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Don't Just Live Life, Make Life BOOM

The MVA Takeover @ The Mic Drop Club Podcast with Councillor Douglas Hamandishe, 2024-25 Deputy Mayor of Medway.

Shining a Light on Volunteering in Medway

Whitney leaning against a railing on a downtown street

This podcast aims to strengthen the voices of volunteers and organisations within Medway's voluntary and community sector, shining a spotlight on the incredible work being done to support our communities.

Whether it’s lending an hour a week to MVA’s Befriending Together Program, helping those facing isolation, or getting involved in other local initiatives, your contribution can make a real difference.

Now is the time to get involved! Volunteering offers more than just the chance to help others—it provides personal growth, a sense of fulfilment, and the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals.

So, grab a cuppa, sit back and listen to some inspirational stories of volunteers, community organisations, and the transformative power of giving back.

Don’t just LIVE life, make life BOOM - The Mighty Power of Community Action

Chapter 1: Supporting Communities in Medway

  • Episode 1: Dawn Apcar - From Isolation to Connection
  • Episode 2: Kiera Fulmore - Inspiring Change through Community & Kindness
  • Episode 3: Fouad El Manaa - Volunteering Unleashed How Giving Back Builds Stronger Communities

Chapter 2: Volunteering

  • Episode 4: Rose Stokes - Advocacy & Change - A Youth Perspective
  • Episode 5: Martyn & Pat - Unveiling the Heart of Hospice Care
  • Episode 6: Maria Dorey - Get the Warm Fuzzies Volunteering
Chapter 3: Volunteering and it's Powerful Impact on Health & Wellbeing
  • Episode 7: Briony - Breaking Barriers - Bowel Cancer Awareness & Volunteering
  • Episode 8: Munya Badze - Empowering Futures - The Role of Volunteering in Social Regeneration
Chapter 4: Safeguarding the Future of the Voluntary Sector in Medway
  • Episode 9: Clare Saunders - Behind the Scenes of Volunteering, Sustainability, Impact & the Future
  • Episode 10: The Season Grand Finale! - Watch this space for updates on the upcoming release date

Meet Cllr Douglas Hamandishe an Inspirational Force for Community

Douglas brings his expertise as a NHS Digital Transformation Leader, Mental Health Nurse, and branding expert, to shine a spotlight on local volunteering. Known as a 'catalyst for collaboration', Douglas shares inspirational VCS stories showcasing the power of giving back.

Episode 1: From Isolation to Connection and Changing Lives

Dawn Apcar, MVA's Programmes Manager, leads initiatives like MVA’s Befriending Program, supporting lonely individuals in Medway. Dawn emphasizes the power of listening, creating safe spaces, and empowering individuals to make positive changes.

Episode 2: Inspiring Change with Community and Kindness

Keira discusses the program's three pillars: rapport building, listening events, and funding. She shares personal experiences of volunteering during COVID-19, emphasizing the power of small acts of kindness and re-education for marginalized voices.

Episode 3: Volunteering Unleashed: Building Stronger Communities

Fouad El-Manaa, a volunteer, shares his journey from hardship to purpose through MVA, highlighting the VCS sector's role in supporting communities. Volunteering has improved his communication skills, and to his overall health and wellbeing.

Episode 4: Advocacy and Change - A Youth Perspective with Rose

Douglas interviews Rose, a Medway Youth Council member, about her journey in youth engagement, volunteering, tackling poverty, and advocating for equal opportunities. Rose's story showcases the significant impact youth can have on social change.

Episode 5: Unveiling the Heart of Hospice Care with Martyn & Pat

Douglas discusses the impact of volunteering with Martyn Reeves, CEO at the Friends of Wisdom Hospice, and Pat, one of their volunteers. They discuss VCS challenges and rewards, and how volunteering has transformed Pat's grief into a sense of belonging.

Episode 6: Get the Warm Fuzzies Volunteering

Douglas discusses with Maria the impact of cultural volunteering. Maria shares how Changemakers provides flexible and inclusive volunteer opportunities. They are breaking down barriers to volunteering, and offer short-term opportunities for people to make a difference.

Episode 7: Breaking Barriers - Bowel Cancer Awareness & Volunteering

Briony, a public health advocate, discusses her work in raising awareness about bowel cancer screening and the power of volunteering. She emphasizes the importance of early detection, overcoming barriers to health screenings, and the need to help spread awareness.

Episode 8: Empowering Futures - The Role of Volunteering

Munya, Manager for Social Regeneration Programmes at Medway & Swale Health Care Partnership, discusses volunteering's role in transforming communities and empowering individuals. He shares inspiring stories from the front lines of community support.

Episode 9: Behind the Scenes of Volunteering, and the Future

In this episode of The Mic Drop Club, Douglas Hamandishe interviews Clare Saunders, Programmes Director at MVA, about the voluntary sector's impact on Medway. Clare emphasizes the importance of collaboration, sustainability, and community engagement.