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.

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

PATIENT VOICES – HOW COMMUNITY REPORTING IS TRANSFORMING CANCER CARE ACCESS

A group of trainees on the project sat discussing a topic.

From May to October 2024, we partnered with Macmillan Cancer Support and NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire ICB to train health workers and volunteers in Community Reporting. The aim was to improve access to cancer care services, particularly for South Asian and Roma/Traveller communities.

At the final session, we explored key themes from the stories collected. The insights were clear:

  • Better communication is needed, using multiple languages and accessible formats.
  • Misinformation about cancer must be addressed to build trust and awareness.

Though the training has ended, the work continues. Macmillan and NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire ICB will implement these learnings by:

  • Establishing Community Champion Advocate schemes.
  • Embedding Community Reporting into future engagement.

One participant summed up the impact perfectly:
“I’ve learned to zip this (pointing to her mouth) and open these (pointing to her ears).”

This project is a step forward in embedding lived experience into service development. By training professionals to listen, share, and act on real patient experiences, we are driving social change in cancer care access. With Macmillan and NHS ICB committed to using Community Reporting long-term, this is just the beginning of a patient-led approach to service improvement.