FAREWELL X: FIND US ON FACEBOOK AND LINKEDIN!

Farewell X: Find us on Twitter and LinkedIn - a picture from our 2023 conference is above the text. It is a room full of people all sat around tables facing Tony - our board member at the front of the room presenting ideas.

After reflecting on X as a platform, how it aligns with our strategic goals and vision for the future, we’ve decided to take a step back.

Don’t fret – you can keep in touch with us on socials and get the latest news over on our Facebook and LinkedIn! We’ll continue to post updates on our work, events and projects on these platforms and will continue our Blog here on the website.

All the best – People’s Voice Media

THE BRONTE YOUTH & COMMUNITY CENTRE LIVERPOOL: COMMUNITY REPORTING PROJECT

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.

We’ve been working with the Bronte Youth and Community Centre in Liverpool delivering a series of Community Reporting workshops with young people in the local community!

The Bronte Youth and Community Centre is a Youth Organisation based in Central Liverpool. They offer a youth club 3 nights a week to children and young adults from the ages of 5 to 18 and young people with additional needs and disabilities up to the age of 25.

They are currently in the process of renovating their community hub and wanted to ensure the young people played a part in shaping their new space – which is where Community Reporting comes in.

Over the course of 6 sessions young people creatively explored their ideas for the future of their club, brainstorming ideas in the form of collages, clay sculptures, modeled buildings and recorded interviews, developing basic skills in Community Reporting along the way. The group also worked together interviewing peers, community members, staff and partners helping to paint a picture of their hopes for the future of the centre.

From Karaoke to Fashion Shows, Football to Gardening Projects – the young people came up with a whole host of ideas for the new space and their enthusiasm and excitement for the future of their community was inspirational to say the least.

These ideas will form a integral part of the plans for the future of the Bronte, informing the kinds of sessions and activities that are on offer to young people and local community, how the different areas of the building can be used and what role the young people themselves will play in the newly refurbished space.

We’ll be writing up an insight report over the next couple of months, which will summarise the findings from the recorded stories and content created by the young people. This will then be used to inform future decision making processes and shape what kind of space the centre becomes.

The ultimate aim of the project is to develop capacity within the Bronte Youth & Community Centre to use Community Reporting as a tool for engagement, insight, and evaluation and for enabling community voices – particularly those belonging to young people – to interact with the Bronte.

In 2025 we’ll also be delivering some train the trainer workshops with staff and community members to equip them with the skills to carry on the Community Reporting process for generations to come – so watch this space for more stories and updates!

If you’d like to find out more about The Bronte, Check out their website for more information and updates on the renovation work, or head over to their Facebook to see what sessions they have running for young people in and around Liverpool City Centre.

COMMUNITY REPORTER CATCH UPS 2025

'Community Reporter Catch Ups Online Schedule 2025' text displayed in blue and pink font with PVM's and the Community Reporter Network's logos in the bottom left and right corners. Above the text an image is displayed from an in person event with lot's of attendees in the shot all looking at a group presenting their ideas to the room. There are flowers and note taking materials laid out on the table in front of people.

We’re super excited to announce our upcoming Community Reporter catch ups for 2025!

This year we are hosting more catch ups than usual thanks to funding from Esmee Fairbairn, meaning more opportunities for Community Reporters to come together, learn from the movement and share what you’ve been working on.

Sessions will provide an space for members of the Community Reporter network to come together with staff from the People’s Voice Media team and anyone wanting to know more about the movement. Expect a warm welcome, updates on PVM’s recent projects, time to interact and share what you’ve been working on with others and a shared sense of joy and inspiration.

There will be four online sessions taking place across the year. We’ll be kicking things off in March with the 1st session of 2025, the 2nd event will take place in June, 3rd in September and 4th and final event in December – what a great way to round off the year.

You can find out more about the plan for these sessions and register for a space by visiting out eventbrite page – we’ve also included the checkout links below for quick and easy sign up:

If you have any questions or would like more information – please get in touch with Georgia from People’s Voice Media via email: georgia@peoplesvoicemedia.co.uk

We can’t wait to see you there!

COMMUNITY REPORTER SKILL SESSIONS 2025: NEW ESMEE FAIRBAIRN FUNDING

'Community Reporter Skill Sessions funded by Esmee Fairbairn' written in blue and pink text. The PVM logo is in the bottom left corner and the Community Reporter Logo on the right.

We’re really excited to announce that we’ll be running a series of four online open access Community Reporter skills session throughout 2025, thanks to funding from Esmee Fairbairn!

Whether you’re completely new to Community Reporting and want to get a feel for what it’s all about, or you’ve previously took part in training but it’s been a while since you put your skills into practice – these sessions are for you!

The four workshops will be delivered through Zoom in January, April, July and October and are a chance for people to refine their skills in Community Reporting. The topics covered include dialogue interviews, the community reporter website, story reviewing practices and video recording techniques.

Read on below or visit out eventbrite page to find out more about the content of the sessions and sign up for a space.

Dialogue Interviews: Join us online to enhance your interviewing skills and learn how to engage in meaningful conversations with community members. This session will provide you with valuable insights and practical tips on conducting effective interviews that capture diverse perspectives.

The Community Reporter Website: Join us online to discover how to upload stories to the Community Reporter website and search our database of existing stories. This session will provide you with valuable insights and practical tips on using the website and it’s many features.

Story Reviewing Practices: Join us online to discover how to review stories using a range of techniques and resources. This session will provide you with the practical skills needed to pull out the key themes and learning points from a set of stories, helping you to summarise the findings.

Video Recording Techniques: Join us online to discover different techniques for recording stories in video format. This session will provide you with the practical skills needed to record a video story both online and in person.

These 1-hour workshops have been designed as ‘top-up’ or ‘recap’ training for existing Community Reporters and Trainers or as introductory sessions for people who are interested in accessing Community Reporting training. Please bare this in mind when reserving a space as tickets are limited to ensure an engaging and accessible experience for everyone in attendance.

If you have any questions or would like more information please reach out to Georgia who will be facilitating the sessions: georgia@peoplesvoicemedia.co.uk

BREAKING THE SILENCE – A LIFELINE OF HOPE THIS WINTER

Winter can be an especially challenging time of year. The shorter days, colder nights, and the
pressures of the festive season often magnify feelings of isolation and despair. For those
struggling with their mental health, reaching out can feel overwhelming—yet it’s one of the
most important steps to take.

I know this because I’ve been there.

As a suicide survivor, I can honestly say that a single phone call saved my life. It wasn’t easy
to make that call—it took everything I had to admit I needed help—but that conversation
gave me hope when I had none. The Samaritans provided a safe space to talk, to be heard,
and to feel understood without judgement or pressure.

Every Call Matters

Right now, someone is reaching out to the Samaritans. A dedicated volunteer is on the other
end of the line, offering a listening ear and compassion. For many, it’s the first time they’ve
spoken about how they truly feel.

Last winter alone, the Samaritans answered almost 250,000 calls for help. Each one of those
calls represents a moment of courage—a decision to reach out rather than suffer in silence.
But we also know that many people still struggle to make that call.

If that’s you, please know that it’s okay to ask for help. It doesn’t make you weak or a
burden—it makes you human.

Breaking the Silence

The Samaritans’ #BreakTheSilence campaign is a reminder that no one has to face their
bleakest moments alone. A single conversation can be life-changing. It could mean a parent
still being there for their child, a friend staying by someone’s side, or a loved one having the
chance to grow old with their partner.

Reaching out might feel impossible, but it’s one of the bravest things you can do. If you’re
not ready to talk to family or friends, the Samaritans are there 24/7 to offer a safe space to
open up about whatever’s on your mind.

A Message of Hope

This winter, let’s remember the importance of listening and supporting one another. A simple
conversation can make all the difference. If you’re struggling, don’t wait—reach out. And if
you know someone who might be finding things difficult, check in with them. You never
know how much your words might mean.

It’s time to break the silence. Every conversation matters.

Samaritans Helpline: 116 123 (UK and Ireland, free to call, available 24/7)
Learn more: www.samaritans.org

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, please make that call. It saved my life—it could save yours
too.

Words by Isaac Samuels (They/Them)