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There are some events that go beyond the schedule, the speaker list, or the venue — they stay with you. Speakeasy, beautifully hosted by Katie Webster and Sue France, is one of those rare gems. An independent, heart-led evening built on connection, courage, and the untamed magic of women sharing their stories. The format is beautifully simple: a room full of women, and a series of 10-minute storytelling slots. No slides, no sales — just real voices, speaking from the heart. And what voices they were. Funny, raw, bold, moving. Each story reminded me just how powerful it is when we speak up — and how even a few minutes of honesty can shift something in someone else. What made the evening even more special was the atmosphere. The room felt safe, war...

Every May, Dying Matters Awareness Week encourages us to have honest, heartfelt conversations about death, dying, and grief—conversations that many of us find difficult, but deeply necessary. This week is a reminder that while death is part of life, it’s also something we can prepare for with intention, compassion, and care. For me, this is more than a topic—it’s personal. I’ve experienced the deep, life-altering pain of losing loved ones, including my wonderful mother. Losing her changed everything. It made me realise how fragile life is, and how important it is to plan for what we so often avoid talking about. Why Talking About Death Matters Talking about death doesn’t make it happen. But not talking about it can leave our families unprepared, emotionally ...

Nalan Şahin My name is Nalan Şahin. I’m a 20-year-old volunteer leader, campaigner, and advocate for change. Since the age of 16, I’ve led social initiatives focused on access to quality education, women’s rights, youth empowerment, and climate justice — both locally and nationally. I work to create space for unheard voices, to empower young people, and to help shape a more just, sustainable world. I don’t simply support change — I organise it, live it, and strive to sustain it. Growing up in a place where women were silenced, young people dismissed, and nature overlooked, I learnt early that injustice is not something we can wait to be fixed — it’s something we must confront. At times I felt alone. At times, I was silenced. But within me, there was always a quiet voice that said...

I left school with one GCSE and a head full of doubts. People didn’t expect much from me, and if I’m honest, I didn’t expect much either. But deep down, there was always a quiet belief that I was meant for more, even if no one else could see it. That belief grew louder over the years. Watching my grandma reach 100 and seeing the care she received, both the good and the bad, made something shift in me. Then my mum and brother were diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, and suddenly it wasn’t just something I witnessed, it was something I lived. I saw how much the system matters, how leadership in care can change lives, and how often it falls short and the impact on services.  Now I’m doing a doctorate in community and social care, looking at how leadership affects recruitment, retent...

I’m Grania, the founder of MCR Content Studios – a vibrant creative hub in Greater Manchester designed to empower female entrepreneurs and content creators. What began as a simple studio for shoots has grown into a safe, supportive space where women-led businesses can create, connect, and thrive. At MCR Content Studios, we’re on a mission to make content creation more accessible and confidence-building for women at all stages of their business journey. From our themed studio sets (like the Girly CEO corner!) to our affordable co-working days and “Coffee & Content” networking mornings, every detail is built around community and collaboration over competition. We host masterclasses, branding shoot sessions, and content strategy support tailored to women who are balancing it all—bus...

By Dr Jan Macfarlane (May 2025) Would you press a magic button for constant happiness? Most of us, on reflection, would say no. Why? Because life’s full emotional range gives meaning to our experiences. It’s through joy, sadness, challenge and triumph that we truly grow. We are naturally wired to scan for threats—an evolutionary survival mechanism. But with intention and the right tools, we can shift our mindset. This is where positive psychology comes in—a scientific approach to wellbeing that helps us live more fulfilled lives. The Past – From Healing to Flourishing Positive psychology explores what makes life worth living. Although the term only gained popularity in recent decades, its foundations are rooted in ancient philosophies, including Stoicism a...