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