Strong Manchester Women

An inspiring conversation with Chloe Cousins, the voluntary organiser for Rainbow Noir, Manchester's social and peer support group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and intersex people of colour. She also works at The Proud Trust, an LGBT youth charity. --------------

A non-nonsense chat with Dena Murphy, a former nurse in early nineties who chairs a local resident’s group and manages their allotment. It’s here that Dena provides for over 50 pensioners at luncheon clubs and provides training and qualifications for offenders. She’s won multiple awards for her gardening and commitment to the community. __________________________________________________________________________

A passionate conversation with professional boxer Stacey Copeland. She’s also the founder of Pave The Way, a charity to challenge gender stereotypes and to support women and girls to get ahead in sports. On top of all that she's a BBC radio presenter. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A passionate conversation with Nasima Begum, a performance poet, producer, creative practitioner. She also works with young Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and Refugee girls to boost their confidence and resilience. --------------------------------------------------

A fabulous conversation with Kate O’Donnell, an award-winning performer, writer and the founder of the pioneering company, Trans Creative. ------------------------------------------------------

An open-hearted conversation with Sarah Judge, a local councillor and the Lead member for women at Manchester City Council. Sarah also runs a domestic abuse charity in her local community. -----------------------------------------------

A passionate and touching conversation with 80 year old Bernie Wood, manager of Talbot House, a unique, user-led support service for parent carers. Over 40 years ago, Bernie brought her then, baby son to the service, and now she runs it.

A frank conversation with Sharmila Kar, Director of Workforce and Organisational Development, Manchester Health and Care Commissioning. Equality and inclusion is at the heart of everything Sharmila does. She’s also a trustee at the LGBT Foundation ------

A straight talking conversation with Jackie Driver, listed as one of the most influential disabled people in the UK. Jackie works tirelessly in the field of equality and human rights. She’s currently leading the inclusion strategy at Manchester Health and Care Commissioning. ------

An honest conversation with Lynne Ridsdale, the Deputy Chief Executive of Bury Council. An experienced public sector leader, Lynne's also worked at Bolton Council and Manchester City Council, plus the National Crime Agency and Capita Group.

A candid conversation with Helen Brown, the Founder of On The Out, a community interest company that supports prisoners when they’re released from prison.

An uplifting conversation with Francess Tagoe, the CEO of the Tree of Life charity. The charity runs a hugely busy community centre in Manchester.

A joyful conversation with Denise Yuen-Megson who runs projects for the Chinese community in Manchester. She’s also a part-time nurse lecturer and a radio show host. She’s dead passionate about minority groups having a voice in local communities and has won awards for her impact.

A taster of what to expect on the upcoming Strong Manchester Women podcast; a series of inspiring conversations incredible women doing brilliant things.