Forever Mancunians

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 develop the amazing Dancing with Dementia.

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 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!

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 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 (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. 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.