Challenging perceptions and discrimination has been a running theme across this Strong Manchester Woman’s life; from being judged simply because of her ethnicity, to nursing children with learning disabilities.
It’s these experiences that have influenced her values and approach to her award-winning voluntary work.
In this episode your host Vic Elizabeth Turnbull speaks to Denise Yuen Megson, a former learning disabilities nurse who came to the UK over 40 years ago from Malaysia. Denise now lectures at Salford University, volunteers at the Wai Yin society (who support minority groups) and presents a weekly radio show for the Chinese community to help breakdown barriers, especially around mental health.
Denise lovingly talks about,
- growing up in a different country
- juggling school work, whilst working at the family’s roadside cafe
- challenging people’s misconceptions towards herself & others
- not speaking Cantonese, her ‘mother tongue’
- using Tai-Chi to relax
- training to become a radio presenter
- running projects to support, bring together and share stories of the Chinese community in Manchester
- straddling Western & Eastern culture with her family
“I’m not conscious of ever thinking ‘because I’m a woman, I can’t do this’. I’m quite happy with walking into a pub by myself and ordering a drink.”
Denise Yuen Megson
Stuff that was mentioned in the episode
- ‘Crossing The Borders’ project
- Listen to Denise’s Radio show, Radio Sheunglok
- All FM (radio training & more)
About Strong Manchester Women
The stories of fourteen women from across Manchester, who are making a positive difference and lasting impact in our communities.
British Podcast Award nominated.
Listen here.