AMPLIFYING VOICES: A STOP ON THE JOURNEY
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.
