Celebrating Connection: Meet the Mancunian and Spirit of Manchester Awards
- Jolene Sheehan
- Jun 9
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 19
One of the most unexpected joys of running Joy Ethic has been the wonderful people I have met along the way. People who are quietly doing beautiful work across Manchester, building community in ways that are rooted, creative, and kind. Two moments recently helped shine a light on what this kind of connection can look like in practice.
The first was being interviewed on the Meet the Mancunian podcast by Deepa Thomas Sutcliffe. If you do not know it yet, this is a social impact podcast that amplifies the voices of those making a difference in Greater Manchester. Since it launched in 2022, the show has reached listeners in over 70 countries, sharing more than 120 episodes of thoughtful conversation. Deepa’s warmth and preparation made the whole experience feel grounded and affirming. It reminded me how powerful it is to be listened to with care. You can listen to that interview here
Now that same podcast is teaming up with the Spirit of Manchester Awards 2025, which celebrate community organisations, volunteers, and changemakers across our city. Each shortlisted nominee will be featured in their own dedicated episode of Meet the Mancunian, sharing the story behind their work. It is a beautiful way to expand on the awards night itself. A way to go deeper into the people, values and vision that drive local social action.
I am especially grateful and proud that The Joy Ethic Show will be partnering in this too. Deepa has invited me to broadcast a short segment from each podcast episode on 96.9 All FM as part of our regular programming. This means these uplifting stories will reach even more ears and hopefully inspire more kindness, creativity and connection.
The full awards ceremony takes place on Thursday second October at The Sheridan in Miles Platting. The special Spirit of Manchester podcast season will launch on fourteenth October, with a new episode each Tuesday.
This partnership feels like a perfect expression of what Joy Ethic stands for. Sharing stories that matter. Shining a light on the quiet brilliance of community groups and individuals. Helping us feel more connected to the city, to each other and aware of what is on offer (spoiler, it is a LOT).
“We see you. We hear you. What you do matters.”That is what these partnerships say, and it is what I hope Joy Ethic says too.
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