Meet the Mancunian Podcast: social impact stories from Manchester Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe

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

A warm Mancunian welcome to all my listeners. Presenting Season 7, Episode 11 of the #MeettheMancunian #podcast #GM #manchester #Education #Youth #SocialImpact
#NonProfit. Hosted by Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe. (https://www.instagram.com/meetthemancunian/).

 

In the eleventh episode, host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe engages with Rahiela Koser, Community Organiser for Oldham Parent Power, detailing her journey from a participating parent to her current role, and the positive impact the initiative has had in Oldham. The discussion covers Oldham Parent Power's efforts to address
educational challenges and the social and economic barriers that hinder young people's success, particularly in higher education. Significant achievements such as winning campaigns for laptops during COVID-19 to address the digital divide, and advocating for improved mental health support in educational institutions are highlighted. Rahiela also shares insights on personal growth, the power of community and listening, and the broader impact of their work on parental empowerment and higher education access.

  

Did you know?

·     Oldham where the charity works is the most deprived borough in Greater Manchester

·     Disadvantaged young people are around 50% more likely to be out of education, employment and training (NEET) as their better-off peers.

·     1 in 7 young people in the Northwes are
not in education or employment

 

Key resources

Parent Power

 

Key Moments in the podcast and transcript

(01:56) The Genesis of Rahiela's Involvement with Oldham Parent Power

(02:54) Understanding Oldham Parent Power's Mission

(04:20)Rahiela's Role and Activities as a Community Organizer

(06:00) Overcoming Challenges in Community Organizing

(07:50) Impactful Achievements of Oldham Parent Power

(12:46) Expanding the Reach: How to Get Involved

(13:34) Advice for Starting a Similar Movement

(17:10) Rahiela's Personal Journey and Inspirations

 

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

7.10 Meet the Mancunian: Talking supporting mental health with theatre with Zac Blinston

 

A warm Mancunian welcome to all my listeners. Presenting Season 7, Episode 10 of the #MeettheMancunian #podcast #GM #manchester #MentalHealth #Theatre
#SocialImpact #NonProfit. Hosted by Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe. (https://www.instagram.com/meetthemancunian/).

 

In the tenth episode, the Meet the Mancunian podcast features Zac Blinston, Artistic Director of Mental Rebellion Theatre, who shares his journey from recovering from alcoholism to founding a community theatre company. The company works with individuals in recovery from addiction and mental health conditions, celebrating social impact through theatre. Zac also discussed his upcoming project 'Papering Over the Cracks,' addressing the housing crisis, The podcast closes with a beautiful poem, ‘Long after tonight is all over’ capturing the essence of the Northern soul scene.

 

Did you know?

·      14% of adults in England and Scotland regularly drink over the guidelines

·      27% of drinkers binge drink on their heaviest drinking days

·      Alcohol misuse is the biggest risk factor for
death, ill-health and disability among 15-49 year-olds in the UK, and the fifth biggest risk factor across all age groups

·      Manchester has one of the highest rates of alcohol
abuse in the UK

 

Key resources

Mental Rebellion Theatre

Alcohol Change



 

Key Moments in the podcast and transcript

 

(1:37) The Birth of Mental Rebellion Theatre

(05:59) Empowering Through Theatre: Mental Rebellion's Mission

(07:10) Tackling Social Issues: The Housing Crisis Project

(09:29) Overcoming Challenges and Making an Impact

(24:40) Upcoming Projects and Collaborations

(26:33) Signature questions

 

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

A warm Mancunian welcome to all my listeners. Presenting Season 7, Episode 9 of the #MeettheMancunian #podcast #GM #manchester #community #SocialImpact
#NonProfit. Hosted by Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe. (https://www.instagram.com/meetthemancunian/).

 

In the ninth episode, the Meet the Mancunian podcast interviews Tahera Khannam, Founder, Better
We. Tahera talks about improving the mental health of the community by promoting social inclusion, health awareness, and engaging in physical activities. Tahera shares how they support the community with education courses, computer lessons, community lunches, swimming lessons, and youth clubs. Better We won a Be Proud Award.



Did you know?

Census 2021 classifies households in England and Wales by four dimensions of deprivation: Employment, education, health and disability, and household overcrowding.

In Longsight where Better We works,

·      65% of households are deprived in at least one dimension

·      Longsight has the 3rd largest proportion of households deprived in three dimensions, compared to all other wards. 

 

Key resources

Better We



Key Moments in the podcast and transcript

(01:20) Discovering the Passion for Mental Health

(02:29) Expanding Services: From Coffee Mornings to Youth Clubs

(05:03) Overcoming Challenges and Building a Supportive Environment

(06:32) Recognising the Impact: Awards and Community Feedback

(10:40) How to Get Involved with Better We

(11:24) Advice for Aspiring Community Workers


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

A warm Mancunian welcome to all my listeners. Presenting Season 7, Episode 8 of the #MeettheMancunian #podcast #GM #manchester #women #children #SocialImpact
#NonProfit. Hosted by Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe. (https://www.instagram.com/meetthemancunian/).

 

In the eighth episode, the Meet the Mancunian podcast interviews Fiona Spencer, Vice President, Soroptomist International Manchester Club, about how they support women and girls in UK and in India to reach their full potential. Fiona introduces how she got involved with Soroptomist as an ophthalmologist and introduces the charities the Manchester club supports which include Women Matter, Manchester Action in Street Health, Cornerstone, Pankhurst Trust and refuges in Manchester. Fiona talks about their efforts to support a hospital for leprosy patients and an orphanage in Orissa, India. Fiona emphasises collaboration and harnessing the power of the community.

 

Did you know?

This episode is being released ahead of International Women’s
Day, 8 March 2024. International Women's Day (IWD) is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. Each year, this day serves as a powerful reminder of the progress made towards gender
equality and highlights the work that still needs to be done. In 2024, the theme Inspire Inclusion emphasises the importance of diversity and empowerment in all aspects of society.

 

Key resources

Soroptomist International

 

Timestamps of key moments in the podcast episode and transcript

 

(02:15) Fiona's Passion for Supporting Women and Children

(03:23) Introduction to Soroptomist International

(04:54) Local Initiatives and Projects in Manchester

(10:10) Challenges and Call for Volunteers

(11:43) Impact of Soroptomist's Work

(13:42) International Projects and Initiatives

(19:57) How to get involved with Soroptomist

(22:41) Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

 

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 7 of the #MeettheMancunian #podcast #GM #manchester #veterans #SocialImpact #NonProfit. Hosted by Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe (https://www.instagram.com/meetthemancunian/).

 

In the seventh episode, the Meet the Mancunian podcast interviews Joel Oxberry, Director, Walking with the Wounded about
how supporting veterans. Joel shares how they empower veterans by reigniting their sense of purpose, enabling them to make a positive contribution to their communities and lead independent lives. They help veterans with employment, mental health, and wellbeing, and support care coordination.

 

Did you know?

·     There are 1.85 million UK veterans (approx. 3.8% of the total population aged 16 and over)

·     38% of veterans suffer from mental health concerns

·     32% of veterans are disabled

·     1/3 of veterans are aged 80 years and over

 

Key resource

Walking with the Wounded

 

Timestamps of key moments in the podcast episode and transcript

(01:23) Journey to supporting veterans

(02:56) Introducing Walking with the Wounded

(05:18) Challenges and evolution of services

(08:17) Impact and success stories

(11:47) Fundraising and getting involved

(19:15) Advice

 

Listen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk