From Isolation to Connection: Dawn Apcar’s Path to Changing Lives with MVA | #96

The Mic Drop Club

Join us for a transformative episode of The Mic Drop Club as we team up with MVA and its incredible programme manager, Dawn Apcar, who brings her wealth of experience and passion for community work to the forefront of the discussion.

Dawn’s journey began when she left school after her A-Levels, unsure of her career path. She soon found her calling in the NHS, working as a Pharmacy Technician for nearly a decade at All Saints Hospital. However, after having children and gaining insight into the lives of people struggling with substance misuse and HIV, Dawn knew she wanted to do more—especially outside the hospital setting.

This realization led Dawn to a new role as an outreach worker with NHS Addiction Services, where she supported ex-offenders and sex workers, helping them reclaim their lives and empowering them to make positive changes. Her passion for advocacy continued as she moved into a position with KCC, where she engaged with service users to give them a voice in shaping the support they received.

After a brief break from over 25 years in public service, Dawn returned to full-time work in the voluntary sector, managing community-driven projects focused on health and well-being. Now, as the MVA Programmes Manager, she leads initiatives like the Befriending Program, supporting lonely and isolated individuals in Medway, and other projects aimed at tackling health inequalities.

In this episode, we explore:

• Dawn’s inspiring journey from the NHS to the voluntary sector and how her personal experiences fuel her passion for community work.
• How MVA’s Befriending Program is making a tangible difference in the lives of isolated individuals by offering them human connection and support.
• The power of listening and creating safe spaces for people to regain their confidence and take control of their lives.

Through engaging conversations with host Douglas Hamandishe, Dawn shares how small actions, like a weekly phone call, can change lives. She also dives into her philosophy of giving people the opportunity to get involved in something meaningful, make positive changes, and ultimately transform their own lives.

Whether you're looking to volunteer, work in community development, or just need some inspiration, this episode is packed with insights from Dawn’s rich career and the life-changing impact she is making at MVA.

Don't just live life. Make life. Boom!

To find out more go to and register: https://www.mva.org.uk/