Meet the Mancunian Podcast: social impact stories from Manchester

Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe
  • 5.0 (3)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Season 12 of the Meet the Mancunian podcast, hosted by Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe. Over the season, we meet the people shaping Manchester today and inspiring its future. Through thoughtful conversations with community leaders, volunteers and changemakers, I explore the passion and purpose driving positive change across our city. Each episode shares honest stories, lived experience, and insight into the people shaping Manchester today and strengthening its communities for tomorrow. Thank you for listening — and for being part of this community. Podcast creatives by Mahua Roy.

  1. Talking volunteering and community support with Wardeh Al Nasir

    25/11/2025

    Talking volunteering and community support with Wardeh Al Nasir

    In the season finale of Season 11 of the Meet the Mancunian podcast, host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe engages in a heartfelt conversation with Wardeh Al Nasir, Director of Community Thriving Together and nominee for Volunteer of the Year at the Spirit of Manchester Awards. Wardeh shares her inspiring journey of using her own experiences of isolation and language barriers to build a supportive community for underrepresented individuals in Manchester. She discusses the significance of volunteering, the impact of her organisation's work, and how she overcame cultural and financial challenges to create positive change. Wardeh also highlights transformative stories of individuals affected by her work and offers advice for those looking to start volunteering. The episode encapsulates the spirit of community, passion, and inclusivity, making it a moving finale before the podcast takes a break until spring 2026. Did you know: ·      Ethnic minorities can often face challenges including significant disparities in employment, housing and health outcomes. ·      These may include higher unemployment, overcrowded and substandard housing and poorer health and access to healthcare. They may suffer from stress, anxiety and depression due to these factors. ·      They may also face intolerance, hate crime, and discrimination, which often worsens existing inequalities. Key resource: Community Thriving Together   Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode & transcript:   (01:13) Meet Wardeh Al Nasir (02:43) Wardeh's Volunteering Journey (04:13) Founding Communities Thriving Together (05:33) Impact of Thriving Together (08:15) Challenges and Overcoming Them (16:20) Advice for Aspiring Volunteers (17:39) Signature Questions   Listen to the episode and read the transcript on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk   #SocialImpact #Women #Community #Inclusion #Manchester#SpiritOfMcr25 #GM #podcast #NonProfit

    23 min
  2. Advocating for accessible train stations with Nathaniel Yates

    18/11/2025

    Advocating for accessible train stations with Nathaniel Yates

    In this episode, host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe spotlights the inspirational journey of Nathaniel Yates, a train safety access campaigner whose personal experience with inaccessible train stations in Manchester spurred them into action. After a fall in 2013 and subsequent investigation into the city's train station accessibility, Nathaniel started a petition and raised awareness through videos and panels, gaining the support of Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham. Nathaniel highlights the challenges and successes of the GMR Rail Safety Access campaign, including making specific stations accessible. His relentless efforts have not only led to significantimprovements but also inspired public awareness and support.   Did you know:  ·      An accessible railway station is a station that removes physical barriers to access. ·      These may include providing keys to locked accessible toilets, marked drop off zones for Blue Badge holders, accessible ticket machines, step-free access or induction loops. ·      Currently, fewer than Manchester’s train stations are accessible to those with mobility issues or wheelchairs users. Key resource: GMR Rail Accessibility Campaign   Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode & transcript: (01:02) Meet Nathaniel Yates: Rail Safety Advocate (01:43) Nathaniel's Journey Begins (03:10) Campaign Milestones and Challenges (05:16) Impact and Recognition (06:20) Overcoming Obstacles (09:53) Advice for Aspiring Campaigners (11:25) Signature Questions   Listen to the episode and read the transcript on https://www.meetthemancunian.co.uk/ #SocialImpact #StationAccessibility#Inclusion #Community #Manchester #SpiritOfMcr25 #GM #podcast #NonProfit

    18 min
  3. Empowering women and youth with Tahera Khanam

    11/11/2025

    Empowering women and youth with Tahera Khanam

    In this episode of the Meet the Mancunian podcast, host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe interviews Tahera Khanam, founder of Better We and nominee for Volunteer of the Year at the Spirit of Manchester Awards. Tahera shares her journey of creating clubs and training programs to support and empower women and youth in the Manchester community.   Through personal stories and experiences, she highlights the importance of community work, the challenges faced, and the impact made. Tahera also discusses overcoming personal challenges, like her cancer diagnosis, through community service, and underscores the value of building strong support networks.   Did you know:  ·      Better We supports the community in Longsight ·      The 4 dimensions of deprivation include education, employment, health and disability and housing ·      36.2% of all households in Longsight are deprived in one dimension, above the average of Manchester (32.8%).   ·      68% of all households in Longsight are deprived in one or more dimension.   Key resource: Better We   Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode & transcript: (01:04) Meet Tahera Khanam (02:04) Tahera's Journey and Community Impact (03:14) The Birth of Better We (04:23) Empowering Women and Youth (05:56) Services Offered by Better We (08:12) Challenges and Triumphs (12:33) Community Support and Volunteerism (18:08) Signature questions   Listen to the episode and read the transcript on https://www.meetthemancunian.co.uk/ #SocialImpact #Women #Youth #Community#Manchester #SpiritOfMcr25 #GM #podcast #NonProfit

    25 min
  4. Tackling substance abuse with Idowu Morafa

    04/11/2025

    Tackling substance abuse with Idowu Morafa

    In this episode of the Meet the Mancunian podcast,host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe speaks with Idowu Morafa, Founder of Across Ummah and nominee for Volunteer of the Year and Social Economy Champion at the Spirit of Manchester Awards. Idowu shares her passion for tackling substance abuse,reducing health disparities, and empowering communities through a variety of life-changing projects. She discusses the challenges faced, including language barriers and funding issues, and emphasises the importance of community support, mental health awareness, and educational programs. The episode concludes with valuable advice for aspiring community leaders and a call to action for volunteers and collaborators to join Across Ummah's mission.   Did you know:  ·      Around 3 million people in the UK areimpacted by substance abuse ·      Children of parents with an addiction aremore likely to develop a substance use disorder in adulthood. ·      Parental substance abuse can lead to aggression, violence, and emotional chaos within the household. Key resource: Across Ummah   Time stamps of key moments in the podcastepisode & transcript: (02:15) Inspiration and Community Connection (04:23) Founding Across Ummah (04:33) Day-to-Day Operations and Focus Areas (06:03) Spirit of Manchester Awards (08:29) Challenges and Overcoming Them (11:45) Impact Stories and Community Projects (17:49) Addressing Mental Health and Social Issues (21:21) Advice for Aspiring Community Leaders (24:32) Signature Questions and Conclusion   Listen to the episode and read the transcripton https://www.meetthemancunian.co.uk/ #SocialImpact #SubstanceAbuse #Community#Manchester #SpiritOfMcr25 #GM #podcast #NonProfit

    30 min
  5. Supporting the Irish community with Francis Duncan

    28/10/2025

    Supporting the Irish community with Francis Duncan

    In this episode of 'Meet the Mancunian' hosted by Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe, Francis Duncan, Community Engagement Manager at Irish Community Care, shares insights into how the organisation supports the Irish and Irish travelling communities in Manchester. Francis discusses his journey into community work, the challenges faced by the Irish travelling community, common misconceptions, and the impact of their initiatives. He highlights the importance of culturally appropriate communities, advocacy, and education in overcoming biases and fosteringunderstanding. The episode underscores the vibrant community spirit and ongoing efforts to make Manchester a more inclusive city. Did you know:  ·      33% of the Manchester population are of Irish descent. ·      Romani gypsies, Roma and Irish Traveller are distinct community groups ·     An estimated 300,000 Irish Travellers live inUK. Key resource: Irish Community Care Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode & transcript: (01:02) Introducing Francis Duncan (02:14) Understanding Culturally Appropriate Communities (04:32 Irish Community Care's Mission (06:17) Challenges Faced by the Irish Traveling Community (10:40) Overcoming Mistrust and Bias (14:51) Impact and Future Goals (22:06) Advice for Supporting Communities (24:08) Upcoming Events and Community Engagement (25:43) Signature Questions Listen to the episode and read the transcript on https://www.meetthemancunian.co.uk/ #SocialImpact #IrishTravellers #IrishCommunity #Manchester #SpiritOfMcr25 #GM #podcast #NonProfit

    32 min
  6. Raising Awareness about Modern Slavery with Jillian Alexander

    21/10/2025

    Raising Awareness about Modern Slavery with Jillian Alexander

    In the first episode of Season 11 of the Meet the Mancunian podcast, host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe interviews Jillian Alexander, the founder of the Unbound Programme and anominee for the Spirit of Manchester Awards in the Inspiring Campaign category. Jillian discusses her journey in tackling modern slavery, from volunteering as a young girl to her impactful work as a first responder for modern slavery survivors. She shares insights into the Unbound Programme, which provides upskilling and support for survivors, and highlights the importance of raisingawareness about modern slavery within communities. Jillian also discusses the challenges she's faced in building her organisation and the importance of believing in one's vision. The episode explores the significance of Manchester's community spirit and the role of individuals in driving social change. Listeners are encouraged to get involved and support the cause, with details provided on how to connect with the Unbound Programme. Did you know:  ·      50 million people worldwide are in modern slavery? ·      22 million are in forced labour ·      22 million are in forced marriages Key resources: Unbound Programme Reporting modern slavery Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode & transcript: (01:02) Guest Introduction: Jillian Alexander (01:41) Jillian's Journey and Inspiration (02:37) Challenges and Solutions in Modern Slavery (04:28) Impact of the Unbound Programme (07:43) Addressing Myths and Raising Awareness (09:00) Advice for Community Involvement (10:13) Signature Questions and Personal Insights Listen to the episode and read the transcript on https://www.meetthemancunian.co.uk/ #SocialImpact #ModernSlavery #Community #Manchester #SpiritOfMcr25 #GM #podcast #NonProfit #volunteer

    17 min

  7. SEASON 11 TRAILER

    Season 11 Launch: Celebrating Community Champions with the Spirit of Manchester Awards

    In Season 11 of the Meet the Mancunian podcast, host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe partners with the Spirit of Manchester Awards to highlight the incredible nominees making social impact in Manchester. The season explores the personal journeys of community champions, their motivations, challenges, and purpose. Episodes are released every Tuesday starting October 14, 2025. Listen to the podcast to discover the heart of Manchester, one story at a time. Thank you to artist Mahua Roy for the season creatives. Listen to past episodes on www.meetthemancunian.co.uk. Time stamps of key moments in the podcast episode & transcript: (00:00) Introduction to Season 11 (00:07) Spotlighting Community Champions (00:44) Season Launch details (00:53) Where to Listen (01:04) Connect with the host (01:17) Social Media and Artist Credits Listen to the episode and read the transcript on https://www.meetthemancunian.co.uk/ #SocialImpact #Community #Manchester #SpiritOfMcr25 #GM #podcast #NonProfit #volunteer

    2 min
  8. Taking climate action with Sophie Jones

    06/05/2025

    Taking climate action with Sophie Jones

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

    28 min
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About

Welcome to Season 12 of the Meet the Mancunian podcast, hosted by Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe. Over the season, we meet the people shaping Manchester today and inspiring its future. Through thoughtful conversations with community leaders, volunteers and changemakers, I explore the passion and purpose driving positive change across our city. Each episode shares honest stories, lived experience, and insight into the people shaping Manchester today and strengthening its communities for tomorrow. Thank you for listening — and for being part of this community. Podcast creatives by Mahua Roy.

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