The Forever Manchester Podcast

Episode 023 - Rachel McFarlane - Amplified Voices

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 foster 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!

Episode 022 - Esther Whitaker - Downs Syndrome Manchester

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! 

Episode 021 - Graham Wood & Fay Wiblin - WAVE Adventure

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!

Episode 020 - Magali Flores - Colibri Mexican Folk Dance

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.

Episode 018 - Olga Gerke & Jennie Trueman

“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 creativity. It has attracted Architect’s with a love of art and sketching, Dentist’s with a passion for poetry, musicians, script writers, illustrator’s and artists of all ages, all sharing their own interests while acknowledging and appreciating the passions and interests of others. 

Episode 017 - Stephen Pilling and Ginny Allende - Headspace Bolton

“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 tough and you don’t want to get out of bed, it’s those passions that drive us forward, that make us tick, and make us smile”

Headspace Bolton run high quality creative workshops that look towards breaking the stigma of mental health and what is portrayed and perceived via the creation of performances, competitions, productions and exhibitions." Activities extend to improvised and stand-up comedy, creative music sessions, film-making, animation and script writing activities that reflect the interests and passions for those wishing to explore creative options while generating an exciting forum for people with Mental Health issues.

Episode 016 - PART TWO - Lesley Fisher - 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 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.

Episode 016 - PART ONE - Lesley Fisher - Dancing with Dementia

“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 and set about surrounding herself with like-minded support to develop the amazing Dancing with Dementia.

Episode 015 - Shaun O'Brien - Theatre of the Senses

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"

Episode 014 - PART TWO - Jamie Dennis - Mandem Meetup

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!