Episode 8 - Problem Solving Our Way To A Better Future

In our 8th Episode we take a look at Problem Solving in challenging times. We interview a range of inspiring women changemakers who are tackling social issues through their ventures providing holistic, practical solutions with a people first approach. 

First up we have Rachele Evaroa from The Old Abbey Taphouse, an independent community hub in a Pub based in Hulme. Nestled amongst the Manchester Science Park on the Greenheys Estate, @Old_Abbey_MSP was founded with just £2k and has developed into a thriving, innovative and much loved community hub in Hulme, bringing residents, the community and organisations together to serve the needs of the local community in a holistic way.

You’ll hear how The Old Abbey Taphouse’s innovative approach to problem solving has resulted in creative, grassroots solutions to the issues affecting communities as a result of COVID-19, from partnering up with @AcornManchesterto provide meals to local residents struggling to make ends meet through their pay-as-you-feel meal scheme to setting up a community radio to provide a platform for local residents. 

Rachele shares her journey and the range of challenges they have faced from threat of eviction to funding worries, and the importance of thinking creatively when it comes to problem solving. She shares her top tips on developing solutions to problems and highlights the importance of resilience, positive mindset and the vital part that a good support network plays especially as a social entrepreneur!

Next we hear from TV Producer turned Property Developer @SallyLister on her venture H.A.V.E Homes CIC, an innovative property development social enterprise passionate about ensuring community, sustainability and values are at the heart of the property process. Taking a holistic approach to the property development process, Sally has incorporated Health, Aspiration, Value and Education into her business, with a people first approach. Sally shares her journey on why she started H.A.V.E Homes due to the lack of quality housing especially in the rental market in North Manchester and her determination to create more sustainability in communities by only selling to owner-occupiers, not landlords – putting people before profit. 

Not only is Sally passionate about creating homes that are innovative and sustainable, she shares her views on how she provided valuable career opportunities to apprentices through @TheMcrCollege, utilising local talent and giving young people the experience they needed to kickstart their career. 

Sally’s multi-faceted approach to problem solving has resulted in an inspiring, innovative business with real heart. She shares her insights on the importance of research when decision making and utilising different techniques to come up with the best solution. You’ll hear how COVID-19 has created a platform for more open minded conversations on the need for a more holistic approach towards housing and Sally’s hope that more property developers will mirror her H.A.V.E Homes model 

She ends with her hope for a change in the profit-first approach to property development and how COVID-19 has created a platform for more open minded conversations on the need for a more holistic approach towards housing with a people first mentality. 

We also look at how challenging personal experiences can equip you with the skills and mindset required to cope with challenges more effectively. And the barriers that can arise when trying to solve issues from investment challenges which have been aggravated due to COVID-19 creating more of a grant dependant culture to getting noticed in the media as a woman changemaker. 

Finally, we end the episode with some insights from a range of women changemakers sharing their thoughts on problem solving, from tips on how to approach an issue to practical steps you can take when you’re facing a challenge. 

We hear from Fi @FiBeginnings who’s had a whirlwind few months since setting up her new venture New Beginnings Manchester  which provides health and wellbeing support through events, meditation and other holistic methods. Having set up just before lockdown, Fi shares her journey on how she quickly adapted her services online developing innovative solutions to those looking for health and wellbeing support building up a membership of 500 in just a few weeks!

Next we have Hannah @hannahjskinner1 from @MilkHoneyMCR sharing some practical tips on problem solving. From the importance of focusing on your vision to get you through tough times to dreaming big and thinking outside the box to develop creative solutions. 

Problem solving is an evolving process, we hope this episode gives you some new insights, tips and tools you can incorporate into your own process when you’re next faced with a challenge!

 

Special Thanks all our contributors for this podcast:

Rachele Evaroa @Old_Abbey_MSP, Sally Lister @SallyListerfrom H.A.V.E Homes CIC, Fi @FiBeginningsfrom New Beginnings Manchester, Hannah Skinner @hannahjskinner1 from Milk and Honey Café @MilkHoneyMCR, Jane Greystone from City of Sanctuary @ManchesterCoS

 

For more info on our upcoming events, visit our eventbrite page. 

To find out more about the amazing work of The Old Abbey Taphouse and to sample their new vegan burger visit http://www.theoldabbeytaphouse.co.uk/

For more info on the range of support on offer from New Beginnings Manchester visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/585297935405602/?ref=share

For more info on City of Sanctuary visit https://manchester.cityofsanctuary.org

Supporting Women in Social Enterprise is a MIC Media Production @MICmediaUK and is produced and edited by Vic Elizabeth Turnbull @SilentVic