code Academy (06:33) Challenges in Building Code Academy (07:50) Scaling and Sustainability of Code Academy (09:20) Impact and Success Stories (12:31) Debunking Myths in Coding and IT (13:36) Advice for Starting Similar Movements (18:25) Personal Reflections and Life Lessons (19:49) Signature Questions and Closing Remarks Listen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk  

In the 13th episode of Season 8 of the Meet the Mancunian Podcast, host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe interviews Daniel Firea, a self-development YouTuber and photographer. Daniel shares his journey from a life filled with vices and bad mental health to one focused on positive self-development. He discusses the impact of stopping vices, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and finding faith. Daniel explains his motivation to help others through his YouTube channel, promoting a holistic approach to self-improvement. The episode emphasises the importance of continuous learning, honesty, and having a higher power to rely on. In Daniel’ own words: “I’m trying to promote working out, sport because when I was in that bad period, I stopped sport, I was eating bad, I was smoking, I was doing all these bad things that I'm saying. But after I managed to stop them, I start seeing an improvement in my mental health immediately just by stopping devices, starting sport again, working out. regularly dieting, so eating better, stopping the bad friendships.” #Selfdevelopment #Physicalhealth #community #Manchester #GM #SocialImpact #NonProfit #Podcast Did you know:  ·     Self-development is the capacity and action to grow one's self-awareness, abilities, talents, and skills in order to improve one's quality of life. This personal development may be done at any time and in any place, with or without the help of others. ·      It is the process of learning new things and building new skills that help people achieve their goals and manifest their dreams. ·     It is often a lifelong process. Key resources: Daniel’s YouTube channel Future Learn courses on self-development   Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode & transcript: (01:02) Introduction to Daniel Firea (01:43) Daniel's Journey to Self-Development (03:06) Finding Passion in Photography (04:43) Broad Focus on Self-Development (06:15) Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle (07:21) Overcoming Physical Challenges (08:40) Debunking Myths About Self-Development (11:12) The Long Game of YouTube Success (14:03) Signature Questions (18:58) Final Thoughts and Contact Information   Listen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk

In the twelfth episode of Season 8 of the Meet the Mancunian Podcast, host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe speaks with Jazzy J, an Artist and Executive Committee Member of the Indian Association of Manchester. Jazzy J shares his passion for community support, rooted in his upbringing in Mumbai, and discusses his role in the Indian Association of Manchester. He highlights the organisation's efforts to bring together people from various backgrounds, provide platforms for local talent, and support activities that celebrate South Asian culture. The episode covers the importance of patience, kindness, and a forward-thinking approach. The conversation underscores the significance of fostering inclusion and giving people opportunities to showcase their talents. The episode concludes with Jazzy J offering advice for those looking to start similar movements in their communities. In J’s own words: “I think I have made an impact by making people believe that if they have a talent that they can come forward and present it. Age does not matter. Form does not matter. Style does not matter. As far as you have it in you, you go ahead and you share it with the world and you enrich it in the way that you feel that is fit for you.’ #Community #SouthAsian #culture #Manchester #GM #SocialImpact #NonProfit #Podcast   Did you know:  ·     South Asian culture is a blend of many cultures in and around the Indian subcontinent. It has a rich history of kingdoms, empires, spiritual and artistic movements, and cultural, religious, economic, and political connections to other regions.  ·     South Asian culture has made a significant impact on Britain in various aspects, such as food, clothing, music, words, and the overall ambiance of our towns and cities.  ·      South Asia has a rich legacy of music and dance, including classical music traditions like Hindustani and Carnatic music in India, Ghazals in Pakistan, and Baul music in Bangladesh. Dance forms like Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Bhangra are art forms that also express emotions and cultural narratives.   Key resources: This is Jazzy J. Indian Association of Manchester   Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode & transcript: (00:52) Introduction and Finding Passion (02:45) Involvement with the Indian Association of Manchester (03:52) Role and Objectives of the Indian Association (04:51) Supporting the Indian Community (07:46) Challenges Faced in the Journey (10:47) Impact and Encouragement (13:00) Advice for Starting a Community Movement (13:41) Additional Cultural Involvements (14:30) Signature Questions: Mancunian Spirit (20:12) Heartwarming Conclusion   Listen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk

In the 11th episode of Season 8 of the Meet the Mancunian Podcast, host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe interviews Claire Hines, owner of Shine and a passionate advocate for shared community spaces. Claire shares her journey from volunteering at her children's school to starting her own eco-friendly business Shine within Emporium M33, a community-centric retail hub in Sale.   The discussion covers the challenges and rewards of running a small business and the significance of local support. Claire emphasises the importance of tenacity, community collaboration, and supporting local enterprises. The episode wraps up with heartfelt anecdotes that illustrate the profound impact of community ties and mutual support.   In Claire’s own words: “It is tough for us to match some of the prices that you can find, on the high street, but I think we're constantly trying to improve that and trying to basically give the customers the best experience.   So whether that's that you maybe pay slightly more than you would one of the big supermarkets or whatever, but you might get lovely gift wrap, or you get a little handwritten note with your gift, or, just like a little something extra that you wouldn't expect. “   #Community #SharedSpace #Manchester #GM #SocialImpact #NonProfit #Podcast   Did you know:  ·      Shared spaces in communities can include urban design approaches, residential facilities or communal areas. ·     Co-location is an example of shared spaces where a number of organisations may share a space ·     Community Hubs are shared spaces that provide direct services to the geographic community in which they are located. ·     Coworking spaces provide work space and community to people who are often working on their own.   Key resources: Emporium M33 Shine   Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode & transcript: (01:04) Introduction to Claire Hines and Shine (01:47) Discovering a Passion for Community (02:38) Life in the Cayman Islands and Moving to Sale (03:46) Starting a Small Business: The Journey to Shine (04:53) Emporium M33: A Community Hub for Entrepreneurs (08:13) Challenges of Running a Small Business (10:23) Impact and Success Stories (14:14) Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs (16:59) Signature Questions: Manchester and Beyond (23:54) Heartwarming Stories and Conclusion   Listen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk  

In the tenth episode of Season 8 of the Meet the Mancunian Podcast, host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe interviews volunteer and photographer, David McLenachan. David shares his journey from retirement to discovering a passion for volunteering, starting with The Met Theatre in Bury and expanding through various music festivals in Manchester. He discusses the challenges and rewards of volunteering, his photography career progression, and his role as a patient representative for Greater Manchester Cancer. The episode also touches on David's significant impact, his advice for aspiring volunteers, and heartwarming stories from his volunteering experiences.   In David’s own words: “I really think that's for any individual, that's the most important thing is to go out and make it happen. Now, it's really difficult to know in more specific detail how to do that. And people I've mentioned like Mac, M A C, is one route so that you can just identify the vast number of opportunities that they collate.  But there's many other ways as well. So it might be in a more local environment. So what do you have in your local community, your local town or area of Manchester that you might want to get engaged in?  Go and see them, find out if there's any need for any volunteers and see where that takes you.”  #volunteering #GM #manchester #SocialImpact #community #NonProfit   Did you know:  ·     Volunteering can be a great way to learn and develop new skills ·     Volunteering improves your mental health and sense of wellbeing ·     Volunteering can help people feel less isolated in their surroundings and form meaningful connections with the people around them ·     Volunteering can help you ‘pay it forward’   Key resources: Macc volunteer centre David McLenachan Instagram   Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode & transcript:   (02:30) Volunteering at The Met (04:12) Expanding Volunteering Horizons (05:37) From Volunteering to Photography (07:03) Challenges and Rewards of Volunteering (11:18) Impact and Serious Roles (15:13) Advice for Aspiring Volunteers (20:59) Personal Reflections and Life Lessons (28:45) Heartwarming Volunteering Stories   Listen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk

In the ninth episode of Season 8 of the Meet the Mancunian Podcast, host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe welcomes Advita Patel, founder of Comms Rebel. Advita shares her passionate journey towards fostering diversity and inclusion, recounting personal experiences of feeling excluded and how witnessing a colleague's poor treatment ignited her advocacy. Advita explains the inception of Comms Rebel, emphasising the importance of being a 'positive disruptor' in driving inclusive communication. She also discusses 'A Leader Like Me,' her initiative for underrepresented speakers, and the significance of micro steps in achieving social change. The conversation highlights Advita's challenges with identity and confidence, the impact of her work, and her upcoming role as president-elect for the CIPR, illustrating the profound effects of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in the UK and beyond.   In Advita’s own words: “And I thought, you know what? We need a list of people who can put themselves out there, who want to speak and  want to have conversations. So I messaged a few of my friends, asked them to put their names on the list and then spread the word. And that's how the Underrepresented Speaker list started.” #Diversity #Inclusion #GM #manchester #SocialImpact #community #NonProfit   Did you know:  ·     The public relations profession faces a diversity challenge.CIPR data shows that 9 in 10 UK practitioners are White and 25% are privately educated – around four times higher than the UK national average. ·     In a recent CIPR report, over 73% of professional surveyed experienced barriers to progression while 72% faced discriminatory behaviour in the workplace.   Key resources: Comms Rebel Underrepresented Speakers List   Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode & transcript:     (00:54) Meet Advita Patel: Champion of Diversity and Inclusion (01:37) Advita's Journey to Inclusion (05:46) Founding Comms Rebel (08:31) A Leader Like Me: Underrepresented Speaker's List (13:44) Overcoming Personal Challenges (18:20) Impact and Volunteering with CIPR (24:48) Advice for Starting a Movement (29:28) Signature Questions and Reflections   Listen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk

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