There are people in our communities with direct experiences of the big social issues facing us today. They have expertise and ideas for solutions to create change. But are they being listened to? Are their voices being heard?  

A new spokespersons network aims to increase the representation and diversity of voices we hear in the media.   The programme offers practical training, media mentoring and speaking opportunities to a cohort of 20 individuals.  In this workshop let’s explore how we re-balance the voices we hear in the media.

Jude has spent over 20 years working to ensure that the voices of people who might be considered invisible or marginalised are heard and giving them a platform for their ideas. She’s done this by collaborating with people and communities who have direct experience of the issues and supporting them to share their stories and insights to have maximum impact.

@judehabib @sounddelivery www.sounddelivery.org.uk

Simeon Moore Co-founder of DatsTV @zimbosla www.youtube.com/datstv

Simeon Moore is a writer, musician and advocate for young people. He was a member of a notorious Birmingham gang and now works to tackle what he sees as the glamorisation of gang culture, which gives young people aspirations to live negatively. He brings vision, creativity and influence to positively impact on their lives.

Travon Steadman

Travon Steadman works with Drive Forward Foundation, a London-based charity that supports care-experienced young people into employment, He is a strong believer in the power of lived experience to drive change and progress; highlighting the struggles young people face under government protection

Bryony Albery a frontline worker supporting rough sleepers now retraining as a social justice lawyer.

Anne-Marie douglas  is the founder and CEO of social justice charity Peer Power, an empathy led charity working with children, teenagers and young adults who have experienced significant trauma and adversity. It aims to improve the wellbeing and career prospects for young people involved, and to support them to disrupt, influence and improve the services that support them.

This workshop is for anyone who is interested in exploring how we encourage more representative, diverse and inclusive media.  We’ve love to hear from journalists and media professionals about how they uncover new voices. We’d also love to share how this new spokespersons network aims to develop media confident experts by experience.