The Forever Manchester Podcast Forever Manchester

Out Now, the latest episode of Forever Mancunians features Shaun O'Brien from Trafford based sensory theatre company, 'Theatre of the Senses' (ToTs). Our chat sheds light on both the inspiring work ToTs does and equally serves to highlight some of the struggles and challenges local groups and smaller community orgs are increasingly facing.
ToTs aim is to create sensory theatre productions that engage sight, smell, hearing, and even taste while providing a platform for people of all abilities to access and experience theatre in inclusive ways and believe that "the smallest development opportunities can have a significant and positive impact".
Shaun shares concern with funding difficulties and the fairness of the funding process in an increasingly competitive climate, with more demand for available funds, tightened criteria, and the impact this can have on those with limited resources.
Despite current challenges and frustrations, ToTs remains committed to its mission of inclusivity and development.The belief is that "the smallest development opportunities can have a significant and positive impact on individuals"

Forever Mancunians aims to introduce and tell the stories of featured guests whose vision, commitment, and dedication in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communities is both interesting and inspiring.
In this episode we meet Jamie Dennis, founder of Mandem Meetup for a candid chat about Men's Mental Health.After a difficult upbringing left Jamie "a bit rough around the edges", on the wrong side of the law and experiencing dark times. 
Self realisation of depression led to a positive lifestyle change and recognising the importance of positive mental wellbeing and healthy living. A lack of available local support groups led to the establishment of Mandem Meetup, providing a non judgmental, safe-space for men to meet without fear, obligation or expectation!    
Encouraging men to engage in activities and chat about life, and other things! 

Forever Mancunians aims to introduce and tell the stories of featured guests whose vision, commitment, and dedication in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communities is both interesting and inspiring.
In this episode we meet Jamie Dennis, founder of Mandem Meetup for a candid chat about Men's Mental Health.After a difficult upbringing left Jamie "a bit rough around the edges", on the wrong side of the law and experiencing dark times. 
Self realisation of depression led to a positive lifestyle change and recognising the importance of positive mental wellbeing and healthy living. A lack of available local support groups led to the establishment of Mandem Meetup, providing a non judgmental, safe-space for men to meet without fear, obligation or expectation!    

Forever Mancunians aims to introduce and tell the stories of featured guests whose vision, commitment, and dedication in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communities is both interesting and inspiring.
In this episode we meet Katarzyna Pryzbylska, one of the directors at The Together Family Centre in Irlam which initially started out as a Junior Football Club before further developing when the need for language development, speech therapy and phycology support was identified. Especially for members of the Polish community in order to address both cultural development and communication issues, various disorders and worries.
The Centre provides help, support and a range of therapies alongside a host of activities, events and opportunities aimed at connecting the community while maintaining cultural traditions and important sense of identity.  

Forever Mancunians aims to introduce and tell the stories of featured guests whose vision, commitment, and dedication in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communities is both interesting and inspiring.
In this episode we meet Sharon Davis, founder of Mums Mart Wythenshawe, a women’s group that came together after a local mum broke down in the school playground. Exhausted from the stress of living on a low income as a single parent and with no adult conversation for weeks at a time.Another parent took her for a brew and a chat and ideas began to flow that resulted in local families coming together for evening meals in the local church hall, organiing table top sales to raise funds for day trips and establishing a community savers network.
“Some of the kids had never seen the sea” said Sharon

Forever Mancunians aims to introduce and tell the stories of featured guests whose vision, commitment, and dedication in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communities is both interesting and inspiring.
In this episode (Part 02), Rod Maxwell, co-founder of community radio station Radio Alty shares the story of overcoming a brain hemorrhage, community radio involvement and what it means to him, alongside eluding to a chance meeting with Neil Armstrong!