Macc recently managed the latest Spirit of Manchester Fund round of grants which focused on organisations that support people with the cost of living crisis. We will be sharing one story a day in July to show the impact of these grants and the wide range of projects that they supported. Today, we have the story from Legacy901 CIC:
Legacy901 CIC manages Legacy 90.1FM, a community radio station in Moss Side that serves the African and Caribbean communities of Manchester by providing a platform to amplify Black voices. The station was set up by local community members who saw a gap in mainstream radio. In late 2021, we hosted Let’s Talk, 11 shows discussing the impact of Covid on our community. The Spirit of Manchester Award will contribute towards similar community shows discussing the cost of living crisis during 2023.
One person we interviewed was a healthy college tutor who found himself disconnected from his students and frustrated at not being able to support them face-to-face. He was a carer for his mother together with his sister and they felt 'trapped' in the house and in their caring role which was made more difficult. His mother died alone in hospital, but they found comfort in her funeral which was held after restrictions on attendees were lifted so family and friends were able to attend. He said he appreciated the opportunity to share his experience. Listeners said the shows helped them as they heard that other people were experiencing the same things they were.
The cost of living shows will have the same outcome. Allowing people to share their experiences. In addition, these shows will include expert advice and participants will be able to share their coping strategies with our listeners. This will provide an added benefit. Our organisation has found that all our revenue streams have reduced with the cost of living crisis just as our operating costs have risen. The cost of living shows will help us as much as our listeners by giving us expert advice as well and helping us to continue our work empowering the Black community and giving Black people a compelling voice.
