November 2024 - shaping a fairer and more inclusive society

As part of our ongoing celebration of Manchester Met’s 200th anniversary, in this edition of MetCast, we are exploring our final area of strength: Tackling Inequalities. 

We hear from psychology student, inclusivity model and coach, Kai Da’Costa. Kai’s life took an unexpected turn after a motorbiking accident left him without the use of his left arm. But his journey didn’t stop there. Thanks to the support of the University’s Manchester Movement Unit and its cutting-edge physiotherapy clinic, Kai’s story has become one of resilience and transformation. 

We also sit down with Professor Sara Ryan, a leading voice in social care. Sara shares her fight for justice for her son, Connor, whose life and legacy inspired the critically acclaimed play Laughing Boy. The production earned rave reviews during its recent West End run, and Sara will tell us more about the powerful message behind the story. 

Finally, we’ll talk with Professor Rob Drummond about accent prejudice and the complex relationship we all have with language. With oracy education gaining national attention, Rob shares insights from a report recently launched in the House of Lords that calls for a focus on speaking, listening and communication skills.