Running on Steam

As I sit in a bustling coffee shop in South Manchester, the sounds of clinking cups and chatter surrounding me, I'm reflecting on this wild (yet wonderful) road I seem to have found myself on.

In an effort to spread our message further, I’ve recently started work on a podcast series. This platform allows men a space to share stories, insights, and have discussions that resonate with the mission to raise awareness. I’ve also been a guest on various podcasts and radio shows recently, which has been an incredible experience. It occurred to me when setting this whole thing up that I'm advocating for people to speak out, but there's not much evidence of me myself having done so. Not the case anymore!

Today is a significant day; I’m about to have a conversation with my first guest for our new podcast, Speaking It Out. The excitement is palpable, but so is the apprehension. I first reached out to this guest maybe 6 years ago (!) and shared my vision for the podcast. He was buzzed, but I was surprised when he was still keen to chat with me 6 years (!) later. Today is a real move for the charity, and I'm super excited to see this project grow.

The Power of Community

Despite the challenges of acquiring funding, I’ve been fortunate to connect with a bunch of like-minded individuals who share my passion for this project and the cause in general. Whether it’s fellow charity leaders, child services workers, or entrepreneurs, the support I’ve received has meant I can work on the podcast whilst working on building the main services.

These connections and sponsorships remind me that I’m not alone in this. There are many men (and women!) working towards a common goal: to create a safer environment for boys and to raise awareness about male sexual abuse.

Looking Ahead

The future is uncertain, but I’m optimistic. I have a million ideas swirling around in my head about how to move forward, and I’m determined to find a way to make them happen. I've applied for a reduction in my hours at work, which will mean I'll be able to truly dedicate some real time to the work we're doing. Whether that's expanding our workshops, securing funding, or reaching a broader audience through the podcast, I know that every step counts. This journey is proving to be unpredictable and challenging in many ways, especially sacrificing paid working hours, but I have faith it'll all work out. I'm remembering that this work will make such a real impact, and that's a much greater feeling than the instability of a pay cut.

So, here’s to the future, filled with ups, downs, and everything in between. Let’s keep speaking it out.

Hello from a coffee shop down the road from the podcast studio.