Disadvantaged communities awarded funds for digital media work

Seven communities have been awarded £500 as part of Community Voices, a one-year UK-wide project delivered by Media Trust and supported by Nominet Trust. Community Voices aims to inspire and empower communities who feel disadvantaged, isolated, or voiceless, with the confidence, skills, and access to resources that will enable them to make a meaningful difference to their lives using digital media.

The seven communities awarded are:

• ‘New Horizons Borders’ based in Galashiels in Scotland, a user-led network of peer support for adults with mental health issues
• ‘The Connection at St Martin’s’ in London working with homeless people with mental health issues
• ‘Positive Parenting and Children’, an organisation based in London which works with children and families living with HIV and Aids
• ‘Newport Access Group’ in Wales, a group of people with disabilities, who meet regularly to report, discuss and campaign about local accessibility issues.
• ‘Inspire Nottingham’, an organisation that works with people with learning disabilities
• ‘Morley Way Community Centre, which supports older people on a sheltered housing estate in St Helens, Merseyside
• ‘VisAbility CCVS’ works with elderly, visually impaired people in Cornwall

The Community Voices scheme focuses on communities who feel voiceless due to long-term illness, older age, or disability. It will support these communities to run digital media projects addressing their own specific circumstances, enabling them to better access public and peer support services and get their voices heard.

Jeremy Sandell, Director of Positive Parenting and Children, said: “People living with HIV can face stigma and discrimination. With the help of Media Trust we hope to share the experiences of young people whose lives have been affected by this illness and give others an insight into the challenges that these young people have faced. Their stories are inspirational and it will be great to give others a chance to hear them.”

Community Voices aims to showcase various ways of utilising digital media to make a difference, whether communities are brand new to digital or already have experience but require additional support. The seven selected communities will receive funding, training and expertise from digital professionals alongside collaborative support at a local level.