We have come to the end of the journey for our Amplifying Voices project, but as one participant so powerfully said, “this is not the destination, this is a stop on the journey.” Issac Samuels reflects on what the programme and its participants have achieved so far, and looks forward to the next steps.

From the very beginning, Amplifying Voices was more than just a programme. It was about creating space: space to be heard, to be seen, and to bring together racialised individuals committed to social justice and community change. Led by Isaac Samuels and Cecily Henry, the programme supported participants to develop their skills and knowledge in community reporting, while grounding their work in real-life issues affecting their communities.

Building a community of changemakers

We had over 70 applicants for the Amplifying Voices programme, which was a year-long journey of support for changemakers from Global Majority communities. The people taking part received training in digital storytelling, facilitation, and story curation, but crucially became part of a close-knit community – a diverse group of individuals united by a shared commitment to change. What stood out most was the sense of connection. Alongside their learning, the participants on Amplifying Voices supported each other, collaborated, and created lasting bonds that will continue far beyond the programme.

I came for the training, but I’m leaving with a community.

Rooted in real stories

The Amplifying Voices changemakers quickly put their new skills into action to support the causes that were important to them. Across the programme, participants led powerful grassroots projects tackling issues such as:

• Health inequalities within racialised communities
• Suicide prevention and mental health awareness
• Elevating the voices of carers from racialised backgrounds

Each project reflected lived experience, shaped by those closest to the challenges—and the solutions.

For the first time, I felt like my story wasn’t just valid – it was necessary.

Learning to amplify

Through the programme, participants developed practical skills in digital Community Reporting. These tools enabled them to:

• Change perceptions through storytelling
• Amplify messages that matter at a local level
• Build confidence in sharing their voices

As well as these valuable and effective strategies for change, what also emerged was a collective sense of purpose.

We’re not just telling stories. We’re shifting narratives that have been ignored for too long.

What we learned

This journey also highlighted important truths. Many racialised individuals are already doing vital work in their communities, but often without the support they need. This lack of support carries both emotional and practical impacts, making their work even more challenging.

We carry so much. Not just our work, but our communities. That weight isn’t always recognised.

For People’s Voice Media as an organisation, there was a lot of valuable learning too. The programme reinforced the importance of:

• Creating space for community care and wellbeing
• Recognising the emotional labour behind grassroots work
• Supporting individuals not just as changemakers, but as people

And perhaps most importantly, we learned that the path is not always easy.

Passion gets you started, but support is what keeps you going.

Looking ahead

While this chapter of Amplifying Voices is coming to a close, its impact continues. Rather than seeing this as an end point, we are using it as a moment to pause, reflect, and carry forward everything that has been built. The stories shared, the skills developed, and the connections formed will continue to grow, evolve, and shape what comes next.

Your thoughts

We’d love to hear from you:

• What does “amplifying voices” mean to you?
• How can we better support grassroots changemakers in our communities?
• What stories do you think still need to be heard?

This work was generously supported by The National Lottery Community Fund – thank you! You can follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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

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. 🚀