Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester appears as guest on CWTC podcast

Mohammed Sarwar and Andy Burnham

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, recently featured on the Centre of Wellbeing, Training and Culture’s Online Community Channel and Podcast to discuss a range of topical issues.

Mr Burnham was welcomed to a Zoom meeting with Mohammed Sarwar, CEO at Centre of Wellbeing, Training and Culture, discussing progress on Covid-19 vaccinations, the impact of coronavirus on Greater Manchester businesses, contribution of the voluntary sector, health inequalities, homeless people, arts, heritage and culture of Pakistan and National Apprenticeship Week.

Mr Burnham mentioned that vaccination progress is going well in Greater Manchester, and he is “particularly proud” of reducing the crises for rough sleepers and the homeless since he became the Mayor, noting that his A Bed Every Night scheme had a good response from organisations in Rochdale.

Addressing mental health, Mr Burnham said that the Centre of Wellbeing, Training and Culture is 'promoting that wellbeing in the holistic sense so that people can have better physical health and improve resilience'.

He added: “We need to see greater use of the voluntary sector, social prescribing and not necessarily always going for medical intervention. People need other forms of support and resilience which will help public services.”

Mr Sarwar mentioned to Mr Burnham that there is a lack of representation of arts, heritage and culture from Pakistan, including quality education, exhibitions and performances in UK.

Mr Burnham, who is a former Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, replied that elitist organisations seem to get a lot funding and grass roots organisations struggle.

He has been arguing for a long time to open up the arts to people of all backgrounds, all talents and all cultures.

“Although we have made some progress, we need to do more,” he added.

Mr Sarwar said: “We are grateful to our guests like Mr Burnham to give their valuable time to CWTC to provide information and progress on their work.

“It creates a better understanding and reach with local communities and how we can participate as a society to support each other.”