Right to the Streets: One year on

By Eve Holt and Vic Elizabeth Turnbull | 25 June 2024 | TAGS: Podcast, right to the streets

Our Right To The Streets series of The GM Moving Podcast launched in May 2023. Podcast host Eve Holt and executive producer from MIC Media Vic Elizabeth Turnbull reflect on the two series which began in Trafford but has had far-reaching impact over the 12 months since.

1 in 4 women experience sexual violence. 97% of women report being sexually harassed.

We know the fear of violence against women and girls (VAWG), anti-social behaviour, hate/street crime are key barriers that stop women from being active.  

Right to the Streets (RTTS) is movement started by GM Moving alongside a wide range of local partners, including Trafford Council, with investment via the Home Office’s Safer Streets Fund. 

Piloted in North Trafford, Right to the Streets tests a whole system, place-based solution to tackle the issue of women and girls feeling unsafe on our streets, parks, and public spaces.

It recognises the importance of public spaces for health and well-being and how women’s experiences and fear of harassment restricts their freedom. 

Safer streets for all can’t be achieved by any one person or organisation, we all have a role to play.

The podcast series set out to inspire service providers, politicians, commissioners, community organisations and individuals across Greater Manchester (GM) and beyond.

And for them to take steps to create streets, parks and public spaces where women and girls feel safe, belong and are invited to be active. Shifting the dial from fear to freedom.

The Right to the Streets series, part of The GM Moving Podcast, wasn't born solely from data or a perfectly crafted execution, but a powerful combination of both.

The idea was to use the power of audio storytelling to share the Right to the Streets story, amplifying the issues and solutions, and act as a call to action for people to join in.

The podcast served four objectives:

1. Educating the community, service designers, and public leaders/influencers about Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and street harassment.
2. Demystifying the problem: Exploring various systems and areas where safety concerns arise, to expose the breadth of the problem.
3. Highlighting existing solutions: Showcase the work of different partners already tackling these issues.
4. Crowd-sourcing solutions: Encourage dialogue and ideas for change directly from the people affected by these issues.

Two series, one vision

• Series 1: Kick-start the safer streets conversation, connect senior leaders and VAWG experts with local people and partners in Trafford. It explored challenges, shone a light on existing learning, and generated ideas for change.
  
  
• Series 2: Capture the Right to the Streets journey, activities, and learning, serving as an inspiration for others to test, adopt, or develop similar approaches in their place.

What happened?

MIC media provided their full podcast production package for the ambitious two series, comprising 17 episodes.

The podcast wasn't just produced – it was an immersive journey that captured the essence of the Right to the Streets movement. 

In-place production

A vital element was ensuring the podcast itself mirrored the project's core value – being "in-place". This meant:

• Walking the talk: We didn't just interview people; we walked, played, cheered, marched, and ran alongside them through the streets of North Trafford. These authentic conversations not only informed the podcast but heard real voices, from a 75-year-old woman to a young boy studying for his GCSEs.
• Diversity of voices: The podcast amplified the voices of a broad range of individuals and organisations – over 125! These included strategic leaders like Kate Green, the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, key infrastructure organisations like Transport for Greater Manchester and Greater Manchester Police and North Trafford residents themselves. This created a rich tapestry of perspectives.

Evolving structure

While a general structure existed – featuring conversations with local changemakers and broader discussions with system leaders – the podcast remained flexible.

• Emerging themes: Recognising the project's complexity, we embraced a collaborative approach. Early conversations focused on clarifying themes and identifying key voices. The content evolved based on the organic flow of conversations.
• Rapid learning: The emphasis on in-place conversations facilitated quick learning and insight gathering. This nimbleness allowed the content to adapt and capture the essence of the Right To The Streets movement.

Authentic storytelling

Scripted elements like introductions and outros provided context, but the heart of the podcast lay in the genuine conversations we had.

• Live recordings: We captured the raw energy of on-site recordings. Including at a Manchester United home game, speaking to gig-goers before a Fatboy Slim gig, or running with the Mileshy Running Club. This meant embracing background noise, as it all contributed to the authentic feel of the series.
• Scripting for impact: While the script served as a roadmap, Eve translated the key points into her own voice, ensuring authenticity and listener engagement.

Rigorous editing

Transforming raw recordings into compelling episodes was a meticulous process.

• Many drafts: Layers of editing ensured a clear and concise narrative. Rough cuts were refined and scripts crafted to create a flow of impactful content.
• Critical listening: The entire team honed their listening skills to identify key takeaways and ensure factual accuracy. This resulted in tightly edited episodes under an hour.

A joyful and considered approach

The production process was not just about technical expertise; it required dedication and a whole lot of empathy.

• Many listens: Eve and MIC immersed themselves in each recording, ensuring justice for every voice and story.
• Ruthless, yet considered editing: With over 36 recording sessions and hours and hours of raw audio, the challenge was making cuts to the content. But this was crucial in creating a focused and impactful final product.

What did it achieve?

The Right to the Streets podcast prioritised impact over listener numbers, aiming to kick-start a lasting movement in place, for safer, more inclusive public spaces. 

• Building bridges: The recording process created a sense of community. Participants felt comfortable sharing their honest opinions and experiences, thanks to the trust built with the production team. This open dialogue went beyond the podcast, creating connections that sparked new collaborations focused on tackling gender-based violence in public spaces.
• Spreading the word: Instead of a mass, impersonal campaign, the podcast leveraged and amplified existing networks of organisations in Greater Manchester already invested in this cause. This approach empowered individuals to become disseminators. By encouraging peer-to-peer sharing, the podcast's reach extended far beyond the initial listeners.

“I'm a keen listener of the GM Moving podcast. I think this platform is a fantastic way to share the work that is happening in Manchester, and it really connects the listener to the stories being shared.”

• Influencing greater change: The "lightbulb moments" and connections sparked for listeners are as important as downloads. The very process of creating the podcast mirrored the project's collaborative values. This authenticity resonated with listeners, creating shared purpose and inspiring action.
• A legacy: The podcast was designed for long-term impact. MIC media ensured the content remained evergreen, with topics remaining relevant both at launch and years later. Close collaboration with Greater Manchester Moving's marketing team ensured continued promotion and discoverability. 

“The podcast is so articulate on the changes that have happened over time and the learning that has taken place. Our network and beyond has benefited from this.”

What makes this podcast special?

The Right to the Streets podcast isn't just an informative series; it's a movement-building resource. Here's why:

• A community of voices, not a solo act: The Right To The Street podcast features a powerful balance of community leaders, policymakers, those impacted by VAWG, school kids, football fans, local projects, faith leaders, and loads more. This inclusivity ensures the stories and perspectives heard represent the true scope of the issue, creating a sense of shared ownership in creating safer streets.
• Forget the typical interview format: The RTTS podcast is packed full of raw, authentic conversations. Contributors share their stories and experiences in their own words, helping to create deep connections and trust with listeners.
• A ripple effect: The podcast shines a light on underheard local individuals and projects. By amplifying these voices, it creates a powerful ripple effect, inspiring others to act and share their own stories.
• Empowering change: Discussions about safer streets go untold, or if they are, they’re often one-sided or under-represented. The podcast offers a compelling narrative that breaks down complex issues and encourages further conversation. This doesn't stop at raising awareness; it empowers individuals to become active participants in creating solutions.
• A catalyst for long-term change: The goal is long-term change. The podcast seeks to inspire a wide range of stakeholders – from service providers to policymakers – to create streets where everyone feels safe, welcome, and are empowered to be active.
• More than a podcast, it’s a movement: GM Moving started a movement, and the podcast serves as a powerful tool to achieve just that.

The Right To The Streets podcast series is a unique combination of storytelling, inclusivity, and a genuine desire to empower change.

By prioritising diverse voices and in-place storytelling, the podcast raises awareness and empowers individuals to act and create safer streets for all.

It’s a testament to the power of human connection and the importance of listening. 

You can listen to both series here.