- 9
- Episodes
- 2025
- First episode
About Greater Manchester Live Well Podcast
What if support really started with people not systems? The Greater Manchester Live Well Podcast explores a bold new way of doing things with communities: with people, not to them. A helping hand, not a hoop to jump through. Working together to ensure everyone has access to great everyday support. Hear real stories from residents, leaders and changemakers reshaping public services with heart and hope. For anyone who believes in a better way - communities leading change, supported by public services. Created by Greater Manchester Live Well with voices from across the city region.
- Publisher
- GM Live Well
- Category
- society & culture
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 28 Oct 2025
- Latest episode
- 15 Jan 2026
Latest episodes
9 episodes in the feed.
15 Jan 2026
Hope, power and prevention: The future of GM Live Well
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 - Introduction 01:31 - Reflecting on the Live Well Vision 03:04 - Community Stories and Insights 04:54 - The Vision for Live Well Centres 09:06 - Employment Support and Community Engagement 10:23 - Exploring Community Hubs 16:10 - Challenges and Barriers to Employment 19:53 - The Future of Live Well 35:36 - Conclusion and Call to Action Organisations & groups featured: GMCA - Annette and Tabz, Jane Forrest DeButterfly 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-Folan Stretford Public Hall via Elephant's Trail Lighthouse project via Elephant's Trail Plattbridge Community Zone via Elephant's Trail Christine, Keegan and Jaimie Local Trust – Rachel Rowney Minister of State at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Alison McGovern MP Some watching: Hope, Elephants Trail - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S33Y5Jj-PYY Further 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 (www.micmedia.co.uk) Production
8 Jan 2026
From fixers to partners: When public services share power with communities
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 - Introduction 01:31 - Welcome to Episode Seven 01:55 - Exploring Community Power 02:55 - Eve Holt on Community Power 05:34 - Shifting Power 10:18 - Community Development 16:11 - Bev Craig's Personal Story 20:58 - Investing in Community Power 28:34 - Final Reflections and Call to Action Organisations & groups featured: GMCA - Tabz and Annette, Eve Holt, Caroline Simpson Wigan Council - Alison McKenzie-Folan Nurture Development - Cormac Russell Manchester City Council - Bev Craig Mayor of Greater Manchester - Andy Burnham A Brilliant Thing – Kerry Tottingham 10GM and Action Together - Liz Windsor-Welsh Rekindle Supplementary School - Nika Nuthra-Shah Young Manchester - Samuel Remi-Akinwale 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 (www.micmedia.co.uk) Production
18 Dec 2025
Striving, not surviving: Community power in action
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 - Introduction 01:26 - Exploring Community Power 03:34 - Voices from the Community 06:03 - Community Superpowers 08:45 - Community Power in Action 15:21 - Fighting Poverty and Debt 19:55 - Youth Leadership and Participation 24:32 - Legislative Theatre and Policy Change 28:55 - Reflections and Future Directions 32:27 - Conclusion and Call to Action Organisations & groups featured: GMCA - Tabz and Annette, Caroline Simpson Women's Voices - Nadia Siddiqui Rekindle Supplementary School - Nika Muthra-Shah Caring and Sharing - Nicky Iginla Open Agency - Selva Mustafa Elephants Trail – Paddy, Shannon Disability Stockport – via Elephants Trail SAWN - Agatha Phiri Debt Justice – Richard Dunbar Anti-Poverty Foundation panel for Rochdale - Jo Barker-Marsh Young Manchester - Samuel Remi-Akinwale Youth Focus Northwest Be Counted Project - Madia and Divine Legislative theater facilitator- Sam Dixon Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology - Liz Kendall MP Some watching: Able, Elephants Trail - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUQgsVLRTT0 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/ (https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk%2Fwhat-we-do%2Flive-well%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cannette.cloherty%40nhs.net%7C32abefef984d4d5d81fe08de0b2c598b%7C37c354b285b047f5b22207b48d774ee3%7C0%7C0%7C638960482555435540%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=YquliNY%2F%2FivHcTewE%2FIY5IQkJytpHX%2FE5%2BuDFW%2B5AII%3D&reserved=0) 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 (www.micmedia.co.uk) Production
11 Dec 2025
Trust and power: What public services can do to grow community wealth
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 - Introduction 01:26 - Episode Five Overview and Key Themes 02:23 - Exploring Community Wealth with Chris Dabbs 04:15 - Nika's Perspective on Community Wealth 05:22 - Cultural Contexts of Community Wealth 06:22 - Community Transformation 07:23 - Stewarding Community Resources 08:28 - Cormack Russell on Community Health and Wealth 10:44 - Real-World Examples of Community Wealth Building 12:02 - Participatory Grant Making 17:26 - Impact Stories from Funded Projects 21:36 - Oldham's One Oldham Fund and Community Trust 26:21 - Rochdale's Community-Led Leadership and Training 28:25 - Conclusion and Call to Action Organisations & groups featured: GMCA – Tabz O’Brien and Annette Cloherty Unlimited Potential - Chris Dabbs Rekindle - Nika Nuthra-Shah, Ruth Ibegbuna Elevate Young Minds - Edenamiuki AiguobasinmwinRochdale Council - Helen Davies Lankelly Chase Foundation Julian Corner, Carrina Gaffney Nurture Development - Cormac Russell Systems Changers - Selva Mustafa, Carl Theatre in Flow - Liz Mytton Support and Action for Women's Network - Rose Ssali Oldham Council - Rachel Dyson Action Together - Laura Windsor Welsh Yuvanis - Zakir Ahmad UK Funding Futures - Billy Darroch Mayor of Greater Manchester - Andy Burnham NHS GM - Zoe Porter Propel 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/ (https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk%2Fwhat-we-do%2Flive-well%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cannette.cloherty%40nhs.net%7C32abefef984d4d5d81fe08de0b2c598b%7C37c354b285b047f5b22207b48d774ee3%7C0%7C0%7C638960482555435540%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=YquliNY%2F%2FivHcTewE%2FIY5IQkJytpHX%2FE5%2BuDFW%2B5AII%3D&reserved=0) 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 (www.micmedia.co.uk) Production
4 Dec 2025
Ours not mine: Growing community wealth through ownership and opportunity
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 Podcast 01:27 - Introduction to Episode Four 01:42 - Exploring Community Wealth 02:57 - Insights from Cormack Russell 05:00 - Community Wealth in Action: Bolton's Perspective 06:37 - Andy Burnham on Community Wealth 08:01 - Tom Lloyd Goodwin on Community Wealth Building 13:52 - Real-World Examples of Community Wealth 0:31 - Historical Context: The Birth of Cooperatives 26:16 - Community Projects: Skate Parks, Kitchens, and Football Clubs 31:48 - Final Reflections and Closing Remarks Organisations & groups featured: GMCA - Tabz O’Brien and Annette Cloherty, Will Clarke DeButterfly Mama Health and Poverty Partnership and GM Shapers - Folashade Alonge All Souls Bolton and We’re Right Here Campaign - Inayat Omarji Nurture Development - Cormac Russell Mayor of Greater Manchester - Andy Burnham CLES - Tom Lloyd Goodwin Funding Futures - Billy Darroch New Pioneers - Nicola McCormack, Daisy de Silva Your B Credit Union - Martiza Elephants Trail – Andy, Shannon Manchester Project Skate Park – via Elephants Trail Open Kitchen – via Elephants Trail FC 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.pdf (https://goodlivesgm.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/UK-evidence-for-community-power.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/ (https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk%2Fwhat-we-do%2Flive-well%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cannette.cloherty%40nhs.net%7C32abefef984d4d5d81fe08de0b2c598b%7C37c354b285b047f5b22207b48d774ee3%7C0%7C0%7C638960482555435540%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=YquliNY%2F%2FivHcTewE%2FIY5IQkJytpHX%2FE5%2BuDFW%2B5AII%3D&reserved=0) 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 (www.micmedia.co.uk) Production
27 Nov 2025
People, places and partnerships: Where our public services meet community action to shape great everyday support
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 Podcast 01:41 - Episode Three Overview and Recap 03:10 - Exploring Community Support in Wigan 03:45 - Angela's Story: Building Community from the Ground Up 14:59 - Trafford's Community Hubs: A Model for Local Support 17:54 - Sale West: A Decade of Community-Led Initiatives 22:09 - Health in Communities: Trafford's Integrated Approach 25:22 - Little Holton: Community Connection and Growth 29:01 - Public Services Flipping the Script 32:51 - Reflections and Future Directions 37:23 - Closing Remarks and Call to Action Organisations & groups featured: Local Trust – Rachel Rowney GMCA - Annette Cloherty and Tabz O’Brien Northern Heart and Soul, CIC and Springfield Beach Hill Community Mutual Aid Group - Angela Fell Wigan Council - Alison McKensie-Folan Trafford councillor - George Devlin Our Sale West - Claire Standish Little Hulton - Stewart Knights Salford Council - Rebecca Bibby Trafford Council - Dan Shelston Innovation Unit - Steph Gamauf A Brilliant Thing - Kerry Tottingham, Beth Creedon Made by Mortals – contributors, Tess Keeble Some watching: Live Well, Made by Mortals - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5bkOlAHExU&t=1s 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/ (https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk%2Fwhat-we-do%2Flive-well%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cannette.cloherty%40nhs.net%7C32abefef984d4d5d81fe08de0b2c598b%7C37c354b285b047f5b22207b48d774ee3%7C0%7C0%7C638960482555435540%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=YquliNY%2F%2FivHcTewE%2FIY5IQkJytpHX%2FE5%2BuDFW%2B5AII%3D&reserved=0) 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 (www.micmedia.co.uk) Production
20 Nov 2025
Places that care: Communities taking action and leading everyday local support, together
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 Podcast 00:37 - Introduction to the Live Well Vision 01:40 - Meet Your Hosts and Episode Overview 02:56 - Community Action and Everyday Support 04:51 - Spotlight on Elephants Trail 06:33 - Voices from the Community 10:10 - Gorton: A Hub of Collaboration and Support 15:11 - Empowering Women and Building Community 20:36 - Community-Led Support in Action 29:51 - Reflections and Future Directions 32:08 - Closing Remarks and Call to Action Organisations & groups featured: GMCA - Tabz O’Brien and Annette Cloherty Unlimited Potential - Chris Dabbs Elephants Trail – Paddy, Shannon Longsight Library – via Elephants Trail Cutz on the Block – via Elephants Trail Veterans Allotment in Denton – via Elephants Trail Smallshaw Hurst Parent group - via Elephant's Trail The Monastery - Elaine Griffiths Healthy Me Healthy Communities - Kate Angels of Hope - Leah Chikamba Inspirational Women - Chizzy Ijeh Southway Housing - Miu Gorton Hub - Michael Kendall Lamb BFI Active CIC - Shamime Jan Kelly – Smallshawhurst Pantry Angels United - Oliver Monk Class – Community Savers - Sophie King, Susan Anya Age UK - Keith Carter Some watching: Connection, Elephants Trail - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9SfcRoXBwA 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/ (https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk%2Fwhat-we-do%2Flive-well%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cannette.cloherty%40nhs.net%7C32abefef984d4d5d81fe08de0b2c598b%7C37c354b285b047f5b22207b48d774ee3%7C0%7C0%7C638960482555435540%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=YquliNY%2F%2FivHcTewE%2FIY5IQkJytpHX%2FE5%2BuDFW%2B5AII%3D&reserved=0) 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 (www.micmedia.co.uk) Production
13 Nov 2025
Introducing Live Well: A different way of growing health, wealth and connection in Greater Manchester
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 Podcast 01:36 - Introduction to Live Well Vision 01:55 - Understanding Live Well: From Policy to Practice 02:29 - Community Voices and Stories 03:24 - Health is Wealth: A Deeper Dive 04:04 - Live Well's Commitment and Expansion 05:59 - The Role of Community and Connection 08:46 - Elephants Trail: Changing the System 10:02 - Community-Led Health and Wellbeing 16:19 - Andy Burnham's Vision for Live Well 17:44 - Challenges and Hope for the Future 22:05 - The Roadmap to 2030 25:55 - Funding and Support for Live Well 36:20 - Conclusion and Next Steps Organisations & groups featured: GMCA – Caroline Simpson, Annette Cloherty, Tabz O’Brien Mayor of Greater Manchester - Andy Burnham NHS GM – Mark Fisher DeButterfly Mama Health and Poverty Partnership and GM Shapers, Live Well’s Community Accountability Group - Folashade Alonge Idaraya Life VSNW – Ayisatu Emore Made by Mortals – multiple voices, Paul Hine, Tess Keeble Elephants Trail – Shannon, Andy, Paddy, Laura SAWN – Agatha via Elephants Trail Well Mental – via Elephants Trail Army of Kindness – via Elephants Trail Wigan Council – Alison McKensie-Folan National Lottery Community Fund – John Mothersole Unlimited Potential - Chris Dabbs Some watching: Together Elephants Trail - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYj8ZuPVETQ&t=3s 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: Live Well - Greater Manchester Combined Authority (https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk%2Fwhat-we-do%2Flive-well%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cannette.cloherty%40nhs.net%7C32abefef984d4d5d81fe08de0b2c598b%7C37c354b285b047f5b22207b48d774ee3%7C0%7C0%7C638960482555435540%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=YquliNY%2F%2FivHcTewE%2FIY5IQkJytpHX%2FE5%2BuDFW%2B5AII%3D&reserved=0) 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 (www.micmedia.co.uk) Production
28 Oct 2025
Welcome to the Greater Manchester Live Well Podcast
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 communities 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 about GM Live Well here (https://greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/what-we-do/live-well/). This podcast brings together over 100 voices from across Greater Manchester — add yours to the conversation on social media using #GMLiveWell Funders 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 (www.micmedia.co.uk) Production
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