Our 5th annual conference is set to take place in Liverpool this summer!

The conference will focus on the value of lived experience and how this can be used as a tool for creating equitable futures. We’ll explore how lived experience stories can help to address systemic issues such as racism, ableism and sexism that are currently damaging social progress.

The different sessions in the conference will focus on one or more of the following:

Insights: What we know from people’s lived experiences about present day inequalities and how equitable futures could be achieved

Methods: Techniques for working with lived experience as a tool for helping us to think about the future

Actions: What practical things we can do now to begin to create a more socially just future for ourselves and our communities

So, what’s going to be happening?

Take a look at our video breakdown below:

Whilst we’re currently at full capacity, don’t panic, you can add yourself to the waitlist below or follow the link to Eventbrite here. We’ll be checking in with those who have registered at regular intervals over the next couple of months – and allocating any last minute cancellations to people on the waitlist.

We can’t wait to welcome the network to the Women’s Organisation in July – see you then!

Towards the end of February, PVM headed over to Hungary to take part in the final in-person meeting of the project!

Partners from across Europe gathered to share important information and updates on the final stages of the project. They also took part in a Pan-European Multiplier Event alongside young people representing the social actions that have resulted from CONTINUE.

As part of the event, partners and young people took part in a Community Reporting taster workshop. During this activity, people shared their lived experiences of the pandemic, exploring their own observation of COVID-19s impact on young people in their communities.

You can view some of these stories over on the Community Reporter website here.

The event was a great way to bring the in-person aspects of the project to close, celebrating the contributions the young people have made along the way.

Keep your eyes peeled for the final update on the completion of the CONTINUE Project!

For the past six week, people from across Greater Manchester have been taking part in the Changing Futures Community Reporter Training Programme.

PVM have partnered with Greater Manchester Combined Authority to deliver a series of eight workshops as part of the project. So far we have covered the core aspects of community reporting, and people have started to gather and upload stories to the Community Reporter Website. 

The end goal of the project is to gather stories of peoples lived experiences of multiple disadvantage, specifically from people whose voices are often not listened to. GMCA plans to use these voices to improve the range of support services available to communities across Greater Manchester. In the process, people will be upskilled in Community Reporting and by the end of the project will be experienced enough to conduct their own story gathering projects in their own communities.

Over the course of the first 4 sessions, participants developed a basic understanding of community reporting. They learned interview techniques, digital literacy skills and explored their understanding of ‘multiple disadvantage’ in the context of their own lives experiences. 

“Being around the team and learning – it’s good to open up“

A group member reflecting on what they’ve enjoyed in the sessions.

For the past two weeks the group have been out gathering stories in their own communities – take a look at the Community Reporter website to view some of them!

“There’s not just me going through what I am going through”

A group member reflecting on what they’ve learnt during the sessions.

For the remaining four sessions, the group will review the stories they have gathered, picking out the key themes and learning points. They will then learn how these findings can be shared more widely and used as tools for creating positive social change – hopefully putting these techniques into practice.

Stay tuned for more updates on the Changing Futures Community Reporting Project!

Our first Community Reporter catch-up of the year is set to take place in March and you’re invited!

We host two Community Reporter catch-ups each year and they’re a great way to meet other Community Reporters and learn about what people have been up to in the wider movement. Whether you’ve attended before, or are completely new to Community Reporting – join us for a catch up and a natter.

When is it happening? Monday 27th March 2023 from 12:00pm – 1:00pm

How can I get involved? Sign up for a free ticket through Eventbrite below

Who else will be there? You’ll meet people from the PVM team, Community Reporters from the wider movement and people who are curious to find out more!

Sign up for your free ticket through eventbrite.

We’ll see you soon!

We are pleased to announce that the Eventbrite booking links for the Community Reporting Online Session and Coaching Programme as part of the Not Another Co-Production project are now ready! 

The full listings are detailed below. Please book quickly as places are limited. All sessions are on Zoom and links will be provided upon booking. 

Online Sessions – These sessions are open to anyone living and or working in West Midlands

Audio recording & audio editing – #NACP Workshop

Friday 3^rd March 2023, 10:00am – 11:30am

Video recording & video editing – #NACP Workshop

Friday 10^th March 2023, 10:00am – 11:30am

Digital Tools For Co-Production #NACP Workshop

Tuesday 14th March 2023, 10:00am – 11:30am