COMMUNITY REPORTER NETWORK SUPPORT SESSIONS (2025)

Two Community Reporters interviewing each other

We’re super excited to announce an all new support package for the Community Reporters in 2025!

Thanks to funding from the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, we’ve been able to design a core support offer to the Community Reporter Network. From meet-ups to peer learning spaces to skills development sessions – our team will be providing a mixture of training, mentoring and convening to support the Network to go from strength to strength.

Here are the upcoming sessions being held in 2025…

Community Reporter Meet-Ups

These 1-hour, online sessions provide an opportunity for Community Reporters to come together and share with others in the Network what you’ve been working on, as well as hear about the latest opportunities in the Network.

Community Reporter Skills Sessions

These are 1-hour online sessions that focus on a specific Community Reporting skill. They are designed as ‘top-up’ or ‘recap’ trainings for existing Community Reporters, as well as being introductory sessions for people who are interested in Community Reporting. 

  • Using the Community Reporter website / 5pm – 6pm Wednesday 30th April – Register Here
  • Story Reviewing / 5pm – 6pm Thursday 31st July – Register Here
  • Video Recording Techniques / 5pm – 6pm Thursday 30th October – Register Here

Community Reporter Peer Learning Spaces

These are 90-minute, online peer supporter and learning spaces for people who are using Community Reporting in their work or social change projects that are facilitated by our team.

  • Session One: Monday 10th March 12:00pm – 13:30pm – Register Here
  • Session Two: Monday 16th June 12:00pm – 13:30pm – Register Here
  • Session Three: Monday 15th September 12:00pm – 13:30pm – Register Here
  • Session Four: Monday 8th December 12:00pm – 13:30pm – Register Here

Global Majority Communities Peer Learning Spaces

These are 90-minute, online peer support and learning spaces for people from Global Majority communities involved in lived experience storytelling, co-production and social change work, facilitated by our team.  

  • Session One: Monday 12th May 12:00pm – 13:30pm – Register Here
  • Session Two: Monday 10th November 17:30pm – 19:00pm – Register Here

We look forward to seeing you at the sessions!

Esmee Fairbairn logo

UNDERSTANDING ANTI-RACISM IN CO-PRODUCTION SPACES: CENTERING THE VOICES OF RACIALISED INDIVIDUALS

A blog header banner titled 'Understanding Anti-Racism in Co-Production Spaces'. The main image on the banner includes 6 hand drawn portraits of people with yellow, pink, green, blue and orange backgrounds. In the first portrait the person has black curly shoulder length hair and dark skin tone, they are wearing a green top. In the second portrait the person has medium length curly brown hair and medium skin tone, they are wearing a blue top. The third person is wearing a purple hijab and has light skin tone. They are wearing a purple shirt. The fourth person has short grey hair, a beard and dark skin tone, they are wearing a yellow shirt. The fifth person has black medium length hair styled in braids with medium skin tone. They are wearing blue glasses and a pink and blue checkered top. The final person is wearing a green turban and has a black beard and light skin tone. They are wearing a green tshirt. The bottom of the header show the logos for People's Voice Media, The Community Reporter Network and the Co Production Collective.

In this blog Isaac Samuels introduces key themes and recommendations from the ‘Understanding Anti-Racism in Co-Production Spaces’ report supported by us and People’s Voice Media

Over the past year, myself (Isaac Samuels) and Samantha-Jane Ofoegbu have been on a deeply emotional and transformative journey, exploring the experiences of individuals from racialised backgrounds involved in co-production. This journey has shed light on the unique challenges, inequities, and at times, painful realities that emerge in these spaces. We have seen that co-production, though considered to be collaborative and equitable, can too often become a space where systemic racism is perpetuated.

As part of this work, we’ve gathered over 30 personal stories and produced an insight report that brings to the forefront the voices of those too often overlooked in these processes. Through numerous sense-making workshops, we have collectively explored the key findings, delving into how we can reshape these spaces to create more inclusive experiences for individuals from the global majority.

It’s fair to say that co-production is not immune to racism. It is, in fact, a space where inequities often play out, consciously or unconsciously. This was made all the more apparent during our two “Conversations of Change,” where we invited people to respond to our initial findings and offer their insights on what we, as a community, can do to increase inclusivity. The stories shared during these conversations, were both heart-breaking and all too familiar to those of us from racialised backgrounds.

One comment that has stayed with me is:

“You can’t do co-production without talking about racism.”

This simple but powerful statement speaks volumes. Co-production is meant to break down barriers and foster collaboration, yet without addressing racism head-on, we risk replicating the very hierarchies we seek to dismantle. True co-production must start with an honest conversation about race and power.

Want to find out more about this project, including the list of recommendations that emerged from this piece of work? Visit the Co-Production Collective Blog here.

Thank you to People’s Voice Media, Co-Production Collective and everyone from the global majority community who took part in this work for their support and commitment to this project. Thanks also to Kareen Cox of Absolutely Kareen for her illustrations that help us bring the report to life. For further infotmation please contact Co-Production Collective via email on coproduction@ucl.ac.uk and People’s Voice Media via email on enquires@peoplesvoicemedia.co.uk

CHANGEMAKERS WANTED: AMPLIFYING VOICES 2025-2026

'Amplifying Voices Changemaker Programme' With 5 images displayed underneath including from left to right: 1. A portrait of Isaac. 2. A photograph of someones hands writing down notes on a piece of flipchart paper stating 'ask questions' 'gentleness and kind' 'cheerleading & curiosity' 'empathy' 'activism'. 3. Someone holding a piece of paper with some text and an image. The text states: 'Challenge: Not planning work with anti-racist approach from the start'. The image depicts a cartoon character with thought bubbles above their head. One bubble contains a crossed out image of a plan, the other thought bubble a plan that hasn't been crossed out. 4. An image of a man being interviewed and recorded. The man is wearing a turban. 5. A portrait of Cecily.

Are you passionate about social justice, community development, or changing societal narratives? Do you have a story that could shift perspectives and inspire change? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you!

We are proud to launch Amplifying Voices 2025-2026, a new change makers programme in partnership with People’s Voice Media (PVM) and Co-Production Collective, funded by The National Lottery. This initiative is designed specifically for individuals from the global majority—Black, Brown, and racialised communities—who want to develop new skills, strengthen their expertise, and make a real impact in their communities.

At People’s Voice Media and Co-Production Collective, we are committed to being actively anti-racist organisations. We recognise the power of lived experience and the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping a more just society. This programme is about amplifying the voices of those who are too often unheard or ignored—because while communities speak out loudly and clearly, decisions are too often made without them.

Whether your passion lies in climate change, carers’ rights, housing, or any other issue close to your heart, this is your opportunity to make your voice heard and turn your vision into action.

This programme will equip you with essential tools and skills, including digital storytelling, facilitation, and story curation, to help you craft and share your message effectively.

We are looking for 10 changemakers to take part in this unique journey. The programme is designed to provide you with the guidance, connections, and resources needed to bring your project to life—whether it’s a small initiative or a large-scale movement.

Want to find out more and apply for a place? visit the Co-Production Collective Blog here.

So, if you’re ready to tell your story, make an impact, and shape the future of social justice, this is your moment. Don’t hesitate – apply now and join us in amplifying the voices of the global majority. We can’t wait to welcome you to the programme. Let’s create change together. 🚀

FAREWELL X: FIND US ON FACEBOOK AND LINKEDIN!

We’re making a change by we want you to stay connected with us…

After careful reflection on X as a platform and how it aligns with our organisation’s values, strategic goals and future vision, we’ve decided to step back from it. But don’t worry – you can still keep in touch with us!

Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn for the latest updates on our work, events, and opportunities with us. Plus, our Blog right here on the website will continue to share insights and stories from our work.

Thanks for being part of our journey – and make sure to keep in touch with us!

YOUTH VOICE IN THE COMMUNITY

A collage of ideas for the new Bronte Youth and community Centre. The question 'what kind of activities do you want to take part in?' is in the centre of the page. Young people have doodled a picture of an oven with a cupcake inside to represent their interest in baking. Other drawing include a manicured hand, a face with googly eyes and a picture of a house on a hill.

At People’s Voice Media, we’ve been working with the Bronte Youth and Community Centre in Liverpool, helping young people shape the future of their space through Community Reporting.

The Bronte is a vibrant youth organisation offering activities for children and young adults aged 5 to 18, as well as young people with additional needs up to 25. As they renovate their community hub, they wanted to ensure young people played a key role in shaping its future—enter Community Reporting!

Over six creative sessions, young people explored their vision for the space, using collages, clay sculptures, model buildings, and recorded interviews. They interviewed peers, community members, and staff, capturing a rich tapestry of hopes and ideas. From karaoke nights and fashion shows to football tournaments and gardening projects, their enthusiasm was infectious!

These ideas will directly influence how the Bronte’s renovated space is used, shaping sessions, activities, and even the role young people play in its future. We’ll be compiling an insight report from their recorded stories to guide decision-making. Looking ahead, in 2025, we’ll deliver train-the-trainer workshops to equip staff and community members with the skills to sustain Community Reporting long-term. Watch this space for more stories and updates!

Want to learn more about The Bronte? Check out their website to see what’s happening for young people in Liverpool.