It all starts with a conversation. If you're looking for hope, trying to make sense of life, or want to help make things better, this podcast is for you.
We’re the Inspirers, people living through tough times, connecting you with organisations that care.
Through honest conversations, we explore hardship, celebrate progress, and show what’s possible when people work together.
Tune in for real stories, practical insights, and ideas for building a fairer future in Cheshire West and beyond.
Empowering Young Voices to make change with ClareW from Cheshire West and Chester Youth Service.
In this episode Shirley and Rachel join Clare Watson from Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Youth Service at the Council Offices in Ellesmere Port .
Claire talks about her experiences of working directly with young people, helping shape the support, spaces, andopportunities they rely on.
We explore the heart of youth work, the importance of giving young people a voice, and how partnership working is creating stronger outcomes.
🔗 If you’re listening from thelocal area and want to know more about what's available, Clare explains how young people can connect with the youth service: https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/young-people/youth-service (https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/young-people/youth-service)
🔗 Learn more about CommunityInspirers and how to get involved:
cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/your-council/councillors-and-committees/the-poverty-emergency
🔗 Learn more about PovertyTruth Commissions: povertytruthnetwork.org
This podcast is made possible thanks to thesupport of Cheshire West and Chester Council.
Special thanks to the production team for bringing this podcast to life. Your commitment helps amplify voices and shine a light on the power of lived experience to drive meaningful change.
15 Jan 2026
The Wisdom of Real People with Andrew Grinnell
In this episode Andrew Grinnell, Co-Founder of the Poverty Truth Network talks to Shirley and Rachel about the Poverty Truth Movement.
Poverty Truth Commissions bring together people with living experience of the struggle against poverty along with leaders from an area to work together and understand the drivers of poverty and possible solutions. Commissions are based on developing strong relationships and the knowledge that everyone involved has wisdom to share.
Andrew chats about the different types of people who get involved in this work including ‘community commissioners’ or Community Inspirers, as we call them in Cheshire West.
For more information about the Poverty Truth Network please visit Poverty Truth Network | Poverty Truth Network (https://povertytruthnetwork.org/)
11 Dec 2025
Listening to learn with Wayne Gales from Weaver Vale Housing Trust
In this episode, we’re sharing the mic with Wayne Gales, ChiefExecutive at Weaver Vale Housing Trust. Wayne is passionate about people, working hard to make sure staff and tenants feel supported, valued and heard.
Wayne shares some of his professional journey and why listening is at the heart of his leadership. We talk about how investing in “listening to learn” is fundamental to the values of Weaver Vale Housing Trust and practical ways organisations can create positive, lasting change by working with the people they serve.
If you’re curious about how organisations can make a realdifference through empathy, collaboration, and action, this episode is for you.
Sarah and Steph join Wayne at the Weaver Vale Housing Trustoffices in Northwich for an inspiring conversation you won’t want to miss.
Guest links & more info:
Learn more about Weaver Vale Housing Trust (https://www.wvht.co.uk/)
Learn more about Community Inspirers and how to get involved: https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/your-council/councillors-and-committees/the-poverty-emergency (https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/your-council/councillors-and-committees/the-poverty-emergency)
Learn more about Poverty Truth Commissions: https://povertytruthnetwork.org/ (https://povertytruthnetwork.org/)
This podcast is made possible thanks to the support of Cheshire West and Chester Council.
12 Nov 2025
Every Voice Matters: Clare’s Story of Change
Clare’s story shows how lived experience, notjust qualifications, can lead to real change.
In this episode, we sit down with Clare, a PovertyTruth Facilitator, whose journey from a nightclub to a warehouse, eventually led her to a role where she empowers communities to influence policy.
Clare shares how her life experiences fuel her passion for speaking up, supporting others, and giving everyone a voice.
Recorded at the Civic Hall in Ellesmere Port, this honest conversation explores the value of every voice, the strength of connection, and the impact of the Inspirers on her.
Guest links & more info:
Learn more about the work of the Tackling Poverty team and how to get involved: https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/your-council/councillors-and-committees/the-poverty-emergency
Learn more about Poverty Truth Commissions: https://povertytruthnetwork.org/
Funders:
This podcast is made possible thanks to the support of Cheshire West and Chester Council.
17 Oct 2025
Tyra's Journey - Volunteer to Voice for Change
Tyra’s story shows how her personal experiences and courage sparked a passion for helping others.
In this episode, we meet Tyra, whose journey began by attending a meeting with her mum and grew into a powerful story of transformation. Tyra shares how her own lived experience became the foundation for building confidence, finding her voice, and understanding why every voice matters.
Join Shirley and Steph at the Civic Hall in Ellesmere Port as we explore how Tyra turned her quiet strength into advocacy and how her time as a Community Inspirer helped her step into a role where lived experience truly leads.
🔗 Learn more about Community Inspirers and how to get involved:cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/your-council/councillors-and-committees/the-poverty-emergency (https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/your-council/councillors-and-committees/the-poverty-emergency)
🔗 Learn more about Poverty Truth Commissions:
povertytruthnetwork.org (https://povertytruthnetwork.org/)
This podcast is made possible thanks to the support of Cheshire West and Chester Council.
Special thanks to the production team for bringing this podcast to life. Your commitment helps amplify voices like Tyra’s and shines a light on the power of lived experience to drive meaningful change.
11 Oct 2025
Coming Soon - Inspiring Chats for Change
Inspiring Chats for Change is coming soon. If you're looking for hope, trying to make sense of life, or want to help make things better, this podcast is for you.
Meet the Inspirers, real people facing real challenges, connecting with organisations that care.
This podcast dives into honest stories of hardship, hope, and progress, showing what’s possible when communities come together.
Tune in for powerful conversations, practical insights, and ideas for a fairer future.
Contact Inspiring Chats for Change
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