Meet the Mancunian Podcast: social impact stories from Manchester · Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe

Fostering community wellbeing with Josh Deegan

·20 min·2 clips

Josh shares a shocking obesity stat from MP Mike Kane and how free fitness sessions are tackling it in Wythenshawe.

This episode features Josh Deegan, a volunteer and award winner, discussing his community initiative Happy Some Days. Host Deepa Thalma Sutcliffe interviews Josh as part of a season collaborating with the Spirit of Manchester Awards. The conversation focuses on fostering wellbeing through inclusive sports and social activities in Wythenshawe. Happy Some Days began in early 2020 when founder Joe Farah contacted Josh to create a non-competitive, casual football session. Their first session had six attendees, but plans were paused due to the COVID-19 lockdown. The group maintained a WhatsApp community during restrictions, which grew significantly by the time activities could resume. The initiative expanded beyond football to include women's sessions, free fitness classes led by a personal trainer named Hayden, and community walks. Josh cites a stat from MP Mike Kane about high obesity levels in Wythenshawe as motivation for providing free local fitness sessions. The organization also partners with the Wythenshawe Waste Warriors for litter picks and participates in events like Wythenshawe Pride. Last year, Happy Some Days recorded over 3,000 participants across all its activities, a dramatic increase from its start. Josh, who is visually impaired, emphasizes creating a safe space for people of all abilities, including those with autism or cerebral palsy. The group hosts community events in a local pub and plans a festival on August 17th featuring sports tasters and a live band. Josh explains the organization operates through a committee of about 16 people and is shaped by participant requests. He advises other community starters to focus on networking and visibility to grow organically. For Josh, the most important life lesson is prioritizing both physical and mental health, referencing his own weight loss journey in 2017. He compares Happy Some Days to a Manchester park, as both offer varied activities and spaces for community connection. The episode has a conversational and inspirational tone, highlighting personal stories and grassroots achievements. Listeners interested in community building, inclusive sports, or local social impact in Manchester will find this episode engaging. Those seeking highly produced narratives or debates on policy might find it less suited to their tastes.

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