Greater Manchester Live Well Podcast

Looking ahead to a future where everyone can live well, every day.What will it take to make this way of working that everyday reality across Greater Manchester? Explore what happens when systems enable community action, community power, and community wealth to grow. Where devolving power and funding means communities thrive, inequalities reduce, and everyday support becomes accessible, inclusive, and sustainable. Communities and public services share a vision for Greater Manchester’s future — where welcoming, strength-based spaces and support foster trust, belonging, and purpose. This is all about putting people, not processes, at the heart of change.This series shares honest, lived experiences. Some content may feel sensitive or challenging. Please listen in a way that feels right for you.Talking Points:00:00 - Introduction01:31 - Reflecting on the Live Well Vision03:04 - Community Stories and Insights04:54 - The Vision for Live Well Centres09:06 - Employment Support and Community Engagement10:23 - Exploring Community Hubs16:10 - Challenges and Barriers to Employment19:53 - The Future of Live Well35:36 - Conclusion and Call to ActionOrganisations & groups featured:GMCA - Annette and Tabz, Jane ForrestDeButterfly Mama Health and Poverty Partnership and GM Shapers - Folashade Mayor of Greater Manchester - Andy Burnham Unlimited Potential - Chris Dabbs Elephants Trail - Andy Wigan Council – Alison McKensie-FolanStretford Public Hall via Elephant's TrailLighthouse project via Elephant's TrailPlattbridge Community Zone via Elephant's TrailChristine, Keegan and JaimieLocal Trust – Rachel RowneyMinister of State at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Alison McGovern MPSome watching:Hope, Elephants Trail - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S33Y5Jj-PYYFurther Reading:Read the transcript for this episode here - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1NjNbLNWAw9NWbsjvHb5tjCoJlkBTtcHC?usp=drive_linkre  Community power map - https://goodlivesgm.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/UK-evidence-for-community-power-1.pdf GM Live Well is Greater Manchester’s commitment to ensuring great everyday support is available in every neighbourhood. It will tackle health, social and economic inequalities by changing how public services work with people and communities to grow opportunities for everyone to Live Well. GM Live Well will ensure everyone has the support, control, connections and resources to lead a healthy and happy life. Find out more: https://www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/what-we-do/live-well/This podcast brings together over 100 voices from across Greater Manchester, add yours to conversations on social media using #GMLiveWell.Funders:GM Live Well is a partnership between GMCA, NHS GM 10 GM and partners across the city-region. Movement building and learning, and accelerator work in five boroughs has been funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.Credits:A MIC media Production

What happens when systems start to share power? They shift from fixers to working in genuine partnership with communities, with better results. What happens when we rethink culture and control and build power within communities? When we create spaces for change and grow system leaders’ capacity to act on community voice, insights and ideas? Hear how councils, funders and services are helping communities lead lasting change across Greater Manchester. Rethinking funding, building trust and changing - not just strategies but culture and mindsets. You'll hear what system leaders, commissioners and people working across public services have learned by doing things differently. Real change that grows great everyday support that lasts. This series shares honest, lived experiences. Some content may feel sensitive or challenging. Please listen in a way that feels right for you.Talking Points:00:00 - Introduction01:31 - Welcome to Episode Seven01:55 - Exploring Community Power02:55 - Eve Holt on Community Power05:34 - Shifting Power10:18 - Community Development16:11 - Bev Craig's Personal Story20:58 - Investing in Community Power28:34 - Final Reflections and Call to ActionOrganisations & groups featured:GMCA - Tabz and Annette, Eve Holt, Caroline SimpsonWigan Council - Alison McKenzie-FolanNurture Development - Cormac RussellManchester City Council - Bev CraigMayor of Greater Manchester - Andy BurnhamA Brilliant Thing – Kerry Tottingham10GM and Action Together - Liz Windsor-WelshRekindle Supplementary School - Nika Nuthra-ShahYoung Manchester - Samuel Remi-AkinwaleFurther Reading:Read the transcript for this episode here - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1NjNbLNWAw9NWbsjvHb5tjCoJlkBTtcHC?usp=drive_linkre  GM Live Well is Greater Manchester’s commitment to ensuring great everyday support is available in every neighbourhood. It will tackle health, social and economic inequalities by changing how public services work with people and communities to grow opportunities for everyone to Live Well. GM Live Well will ensure everyone has the support, control, connections and resources to lead a healthy and happy life. Find out more: https://www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/what-we-do/live-well/This podcast brings together over 100 voices from across Greater Manchester, add yours to conversations on social media using #GMLiveWell.Funders:GM Live Well is a partnership between GMCA, NHS GM 10 GM and partners across the city-region. Movement building and learning, and accelerator work in five boroughs has been funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.Credits:A MIC media Production

Dive into what’s strong in Greater Manchester neighbourhoods – knowledge, skills and experience - and how growing this leads to lasting change.What has community power got to do with people living a good life? We’ll discuss how solutions grown with communities lead to better outcomes. Hear from people across Greater Manchester shaping their neighbourhoods and creating spaces where people feel safe, seen and supported. From neighbourhood councils, mutual aid groups, community organising and grassroots action networks to public services sharing power through participatory approaches, asset-based practice and working in genuine collaboration. This episode reflects on how public services lead, support and show up differently in work. This series shares honest, lived experiences. Some content may feel sensitive or challenging. Please listen in a way that feels right for you.Talking Points:00:00 - Introduction01:26 - Exploring Community Power03:34 - Voices from the Community06:03 - Community Superpowers08:45 - Community Power in Action15:21 - Fighting Poverty and Debt19:55 - Youth Leadership and Participation24:32 - Legislative Theatre and Policy Change28:55 - Reflections and Future Directions32:27 - Conclusion and Call to ActionOrganisations & groups featured:GMCA - Tabz and Annette, Caroline Simpson Women's Voices - Nadia SiddiquiRekindle Supplementary School - Nika Muthra-ShahCaring and Sharing - Nicky IginlaOpen Agency - Selva MustafaElephants Trail – Paddy, Shannon Disability Stockport – via Elephants Trail SAWN - Agatha PhiriDebt Justice – Richard DunbarAnti-Poverty Foundation panel for Rochdale - Jo Barker-MarshYoung Manchester - Samuel Remi-AkinwaleYouth Focus Northwest Be Counted Project - Madia and DivineLegislative theater facilitator- Sam Dixon Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology - Liz Kendall MPSome watching:Able, Elephants Trail - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUQgsVLRTT0Further Reading:Read the transcript for this episode here - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1NjNbLNWAw9NWbsjvHb5tjCoJlkBTtcHC?usp=drive_linkre  GM Live Well is Greater Manchester’s commitment to ensuring great everyday support is available in every neighbourhood. It will tackle health, social and economic inequalities by changing how public services work with people and communities to grow opportunities for everyone to Live Well. GM Live Well will ensure everyone has the support, control, connections and resources to lead a healthy and happy life. Find out more: https://www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/what-we-do/live-well/ This podcast brings together over 100 voices from across Greater Manchester, add yours to conversations on social media using #GMLiveWell.Funders:GM Live Well is a partnership between GMCA, NHS GM 10 GM and partners across the city-region. Movement building and learning, and accelerator work in five boroughs has been funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.Credits:A MIC media Production

Explore growing power, sharing resources and creating the conditions for happy, healthy lives - what systems can do to create community wealth.From participatory grant-making to local funds, how collaboration, trust and community ownership are transforming how money and opportunity flow. Featuring funders, councils, health, voluntary sector and community organisations, this is a discussion about community led, system-enabled change. Through stories of empowerment, inclusion and the impact of being resource rich, we’ll explore what helps this flourish. How local authorities and other public services and funders are teaming up with communities, growing power, sharing resources, and creating the conditions for happy, healthy lives. This series shares honest, lived experiences. Some content may feel sensitive or challenging. Please listen in a way that feels right for you.Talking Points:00:00 - Introduction01:26 - Episode Five Overview and Key Themes02:23 - Exploring Community Wealth with Chris Dabbs04:15 - Nika's Perspective on Community Wealth05:22 - Cultural Contexts of Community Wealth06:22 - Community Transformation07:23 - Stewarding Community Resources08:28 - Cormack Russell on Community Health and Wealth10:44 - Real-World Examples of Community Wealth Building12:02 - Participatory Grant Making17:26 - Impact Stories from Funded Projects21:36 - Oldham's One Oldham Fund and Community Trust26:21 - Rochdale's Community-Led Leadership and Training28:25 - Conclusion and Call to ActionOrganisations & groups featured:GMCA – Tabz O’Brien and Annette ClohertyUnlimited Potential - Chris Dabbs Rekindle - Nika Nuthra-Shah, Ruth IbegbunaElevate Young Minds - Edenamiuki AiguobasinmwinRochdale Council - Helen DaviesLankelly Chase Foundation Julian Corner, Carrina GaffneyNurture Development - Cormac RussellSystems Changers - Selva Mustafa, Carl Theatre in Flow - Liz MyttonSupport and Action for Women's Network - Rose SsaliOldham Council - Rachel DysonAction Together - Laura Windsor WelshYuvanis - Zakir AhmadUK Funding Futures - Billy DarrochMayor of Greater Manchester - Andy Burnham NHS GM - Zoe PorterPropel London Funders – James Banks Further Reading:Read the transcript for this episode here - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1NjNbLNWAw9NWbsjvHb5tjCoJlkBTtcHC?usp=drive_linkre  GM Live Well is Greater Manchester’s commitment to ensuring great everyday support is available in every neighbourhood. It will tackle health, social and economic inequalities by changing how public services work with people and communities to grow opportunities for everyone to Live Well. GM Live Well will ensure everyone has the support, control, connections and resources to lead a healthy and happy life. Find out more: https://www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/what-we-do/live-well/ This podcast brings together over 100 voices from across Greater Manchester, add yours to conversations on social media using #GMLiveWell.Funders:GM Live Well is a partnership between GMCA, NHS GM 10 GM and partners across the city-region. Movement building and learning, and accelerator work in five boroughs has been funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.Credits:A MIC media Production

Explore how growing community wealth, opportunities and ownership moves us from fixing problems to preventing them — together.What happens when communities have ownership of ideas, spaces, decisions and local enterprise? This episode explores how health and wealth are deeply connected and why thriving communities need control of resources. We’ll hear how communities are reclaiming spaces, reshaping local economies and creating fairer futures. From cooperatives to community run spaces, we'll discover what happens when ownership and opportunity are local. Shaping the future of Greater Manchester from the ground up, creating real change that is long term, sustainable and rooted in local pride.This series shares honest, lived experiences. Some content may feel sensitive or challenging. Please listen in a way that feels right for you.Talking Points:00:00 - Welcome to the Greater Manchester Live Well Podcast01:27 - Introduction to Episode Four01:42 - Exploring Community Wealth02:57 - Insights from Cormack Russell05:00 - Community Wealth in Action: Bolton's Perspective06:37 - Andy Burnham on Community Wealth08:01 - Tom Lloyd Goodwin on Community Wealth Building13:52 - Real-World Examples of Community Wealth0:31 - Historical Context: The Birth of Cooperatives26:16 - Community Projects: Skate Parks, Kitchens, and Football Clubs31:48 - Final Reflections and Closing RemarksOrganisations & groups featured:GMCA - Tabz O’Brien and Annette Cloherty, Will ClarkeDeButterfly Mama Health and Poverty Partnership and GM Shapers - Folashade AlongeAll Souls Bolton and We’re Right Here Campaign - Inayat OmarjiNurture Development - Cormac Russell Mayor of Greater Manchester - Andy BurnhamCLES  - Tom Lloyd GoodwinFunding Futures - Billy DarrochNew Pioneers - Nicola McCormack, Daisy de Silva Your B Credit Union - MartizaElephants Trail – Andy, ShannonManchester Project Skate Park – via Elephants TrailOpen Kitchen – via Elephants TrailFC United - via Elephants Trail Some watching:Ours, Elephants Trail - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mVuRLZ-AVg Further Reading:Read the transcript for this episode here - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1NjNbLNWAw9NWbsjvHb5tjCoJlkBTtcHC?usp=drive_linkre Growing GM Live Well: Evidence for Community Power - https://goodlivesgm.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/UK-evidence-for-community-power.pdfGM Live Well is Greater Manchester’s commitment to ensuring great everyday support is available in every neighbourhood. It will tackle health, social and economic inequalities by changing how public services work with people and communities to grow opportunities for everyone to Live Well. GM Live Well will ensure everyone has the support, control, connections and resources to lead a healthy and happy life. Find out more: https://www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/what-we-do/live-well/ This podcast brings together over 100 voices from across Greater Manchester, add yours to conversations on social media using #GMLiveWell.Funders:GM Live Well is a partnership between GMCA, NHS GM 10 GM and partners across the city-region. Movement building and learning, and accelerator work in five boroughs has been funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.Credits:A MIC media Production

Explore what happens when public services trust communities to lead, working alongside them to create better, fairer outcomes.How do we grow a system that helps everyone thrive, not just survive? Places to meet, connect and belong are the backbone of thriving communities, strengthening wellbeing and opportunity. We’ll explore how communities and public services can work side by side to grow this great everyday support. Joined up, welcoming and built around people's lives, open and available when it's needed, a social safety net to catch and help people back up.From grassroots mutual aid to community hubs and door-to-door connections, we hear how trust, shared power and courage are changing support and places. This series shares honest, lived experiences. Some content may feel sensitive or challenging. Please listen in a way that feels right for you.Talking Points:00:00 - Introduction to the Greater Manchester Live Well Podcast01:41 - Episode Three Overview and Recap03:10 - Exploring Community Support in Wigan03:45 - Angela's Story: Building Community from the Ground Up14:59 - Trafford's Community Hubs: A Model for Local Support17:54 - Sale West: A Decade of Community-Led Initiatives22:09 - Health in Communities: Trafford's Integrated Approach25:22 - Little Holton: Community Connection and Growth29:01 - Public Services Flipping the Script32:51 - Reflections and Future Directions37:23 - Closing Remarks and Call to ActionOrganisations & groups featured:Local Trust – Rachel RowneyGMCA - Annette Cloherty and Tabz O’BrienNorthern Heart and Soul, CIC and Springfield Beach Hill Community Mutual Aid Group - Angela Fell  Wigan Council - Alison McKensie-FolanTrafford councillor - George DevlinOur Sale West - Claire StandishLittle Hulton - Stewart KnightsSalford Council - Rebecca BibbyTrafford Council - Dan ShelstonInnovation Unit - Steph GamaufA Brilliant Thing - Kerry Tottingham, Beth CreedonMade by Mortals – contributors, Tess KeebleSome watching:Live Well, Made by Mortals - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5bkOlAHExU&t=1sFurther Reading:Read the transcript for this episode here - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1NjNbLNWAw9NWbsjvHb5tjCoJlkBTtcHC?usp=drive_linkre GM Live Well is Greater Manchester’s commitment to ensuring great everyday support is available in every neighbourhood. It will tackle health, social and economic inequalities by changing how public services work with people and communities to grow opportunities for everyone to Live Well. GM Live Well will ensure everyone has the support, control, connections and resources to lead a healthy and happy life. Find out more: https://www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/what-we-do/live-well/ This podcast brings together over 100 voices from across Greater Manchester, add yours to conversations on social media using #GMLiveWell.FundersGM Live Well is a partnership between GMCA, NHS GM 10 GM and partners across the city-region. Movement building and learning, and accelerator work in five boroughs has been funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.CreditsA MIC media Production

Explore what happens when communities take action and lead everyday local support.Community action is the heartbeat of our neighbourhoods — where peer support groups, taxi drivers, barbers, neighbours and volunteers are stepping up, connecting and creating change. This episode is filled with stories of our communities showing up for each other, friendly faces and places for people to turn to without referrals, long waits and fear. Featuring voices from across the city-region, from our libraries, food banks, music cafés, youth hubs and women-led groups and more, this episode shows how trust, hope, and collaboration are growing healthier, stronger and fairer communities.This series shares honest, lived experiences. Some content may feel sensitive or challenging. Please listen in a way that feels right for you.Talking Points:00:00 - Welcome to the Greater Manchester Live Well Podcast00:37 - Introduction to the Live Well Vision01:40 - Meet Your Hosts and Episode Overview02:56 - Community Action and Everyday Support04:51 - Spotlight on Elephants Trail06:33 - Voices from the Community10:10 - Gorton: A Hub of Collaboration and Support15:11 - Empowering Women and Building Community20:36 - Community-Led Support in Action29:51 - Reflections and Future Directions32:08 - Closing Remarks and Call to ActionOrganisations & groups featured:GMCA - Tabz O’Brien and Annette ClohertyUnlimited Potential - Chris DabbsElephants Trail – Paddy, ShannonLongsight Library – via Elephants Trail Cutz on the Block – via Elephants TrailVeterans Allotment in Denton – via Elephants TrailSmallshaw Hurst Parent group - via Elephant's TrailThe Monastery - Elaine GriffithsHealthy Me Healthy Communities - Kate Angels of Hope - Leah ChikambaInspirational Women - Chizzy IjehSouthway Housing - MiuGorton Hub - Michael Kendall LambBFI Active CIC - Shamime JanKelly – Smallshawhurst Pantry Angels United - Oliver MonkClass – Community Savers - Sophie King, Susan AnyaAge UK - Keith CarterSome watching:Connection, Elephants Trail - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9SfcRoXBwAFurther Reading:Read the transcript for this episode here - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1NjNbLNWAw9NWbsjvHb5tjCoJlkBTtcHC?usp=drive_linkreGM Live Well is Greater Manchester’s commitment to ensuring great everyday support is available in every neighbourhood. It will tackle health, social and economic inequalities by changing how public services work with people and communities to grow opportunities for everyone to Live Well. GM Live Well will ensure everyone has the support, control, connections and resources to lead a healthy and happy life. Find out more: https://www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/what-we-do/live-well/ This podcast brings together over 100 voices from across Greater Manchester, add yours to conversations on social media using #GMLiveWell.Funders:GM Live Well is a partnership between GMCA, NHS GM 10 GM and partners across the city-region. Movement building and learning, and accelerator work in five boroughs has been funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.Credits:A MIC media Production

Discover how Greater Manchester is doing things differently — creating everyday support that starts with people, not systems.Live Well is reimagining everyday support, tackling inequalities by supporting the person and not just waiting to treat the condition or crisis. Residents, communities, public service leaders and the Mayor of Greater Manchester share why it’s time to find new ways of supporting people and communities in everyday trusted places. Explore what Live Well is and why it matters – a journey from policy to practice, from neighbourhoods to boardrooms. What's working, what's shifting and how we can create new systems of support, together.This series shares honest, lived experiences. Some content may feel sensitive or challenging. Please listen in a way that feels right for you.Talking Points:00:00 - Welcome to the Greater Manchester Live Well Podcast01:36 - Introduction to Live Well Vision01:55 - Understanding Live Well: From Policy to Practice02:29 - Community Voices and Stories03:24 - Health is Wealth: A Deeper Dive04:04 - Live Well's Commitment and Expansion05:59 - The Role of Community and Connection08:46 - Elephants Trail: Changing the System10:02 - Community-Led Health and Wellbeing16:19 - Andy Burnham's Vision for Live Well17:44 - Challenges and Hope for the Future22:05 - The Roadmap to 203025:55 - Funding and Support for Live Well36:20 - Conclusion and Next StepsOrganisations & groups featured:GMCA – Caroline Simpson, Annette Cloherty, Tabz O’BrienMayor of Greater Manchester - Andy BurnhamNHS GM – Mark FisherDeButterfly Mama Health and Poverty Partnership and GM Shapers, Live Well’s Community Accountability Group - Folashade AlongeIdaraya Life VSNW – Ayisatu EmoreMade by Mortals – multiple voices, Paul Hine, Tess KeebleElephants Trail – Shannon, Andy, Paddy, LauraSAWN – Agatha via Elephants TrailWell Mental – via Elephants TrailArmy of Kindness – via Elephants TrailWigan Council – Alison McKensie-FolanNational Lottery Community Fund – John MothersoleUnlimited Potential - Chris DabbsSome watching:Together Elephants Trail - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYj8ZuPVETQ&t=3sFurther Reading:Read the transcript for this episode here - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1NjNbLNWAw9NWbsjvHb5tjCoJlkBTtcHC?usp=drive_linkre GM Live Well is Greater Manchester’s commitment to ensuring great everyday support is available in every neighbourhood. It will tackle health, social and economic inequalities by changing how public services work with people and communities to grow opportunities for everyone to Live Well. GM Live Well will ensure everyone has the support, control, connections and resources to lead a healthy and happy life. Find out more: Live Well - Greater Manchester Combined AuthorityThis podcast brings together over 100 voices from across Greater Manchester, add yours to conversations on social media using #GMLiveWell.Funders:GM Live Well is a partnership between GMCA, NHS GM 10 GM and partners across the city-region. Movement building and learning, and accelerator work in five boroughs has been funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.Credits:A MIC media Production

Discover a new way of doing things in Greater Manchester - with people, not to them.Welcome to The Greater Manchester Live Well Podcast — a new series about doing things differently. Hosted by Andy Burnham (Mayor of Greater Manchester), Folashade Alonge (GM Shapers) and the GM Live Well team, this eight-part series brings together 100 voices from across our city region.Live Well is Greater Manchester’s movement for change. It’s about creating great everyday support in everyday places, built on trust, connection and hope. A helping hand, not a hoop to jump through.Episodes release weekly from November 2025.Featuring: Andy Burnham – Mayor of Greater Manchester Folashade Alonge – GM Shapers Tabz O’Brien and Annette Cloherty – GM Live Well team Voices from across Greater Manchester communitiesGM Live Well is Greater Manchester’s commitment to ensuring great everyday support is available in every neighbourhood. It will tackle health, social and economic inequalities by changing how public services work with people and communities to grow opportunities for everyone to Live Well. GM Live Well will ensure everyone has the support, control, connections and resources to lead a healthy and happy life.Find out more about GM Live Well here.This podcast brings together over 100 voices from across Greater Manchester — add yours to the conversation on social media using #GMLiveWellFunders GM Live Well is a partnership between GMCA, NHS GM, 10GM and partners across the city-region. Movement building and learning, and accelerator work in five boroughs has been funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.Credits A MIC media Production