“There is so much I like about my job and most of all when ideas born in network meetings become a reality and begin to change lives. Away from work, I enjoy the outdoors with my husband and dog, exploring in our campervan.”

“I feel humbled and very fortunate to be part of a brilliant team, we are all working together to create the conditions in which people can flourish. Outside of work, I can be found reading, going on long walks, learning new things and spending time with the people I love.” 

“I'm really proud to be Service Manager at HMHC, where we work to tackle health inequalities and make a real difference in people’s lives. With a background in adult education and digital inclusion, I'm passionate about empowering communities through learning and technology. I'm particularly interested in the impacts of AI on health and wellbeing, both good and bad. When not at work, I like to get crafty with crochet and embroidery, try to cook (but mainly eat)  Spanish food, or listen to just about any kind of music.” 

“I am happy to work in an organisation which supports the local community in forward-thinking and collaborative ways. Besides my work here, I teach in Digital Humanities at the University of Manchester and undertake my practice-based PhD in sound and media at Manchester Metropolitan University. I also engage communities in my work as artist and researcher and believe that all of these areas are interconnected and can benefit from one another.” 

“My favourite aspects of my work are supporting learners in the classroom and collaborating with partners to improve health outcomes for local people. With a background in community engagement in urban green spaces, I love watching the transformation of people and place when we work together. Outside of work, I love swimming and growing my own food” 

“I love that every day at Healthy Me Heathy Communities is different and I’m proud to be part of a team that is contributing to lasting change & enrichment in Gorton. Additionally, I’ve a real sense of achievement when I observe the difference my role is making to those I’m specifically working with.  Outside work you can find me cooking & sharing food with family and friends or out on a walk in the countryside.” 

“I love working for an organisation that provides opportunities to people from all walks of life. My passion for the human story drives me to connect with individuals, understand their challenges, and advocate for solutions. In my free time, I love being surrounded by nature and growing and sharing food. 

“I’m really proud to work with Healthy Me Healthy Communities, where we help local people with things like affordable food, mental and physical health support, and financial advice. I get to make a difference by connecting people with the resources they need. My Computer Science studies at Manchester Metropolitan University help me think critically and solve problems, which I use to manage projects here. I believe that by working together and being compassionate, we can make a real difference in people’s lives.” 

“I love working for an organization that lets you meet different personalities of Gorton and gives you some opportunities that set you up for life. Outside of work I am a photographer, and I love listening to Oasis and the Stone Roses.”

“I'm passionate about empowering individuals to Learn, Create, and Grow, I dedicate myself to future-proofing lives through creativity, mindful habits, and skill-building. When I’m not doing that, you’ll find me lost in music, dancing like nobody’s watching, cooking up something tasty, or diving headfirst into new ways to explore the world around us."

Emma Blanthorne currently works in higher education and is driven by a desire to widen participation in learning and reduce health inequalities. 

Jamie Hibbert is passionate about learning, personal development, and community action for overcoming social injustice and discrimination, and he brings professional and volunteering experience to HMHC.  

Idowu Morafa brings a lifetime of education, employment and community service to HMHC and is a founding Director of ‘Across Ummah’ CiC.  

Jon Usher brings business acumen from his extensive career in business-to-business marketing in the appliances, catering and pharmaceuticals sectors.  

Rich Browning is the founder and Chief Executive Officer with a passion for tackling poverty and social exclusion that comes from lived experience, and he has over 20 years' experience in private, statutory and VCSE sectors.    

Valery Touchet-Djomgoue brings a fresh perspective from her sustainable fashion background and helps drive positive change for Manchester communities.