Forever Manchester Podcast

In this episode we meet Rachel McFarlane, the founder of Ampliied Voices CIC. Beyond her own record of remarkable personal achievements, Rachel's dedication to community outreach is evident in her work with this pioneering initiative allowing her to showcase her commitment to leveraging the power of music to empower and fostering a sense of belonging through singing programmes specifically designed to uplift, inspire, and support individuals from all walks of life! Amplified Voices works on the basis that music is more than simply entertainment, but also a powerful tool for healing, empowerment, and social change!

The Forever Mancunians Podcast shares the stories of featured guests whose vision, commitment and determination in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communites is often interesting and inspiring. In this episode we chat with Esther Whittaker, CEO of Down's Syndrome Manchester. DS Manchester is an inclusive, member-led charity for individuals with Down’s syndrome, their parents, caregivers and professionals that provides support from childhood through to adulthood. Esther shares her passion for charity life and the development experiences that led her to fronting one of Manchester's most passionate little charities. Boasting a membership of over 300 and counting, DS M/cr provides access to life-long friendships, connection to other families, professional advice, support and lot's of fun! 

Forever Mancunians shares the stories of featured guests whosevision, commitment and determination in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communites is often interesting and inspiring.  In this episode we chat with the founder of the award winning WAVE Adventure, Grahm Wood and Trustee Fay Wiblin. Passionate about outdoor adventure and the environment, WAVE love introducing people to healthy new activities and organise activity programmes for individuals and groups of all ages and abilities. You can also hear about how Fay and her family have benefitted from opportunities that have opened doors and broadened their horizons!

In this Forever Mancunians episode we chat to the founder of Manchester based Colibri Mexican Folk Dance company, Magali Flores. Hailing from Mexico, a country steeped in rich music and dance heritage, Magaly studied ballet, folklore and traditional contemporary dance to become a graduate teacher of Arts Education before moving to England in 1989. As a widely traveled researcher, choreographer and educationalist, with a clear understanding of the responsibilities in sharing her culture and traditions through dance, Magali regularly attends symposiums to share her vast knowledge and learn more of the traditions of indigenous dance cultures and the many local communities in Mexico that look after them. Today, Magaly continues to choreograph beautiful dances for Colibri here in Manchester whilst maintaining and showcasing respect for traditional genres of a homeland country boasting a rich diversity of dances and traditions where culture continues to be deeply rooted within its society.

“I feel comfortable when I’m combining a touch of class with a touch of craziness, you should try wearing chicken slippers” The Forever Mancunians podcast series aims to share the stories of featured guests whose vision, commitment, and dedication in making a difference to the lives of others within our local communities is often interesting and inspiring. In this episode (018) we meet Olga Gerke and Jennie Trueman from a group who refer to themselves as The Soire’. Olga is the founder of this multi creative community art group for people to share their creative interests, passions and ideas. Utilising a dedicated community space on Deansgate Mews at the Great Northern in Manchester City Centre, the Soire’ provides a point of connection for city based folk, both novices and professionals, who dont ordinarily have easy access to local groups catering for their respective interests.   The Soire’ therefore provides a point of connection that serves to bring many passions together to generate a melting pot of c

“When life is tough, and you don’t want to get out of bed” The Forever Mancunians podcast series 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 the founders of Headspace Bolton, Stehpen Pilling and Ginny Allende. Upon recognising shared frustrations with both type, and levels of support available, they teamed up to explore opportunities that serve to generate better results for all concerned.      Stephen and Ginny are a living example of what can be achieved when a Mental Health service user teams up with a member of his support team to try alternative approaches by working together, learning from each other and developing each other. They elude to ‘one size not fitting all’ and how generic services s and structures can dampen the passions and interests that are important drivers in all our lives. Ginny explains ““When life is

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 Part 2 of this two part (Episode 016), we meet Lesley fisher, the founder of Dancing with Dementia, who says being a hairdresser helped her acquire some of the patience and understanding assets needed to deal with dementia. Not being one to stay at home, always organising her family and being involved and helping in the organisation or various events and activities throughout her life have all proved to be useful assets in recent years. Lesley is well aware of the tremendous impact dementia can have on sufferers, their families, friends and loved ones and wanted to do something to help. After exploring opportunities and researching various options it became clear that singing, dancing and music stood out as helpful therapies and set about surrounding herself with like-minded support to

“Dementia comes in many forms, no dementia journey is the same” 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 Part 1 of this two part episode, we meet Lesley fisher, the founder of Dancing with Dementia, who says being a hairdresser helped her acquire some of the patience and understanding assets needed to deal with dementia. Not being one to stay at home, always organising her family and being involved and helping in the organisation or various events and activities throughout her life have all proved to be useful assets in recent years. Lesley is well aware of the tremendous impact dementia can have on sufferers, their families, friends and loved ones and wanted to do something to help. After exploring opportunities and researching various options it became clear that singing, dancing and music stood out as helpful therapies a

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 i

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!

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 01), Rod Maxwell, co-founder of community radio station, Radio Alty, shares his story of overcoming trauma following a Brain Hemorrhage, finding comfort in volunteering and the positive impact of meeting, chatting and being in the company of others, through to his interest and involvement in local community radio and it's many benefits.  Based in Altrincham, RadioAlty is a local online community radio station run by volunteers from the local area. 

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, Maureen Holcroft and Noreen Bond from Daffodils Dreams in Wigan, share their story, commitment and response to the concerning issue of child poverty inpacting on young people and thier families across Wigan. Established in 2019, Daffodils Dreams is guided by the belief that every child and failiy deserves the opportunity to thrive, to dream big, and to build a brighter future! 

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), Elliot Sparks, founder and CEO of Pennine Mencap introduces The Rhodes Bank Inclusive Choir, shares his views on Public Perceptions and Attitudes and the need to learn and adapt as you go along! Established in 2012, Pennine Mencap provides opportunities for adults with learning disabilities and complex needs across Oldham, Tameside and throughout Greater Manchester to create, achieve and express themselves through a variety of activities to engage and develop learning disabled adults and those with complex needs. Pennine has come a long way from its humble beginnings in a small, windowless storage room and through listening to feedback from service users it has developed the facilities and popular opportunities it now provides.

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 01), founder and CEO Elliot Sparks of Pennine Mencap shares his story of volunteering, overcoming ill health and settling in Oldham alongside sharing some of the many stories, up-sides and challenges, of supporting vulnerable adults. Established in 2012, Pennine Mencap provides opportunities for adults with learning disabilities and complex needs across Oldham, Tameside and throughout Greater Manchester to create, achieve and express themselves through a variety of activities to engage and develop learning disabled adults and those with complex needs. Pennine has come a long way from its humble beginnings in a small, windowless storage room and through listening to feedback from service users it has developed the facilities and popular opportunities it now provides.

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. Trafford Veterans is a group of armed forces veterans, emergency service personnel and local volunteers. The group was formed in 2015 after the two founding members, Royal Navy Veteran Claire Wright and British Army Veteran Chris Squires left the armed forces and faced a struggle with physical and mental injuries alongside their transition from military service back into civillian life. Their experiences prompted them to provide peer support to other veterans and members of the community, so people would not feel alone. In this episode, Claire Squires (nee Wright) shares the story of setting up the group to provide engagement opportunities and peer support to other veterans in local communities across Trafford, Greater Manchester. 

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 2012, a group of residents came together and formed a group to save Denton West End Community Library from closure with the full backing of a rather unhappy local community. In this episode Library co-chairs, Karen McLauchlan and Rachel Massey share the story of saving a valued local service and development of the library into what is now a well organised, well supported community hub that continues to be successfully managed and delivered by a team of passionate and dedicated volunteers.