Amelia

Neighbourhood: Failsworth

I grew up in Failsworth, I enjoy nature and I like to take photos of landscapes. I have watched Failsworth evolve over the years. The area has a mix of people of all ages and has good public transport links to the city centre and Oldham. Local landmarks include Daisy Nook Country Park and Failsworth Pole.

I have been involved in various projects at Factory International and have worked in front of house for various arts organisations. It’s been great watching people enjoy and be mesmerised by the arts and live events. As a neighbourhood organiser I enjoy sharing exciting opportunities with my community and I want to encourage young people from my area to consider a career in the creative industry, as these opportunities are not talked about in schools enough.

Chantelle

Neighbourhood: Oldham

I work part-time in retail. I am passionate about fashion, styling, reading, writing, and creating. I am a member of Hack Oldham, Oldham-based Lingua Franca World Community CIC, and I also support Culture Word’s poetry and writing event in Oldham. I’m a fashion vlogger. I love meeting people and writing about their style choices. I have a supportive husband and family who encourage what I do.

I have always loved MIF and Factory International for the shows and events they put on, and introducing the public to new art forms. When the opportunity came up to be a Neighbourhood Organiser, I jumped at it!

I believe I can help Factory International connect with the different communities in Oldham and they can learn a lot by tapping into its rich, diverse cultural heritage. I’m hoping that together, we can create something that will enhance both the community and Factory International.

Marie

Neighbourhood: Wythenshawe

I am a dedicated community activist from Wythenshawe. I am passionate about creating age-friendly spaces and addressing gender gaps in work and pensions for women over 55. I am an integral member of Manchester Art Gallery’s Uncertain Futures advisory group. My commitment to the community extends beyond my work, as I am a devoted mother and grandmother.

I find inspiration in my surroundings and I use this and my experiences to advocate for older women and in my own creativity.  

I have a wide-ranging network of contacts in various community groups, from family centres to local radio stations and a range of communities in between. My involvement with good neighbour groups, local social groups, football clubs and event spaces demonstrates my dedication to creating a sense of unity and support within Wythenshawe and, ultimately, the city. My ambition is to make Wythenshawe a more inclusive, age-friendly and welcoming place for all.

Shar

Neighbourhood: Ancoats

Hi, I’m Shar. I’ve lived in Ancoats for 27 years and I'm a youth and community worker. I accidentally started MGTYouth, Manchester’s Got Talent Youth, during lockdown with my son Zeriah. We cheered people up with online games and talent shows. After lockdown, I felt young people needed more support than ever, and our organisation grew from there.

We host events and projects that aim to build confidence through music and art. We support young people and the wider community by sharing opportunities, supporting families, promoting cultural awareness, and bringing the community together.

Over the years, I’ve seen the area develop, but people who don’t have a lot of money can’t always afford the new facilities, and there’s not much for the youth to do. My role as a Neighbourhood Organiser has given me an opportunity to offer exciting opportunities to my community, giving them a place to go and try something different.

Zeriah

Neighbourhood: Newton Heath

I am Zeriah, director of MGTY, a youth organisation tailored for community growth and togetherness. Our work consists of events, projects, podcasts, radio shows, litter picking, and feeding the homeless to help create more diversity and companionship within the community.

I am also the CEO of School of Barbering (SOB), an organisation that gives young people an opportunity to become more confident and determined and to create a successful future for themselves by teaching them how to cut hair, network, provide customer service, and use social media marketing. 

In my role as Neighbourhood organiser for Newton Heath I am interested in helping the community learn more about Factory International and encouraging people to get involved with all the opportunities, projects and events that take place. I want to help our communities grow together and focus on how we can all unite. 

Patrick

Neighbourhood: Moston

I am a filmmaker, born and raised in Moston. Despite spending several years living across England and for a short time in the US, I am always led back to the place that I call home. I’ve worked in various roles in Television and Film. The spirit of the people within Moston has inspired me greatly and my first short film shot in Manchester, The Spirit of ’58, was predominantly filmed in Moston, giving me a great sense of pride.

I’ve also worked with various mental health organisations to help challenge the stigma around mental illness and create opportunities for others through writing.

I believe in the power of the arts as a cathartic tool for exploring one’s identity and unifying communities. I’ve seen first-hand the amazing work that Factory International does, so it goes without saying that as a Neighbourhood Organiser, I can bring that energy to Moston.

Demereece

Neighbourhood: Blackley and Harpurhey

I am a father, poet, writer and full-time postman. I have been lucky enough to work with organisations like The Agency where I created a video game to help young people who struggle with their mental health. It was a great opportunity to turn one of my hobbies into something that can actually help people.

I love living in Blackley and Harpurhey; despite being demonised, the people are full of life, and there is a whole cast of characters that can be found on Harpurhey Market, there is no place like it.

Being a Neighbourhood Organizer gives me the chance to show what Harpurhey and Blackley truly are behind the hysteria. I’m confident that with Factory International’s help, the people here will really see the value they have, and Factory International will be able to see what a strong working-class force we are.

GABRIEL

Neighbourhood: Longsight & Ardwick

I’m a youth worker, which has been my passion since I was a teenager. I do detached work, which involves being out and developing relationships with young people, parents, and various members of the community. I enjoy sports and run The Poetry Place, a poetry collective based in Manchester. I’m also a Factory International Fellow.

I love the caring and enthusiastic spirit of my community. Each year I host a barbeque and sports day in the local park, which is a nice opportunity for everyone to come together.

I like the freedom of the Neighbourhood Organiser role. It enables me to be creative in the ways that I promote opportunities at Factory International.

REBECCA

Neighbourhood: Salford 

I am a DJ, Producer, Curator and Artist. I work across Greater Manchester on various projects and programmes.

I love the unison and unity in my community; the way people come together, you can really feel this running through and it’s really something special.

I engage with my community through creative arts and music, holding accessible events and outreach work. Creating opportunities for people from my communities is fundamental for me.

I’m excited to expand on my current connections and networks and be a real cultural ambassador - helping to connect people from different walks of life to the creative arts.

ERINMA

Neighbourhood: Whalley Range

I’m a British-born Nigerian raised in Moss Side, Manchester. I embrace my Nigerian heritage as identity is very important to me.

I work in staff training and development, and I’m also a community activist. I enjoy being creative; fashion is my passion. I enjoy making my own clothes and sometimes other people’s. I run community sewing sessions, and I’ve been involved with radio for a long time. I currently run a community radio station called Radio Africana.

I like speaking up for people who don’t have a voice, and I enjoy including people in things that they’ve never done before.

The Neighbourhood Organiser role gives me the freedom to work how I want to work. I like helping to push my community forward.

BUSHRA

Neighbourhood: Rochdale

I’m a South Asian woman from Rochdale. I love Rochdale, it’s rich in history and heritage and that’s why I choose to live and work here. We have a beautiful town hall that’s reopening soon, and the cooperative was founded here.

I’m a visual artist and educator and have been a freelancer for the last 20 years. I’m currently a Creative Engagement Manager for Rochdale’s Arts Council funded Creative People and Places Programme.

I’m inspired by travel and passionate about arts and culture. I enjoy connecting with the diverse community of Rochdale and the beautiful people that live here. I'm excited to get my community involved with all the different opportunities that are coming up at Factory International.

SHAKAR

Neighbourhood: Cheetam Hill & Crumpsall

I was born in Pakistan and came to the UK when I was 10 years old, and I’ve lived in Crumpsall for the last 20 years.

I’ve worked in various jobs, and I’ve always had a strong sense of community - finding ways to help people in my area by volunteering with local groups, charities, mosques and churches.

My wife and I started Rainbow Surprise 13 years ago. We put on a successful Christmas event to help struggling families, and from there, we continued to create community events with up to 4,000 people in attendance.

I like being able to share opportunities with my community through the Neighbourhood Organiser role. I enjoy spreading the word and introducing people to something new. I want to break barriers and bring people together.

KERI

Neighbourhood: Salford

I do a lot for people in Salford and Broughton, like raising funds to support people who might be struggling, and organising community activities and fun days. This year I won a Citizen of the Year award from Salford City Council.

Some of the community centres I used to visit as a kid gave me opportunities to go on trips and do activities that my parents couldn’t afford. I now enjoy bringing those opportunities to people in my community and passing on what I know.

Before being a Neighbourhood Organiser, I knew nothing about Factory International or MIF. It’s been great getting people involved and I like to challenge the organisation by being a voice for my community.