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
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27:55
Supporting communities with Chris Marsh
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
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26:15
Addressing food poverty with Zoe Marlow
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
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32:29
Supporting sustainable clothing with Ghada Soliman
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
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36:14
Empowering community-led change with Niki Banks
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
About Meet the Mancunian Podcast: social impact stories from Manchester
Welcome to Season 10 of the Meet the Mancunian podcast. I’m your host, Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe, offering you a warm Mancunian welcome.
I am delighted to bring to you Season 10 where I celebrate social impact community heroes across Manchester. I hope, dear listener, you can learn from their life experiences, the challenges they have overcome, and their passion for their cause.
To a better, kinder world – and until next time, let's continue making Manchester, and beyond, a place of greater impact, compassion, and action.
Podcast creatives by artist Mahua Roy.
Listen to Meet the Mancunian Podcast: social impact stories from Manchester, The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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