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Inspiring Chats for Change

Inspiring Chats for Change

Written by: Community Inspirers
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About this listen

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.Community Inspirers Science Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Empowering Young Voices with Clare Watson
    Feb 12 2026

    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

    🔗 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.

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    23 mins
  • The Wisdom of Real People with Andrew Grinnell
    Jan 15 2026

    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


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    25 mins
  • Listening to learn with Wayne Gales from Weaver Vale Housing Trust
    Dec 11 2025

    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

    Learn more about Community Inspirers 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/

    This podcast is made possible thanks to the support of Cheshire West and Chester Council.


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    22 mins
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