Read all the latest charity news on Community Newswire
March 2010
Drab canteens get a makeover
Canteen Rescue is a new competition that offers five schools the chance to win a professional makeover for their canteen. Parents, teachers and pupils in primary and secondary schools can nominate their school canteen for a makeover by visiting the competition website at www.communitychannel.org
Nominations will be judged by a panel of celebrities including children's TV stars Dick and Dom, Radio 1 presenter Scott Mills, Big Brother winner Craig Phillips, TV chef Brian Turner and designer Jackie Llewelyn-Bowen.
Shortlisted entries will feature in a series of TV programmes to be produced by Media Trust's Production Department and broadcast on Community Channel in the Autumn.
February 2010
Media Trust Youth Mentoring Programme Evaluation Invitation to tender
Media Trust is inviting suitable applicants to tender for an evaluation of its Youth Mentoring scheme. This is an innovative mentoring scheme tailored for the media industry. Find out more.
Please Give Generously
Media Trust's chief executive Caroline Diehl contributes to BBC Radio 4's Please Give Generously, now available in Archive on 4 until Saturday 27th February. Broadcaster Fergal Keane looks back at the history of charity appeals, from the twenties to the Telethon, and the relationship between the media and charities. Along the way he examines the importance of conveying a message and the impact of endorsement by celebrities. Other contributors include Diane Reid, BBC Charity Appeals Advisor; broadcaster Jenni Murray; and John Grounds, director of Child Protection Consultancy. Listen to the programme at the BBC's Archive on 4.
Charity's TV channel first to broadcast banned anti bullying ad campaign
A controversial anti bullying ad campaign banned by regulators from being shown on TV is to be broadcast by Community Channel.
The ad shows a teenage girl sewing her mouth closed to symbolise how victims feel silenced by bullies.
It was made in memory of bullied schoolgirl Megan Gillan, who committed suicide last year after she was bullied both online and at school. Megan’s family has fully backed the campaign in the hope that no other families suffer the same tragic loss.
The advert was banned by TV regulators Clearcast, formerly The Broadcast Advertising Clearance Centre (BACC), but after the issue was raised in the House of Commons by MP Anne Maguire and following an appeal the ban was lifted just a few days ago.
Community Channel, which is owned and run by communications charity Media Trust, will be the first broadcaster to air the ad.
The film was made by M&C Saatchi for Beatbullying's Cybermentoring anti-bullying campaign, a digital peer-to-peer group where young people support each other online.
Emma-Jane Cross, Chief Executive of Beatbullying said: 'We're delighted that Community Channel has taken up our cause and is the first TV channel to broadcast our ad campaign. We hope that others will follow their lead.'
Mark Dodd, Media Trust's Digital Media Director, said: 'We believe this ad campaign carries a vital message that bullying in any form is not acceptable, and hope that it will help prevent tragic cases like that of Megan Gillan ever happening again.'
The first broadcast will go out on Community Channel on Wednesday 10th February at 9.47pm.
January 2010
Editorial Intelligence Opinion Former Panel event at BT Centre
As part of our commitment to the London 2012 Legacy Action Plan we partnered with Editorial Intelligence at their recent event titled ‘London 2012: Is the pain worth the gain?’
Maria Michaeloudiou, aged 20, who is currently participating in our Talent Studio scheme spoke at the event alongside John Armitt (Chairman, Olympic Delivery Authority) and Sir Robin Wales (Mayor of Newham). Maria grew up in East London and wants to ensure that the London 2012 Olympics inspire young people to get more involved in sport.
Julia Hobsbawm, Chief Executive of Editorial Intelligence, said “Editorial Intelligence was delighted to partner with Media Trust at our recent Opinion Former Panel, having Maria speak at the event gave a fresh perspective on how the Olympics will impact young people in London and across the country"
Following the event Maria commented, “The mainstream media often ignores young people’s stories, having the opportunity to speak at BT is a great example of how Media Trust ensures young people’s voices are heard. We are the generation who will be living with the legacy of London 2012 so our opinions need a platform”
Social media event
Social Media Week gets underway
Running from 1-5 February 2010, Social Media Week aims to highlight and promote social media across all sectors with a series of events in major cities around the world.
According to Toby Daniels, founder and organiser of Social Media Week, it's the communication form not just of the future, but here and now: "Social media has permeated society and is creating a global community that is unprecedented in scope. Social Media Week embraces this phenomenon and is pioneering the way as a global platform for conversation, connectivity and learning."
Find out more about this exciting event at the Social Media Week website.
Media Trust is marking Social Media Week with a series of training events to keep you up to speed on this increasingly integral part of daily life. Find out more in our Training and Events section.
Mediabox teams up with Channel 4's Inspiration Week
Inspiration Week is aimed at 14-19 year olds across the UK who have
a real passion to break into the media industry, combined with a
natural raw talent that sets them apart from the crowd.
This year, 4Talent will run two Inspiration Weeks, one in the South (London) and one in the North (Sheffield).
If you're interested in taking part please email priscillab@mediatrust.org by Friday 29th January 2010.
'At a time when media organisations seem to have fewer and fewer resources to gather news, particularly in local communities, this service fills a growing void and provides a vital service.'
The Guardian newspaper's Public Services Editor David Brindle.
Media Trust's Community Newswire service sent out its 50,000th news story to journalists today.
Set up in July 2004, the service helps grass roots organisations, charities and communities get their stories told, with many seeing their stories published in national newspapers, television, radio, regional and local press.
The service reached its milestone with a story from former army officer Major Phil Packer who is launching the British Inspiration Trust, which aims to help young disabled people overcome the depression that is so often an integral but overlooked aspect of their disability.
'Community Newswire were the first to raise awareness of my aspiration to raise £1million for charity. My initial request for support was seen as a much bigger and stronger story. The release from Newswire was sent out to journalists and every national paper and main TV channel and radio stations. If it was not for their tremendous support I would not have reached my target within the year and I am sincerely grateful to Community Newswire for giving such vital support,' said Phil.
'The impact of this coverage has helped me to reach in excess of £1.3 million and given me the opportunity to move on and start to support the wider community through my plans for the British Inspiration Trust.'
Phil, who was paralysed while serving in Basra in 2008, raised the cash for Help for Heroes, a charity set up to help those who have been wounded in Britain's current conflicts.
The newswire service has seen more than 15,000 stories getting significant media coverage, including The Daily Mail, The Telegraph, The Times, The Independent, The Guardian, Metro, BBC and on ITV national and local television. Several stories have also been covered on radio news, including Radio 4, Heart FM and Radio 5, as well as numerous regional and local media including The Yorkshire Post, Newcastle Chronicle, Leicester Mercury, BBC Radio Leciester, Shine TV, Leicester Sound Radio, Echo and Yellow Advertiser.
David Blunkett MP, who was instrumental in setting up the service said: 'Community Newswire has helped thousands upon thousands of charities and community groups gain media coverage. This has resulted in an increase in volunteers, an increase in funds, and an increase in people’s awareness of campaigns.'
For more information about Community Newswire go to: www.mediatrust.org/community-newswire.
Media Trust Annual Review 2008/09
Our Annual Review 2008/09 is full of some of the best impact stories of our work from charities and communities we've worked with throughout the year and around the country.
December 2009
The Spirit of London Awards 2009 - Highlights on TV
Following the astonishing success of The Spirit Of London Awards 2009, highlights were broadcast on the Community Channel allowing all of you who attended to relive the glory and those who couldn't attend to witness the magic of positivity.
Singer Lemar and former Eastenders star Brooke Kinsella hosted a star-studded event celebrating young people from all walks of life whose common bond is London.
Hip-hop star Speech Debelle, winner of the prestigious Mercury Music Prize for the best British album of the year, performed alongside Diversity, winners of Britain's Got Talent as well as X Factor winner, Alexandra Burke.
The inaugural Spirit of London Awards 2009 — shown exclusively on Community Channel — also features a special duet with former So Solid Crew rapper Ashley Walters and Robbie Craig supported by the ACM Gospel Choir.
The 90-minute show also included interviews with Alexandra Burke, Sir Michael Caine, Diversity, actor Tamer Hassan, who starred in Dead Man Running, DJ Ironik, London Mayor Boris Johnson, Brooke Kinsella, X-Factor group JLS, Lemar and Ashley Walters.
Brooke Kinsella, whose 16-year-old brother, Ben was stabbed to death in Islington, north London, in 2008 whilst out celebrating his GCSEs, said: "I am so proud and honoured to be involved in an event such as the Spirit of London Awards.
"For a long time now, most teenagers have been unfairly getting a bad reputation for being troublemakers or violent when it is actually only a small minority. I have met some amazing kids on my own personal journey and their talent and goodness is represented by the outstanding winners of these awards this year. I hope this event will continue to grow and will inspire kids to choose a more positive path for their lives — one where they will be rewarded and recognised for their hard work, for many really do deserve it."
The awards ceremony, organised by the Damilola Taylor Trust, celebrates all that is good about the young people of London, and recognises those youngsters who are a credit to their local community and whose culture and heritage light up the City, whether they were born in London, or are adopted Londoners.
Winners were recognised in the following categories:
- Community Champions aged 16-25
- Young Heroes aged 5-16
- Community Business Entrepreneur
- Achievement Through Sport
- Achievement Through Music
- Achievement Through the Arts
- Achievement Through Education
- The London Legend Award – which was awarded to film star Sir Michael Caine
- Positive Role Model of the year
- Special Recognition
Mayor Boris Johnson said: "It's high time we praised the brilliant young people who make our city proud. You could be forgiven for thinking that all teenagers endlessly run riot and cause trouble, but in reality this is a tiny minority. Let's concentrate on the majority, the thousands of youngsters who are full of aspirations and achieving great things in the capital. This is the ethos of the Spirit of London Awards, which are the 'Oscars' for the talented youngsters in our communities. I met some of our brightest young stars at the event."
The Damilola Taylor Trust was set up after 10-year-old Damilola Taylor was stabbed to death on a council estate in Peckham, south London, in November 2000. The Trust created the awards, in consultation with other youth organisations and partners, as a way of celebrating all that is good about young people of London, as opposed to focusing on the negative headline hogging stories, and instead show there are plenty of champions working hard in their local communities.
Damilola's father, Richard said: "18 months of hard work to bring the Spirit of London Awards to life paid off with the wonderful event that lit up the lives of so many fantastic young people. I can't thank the performers enough for their wonderful input and support in making the night such a fitting spectacle and I hope that the highlights show can bring joy to all that tune in to watch it on the aptly named Community Channel."
"The long-term objective is for the awards to become a standard that all young people will aspire to be involved with and gain recognition through," said Gary Trowsdale, Managing Director of the Damilola Taylor Trust. "The awards are therefore intended to deliver exactly what it says on the tin — The Spirit of London, encapsulated in its finest young people."
November 2009
Sky Managing Director joins Media Trust Board
Sophie Turner Laing, Managing Director of Entertainment and News at Sky, has joined the Board of Trustees at communications charity, Media Trust.
Sophie is the latest addition to an impressive list of prominent people drawn from media and voluntary sectors including Dawn Airey, Chief Executive of Five, Rupert Howell, Managing Director, ITV Brand and Commercial, TV presenter Jon Snow, Director General of the BBC Mark Thompson, Martina Milburn, Chief Executive of the Prince's Trust, and Andy Duncan, previous Chief Executive of Channel 4.
Sophie has been Sky's Managing Director of Entertainment since April 2007. She has overall responsibility for Sky's entertainment and news portfolio, including Sky1, Sky2, Sky3, Sky Movies, Sky Box Office, Sky Arts, Sky Real Lives and Sky News. She also oversees the Sky Creative Agency, which looks after on-air promos and design, and Sky Network Planning.
Prior to joining Sky in 2003, Sophie was Vice-President of Broadcasting at Flextech Television for three years, before taking over as Controller of Programme Acquisition at the BBC. Sophie began her career at Henson International Television working on the Muppet Show and she then went on to co-found HIT Entertainment in 1989, a specialist distributor of children's and natural-history programming.
Sophie also sits on BAFTA's Board of Trustees, is the Chair of BAFTA's Commercial Committee, and is a Trustee of BAFTA Management Ltd. In addition to this she is Governor of the National Film & TV School as well as a Co-Opted Crew Member for Variety Club (UK).
On becoming a Trustee, Sophie said: "I'm very pleased to be joining the Board of Trustees. This is undoubtedly an exciting time for Media Trust as charities have more opportunities to create and influence content. Media Trust is in the right place to be a real catalyst for new voices and stories."
Media Trust Chief Executive Caroline Diehl said: "We are delighted that Sophie is joining Media Trust's board. Sky has been a long and loyal supporter of Media Trust, and was the founding broadcast partner for Community Channel, launching the Channel on Sky in 2000. It will be a privilege to have someone with Sophie's experience and track record in television content and broadcast channels."
Tony Ball, Chairman of Kabel Deutschland will be stepping down from the Board of Trustees this year, following 9 years on the board.
Caroline Diehl said: "Our enormous thanks go to Tony Ball, who joined Media Trust when he was Chief Executive of BSkyB, for all his guidance and support over many years."
Mediabox funded young people produce games with the help of BAFTA mentors
Last year Mediabox partnered with BAFTA, through an extensive relationship with Media Trust, to give 10 disadvantaged young people aged 13-19 the opportunity to write, direct and create their own video game, under the guidance of industry professionals. Young people were asked to write a short synopsis of their idea inspired by an issue they were passionate about. The young people were then invited to a four-day gaming workshop, where they supported by mentors to guide and advise them through the games making process. The mentors were provided by BAFTA, through Media Trust’s Youth Mentoring Scheme.
Krishnendu Majumdar, Chair of BAFTA’s Learning and Events Committee, said; "BAFTA is thrilled to have worked with Mediabox on this fantastic project, and we are delighted to have been able to offer the young people unprecedented access to video games professionals, who we hope have inspired them through their skills-based support. The final games illustrate the talents, hard work and dedication of the young people involved.”
Watch some video walk throughs of the games on the Mediabox website.
Win My Vote Screening
The Times partnered with Mediabox and Media Trust’s Community Channel in 2009 to take V.Go, a 21 year old from a deprived area of Bristol, to the political party conferences.
He was given unprecedented access to the political arena and interviewed the Prime Minister, David Cameron, Nick Clegg, Peter Mandelson and Boris Johnson, amongst many other leading figures. The Times followed him in a series of features and Media Trust documented his journey, was broadcast on Community Channel.
V.Go is one of over 12,000 young people who have benefited from Mediabox, which gives disadvantaged young people a voice.
James Harding hosted a special screening to thank all of those involved and to celebrate V.Go's achievements.
James Harding, Editor of The Times, said, "The Times is thrilled to have worked with Mediabox and the Community Channel on this fantastic project which gives talented young people unprecedented access to the political stage and our political leaders. Watching V.Go in action has been a real privilege. He interviewed, Peter Mandelson and Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Boris Johnson and I have been very impressed with his interviewing technique and direct questioning. He had clearly researched ahead of his interviews and this allowed him to get some very interesting information and great quotes from each of them. V.Go demonstrated many of the essential qualities of a good reporter."
V.Go said, "It’s hard to describe what I have been a part of and achieved, its been a real eye opener. Something special has happened and I think that it's amazing that someone from my background has been allowed to do something like this. This is history in the making for me. I have so many hopes now and it has made me want to make the most of every opportunity that comes my way. I wouldn’t have thought I had the necessary qualities to be a politician before this experience, I thought you had to come from a certain background. Now I think if you believe in yourself, you can become whatever you want. I am grateful to The Times, Mediabox and Community Channel for giving me this opportunity, it's a journey I'll never forget."
October 2009
Media Trust were delighted to announce their partnership with the 10:10 campaign to help raise awareness of climate change, promote sustainable living and encourage everyone, from individuals to global corporations, to cut their carbon emissions by 10% during 2010.
As part of this initiative we dedicated Community Channel’s programming schedule to environmental content during December 2009. We also provided a range of information and guidance aimed to promote sustainable living and encourage positive action to combat climate change as individuals and organisations by signing up to the 10:10 initiative.
Find out more about the Community Channel's environmental campaign and how you can get involved with 10:10 too.
Learning Revolution
In October 2009 we ran free training events as part of the Learning Revolution Festival, a month-long festival of informal adult learning, supported by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills.
The Festival celebrated everything that is good about learning for its own sake and raised awareness of the benefits that informal learning brings fro individuals, families, businesses and communities.
The Media Trust provided taster sessions for people from local communities, campaigners, community organisations and groups to learn new skills that make immediate and long-lasting valuable changes to their work, to get their voices heard.
We had a great selection of events to choose from, from full-day workshops teaching video-making and podcasting to document and promote community work, to a fast-paced full-day seminar helping community groups promote themselves cost-effectively online and through the media.
We also speedmatched community groups with media professionals looking to volunteer their time and knowledge, and ran events developing community reporting and citizen journalism skills…
September 2009
Marketing Needs research report
We were delighted to launch a significant piece of research in September 2009 - Marketing and communication needs of charities - commissioned by us as part of the 'Marketing and Communcations' work-stream of Capacitybuilders Improving Support Services.
It provides a unique insight into the capacity and capability for marketing and communications amongst front line and support organisations of all sizes and sectors across England.
We hope that it empowers you, like us, to push these fundamental skills to the top of the third sector agenda and improve support given on the ground to charities in finding their voice and making it heard.
Download the full report here (3.68kB, PDF)
Mediabox beneficiaries report for The Times
Two Mediabox beneficiaries, young reporters V.Go and Candice from Bristol, travelled to party conferences last year, reporting exclusively for The Times and Community Channel.
V.Go and Candice, who will be able to vote for the first time in the next general election, were given the unique opportunity to get face-to-face with decision makers, enabling them to find out why their vote is so important and how politics relates to them. Candice grilled Nick Clegg at the recent Liberal Democrat's conference, asking him about issues that matter to her, including fair trade and education.
V.Go and Candice were selected for the task from the thousands of young people that Mediabox has helped since its launch in 2006. Mediabox is a fund that offers young people the chance to create their own media projects and get their voices heard, It is a DCSF fund.
You can watch VGo and Candice’s journey to the conferences in 'Win My Vote' on the Community Channel website.
Photo: Paul Rodgers for The Times
New Reporting Human Rights guide
Media Trust has launched Reporting Human Rights - a guide for journalists, supported by the Society of Editors, on how to report human rights effectively.
The guide includes practical information on the facts such as what rights are protected under the Human Rights Act and ten key things about human rights, and includes quotes and opinions from leading journalists and human rights organisations. Download the PDF report, and also our Reporting Poverty and Reporting Diversity reports.
"At last, a guide to the Human Rights Act that is both accessible and plain-speaking. It would be hard to exaggerate the depth of the media’s ignorance over just about everything to do with the Act. Through the use of headings, subheadings and a comprehensive contents section - is to use this guide as a ready reference resource." Jon Snow - Journalist and Channel 4 News broadcaster
BAFTA partnership with Youth Mentoring scheme
Media Trust's Youth Mentoring scheme continues to go from strength to strength and has reached more than 1,000 young people to date. In June 2008 we extended our scheme further by partnering with BAFTA to pilot its own Youth Mentoring programme in London. BAFTA members were invited to share their expert knowledge with young people working on a variety of media projects. Since the pilot launched, 29 BAFTA members have signed up to provide skills-based support to youth organisations across the capital. BAFTA members supported young people in getting their voices heard through some fabulous dramas, documentaries and campaigning films.
In September 2009, BAFTA held a glittering showcase at its London headquarters to celebrate the achievements of the young people who took part. Krish Majumdar, Chair of BAFTA's Learning and Events Committee, and Caroline Diehl, Chief Executive of Media Trust, introduced proceedings to a packed audience. Young people joined their mentors at the event to see their films on the big screen and to discuss their experiences in creating them.
The programme has been a great success so far and we're now working with BAFTA to look at involving its members nationwide. See the BAFTA website for more information, pictures of the event and a film about the scheme.
Improving Support website launched
The new support resource for third sector organisation, Improving Support, has launched. The website is a comprehensive source of practical information and a community where advice, information and ideas can be shared.
Media Trust provides the Marketing and Communications stream of information on Improving Support, as well as the full Marketing Support section on this website, to help you improve your organisation's marketing with lots of useful advice and pointers.
August 2009
Marketing Support events underway
Media Trust have designed a full schedule of tailored, subsidised marketing and PR training events across the country. Numerous events have already taken place and the feedback so far has been fantastic.
Led by communications consultant Caroline Black MCIPR, the ‘Planning your PR activities’ courses examines many areas from pulling your PR strategy together step-by-step, setting your objectives, using PR as a communication tool, targeting your audiences and exercises to put what you learn into practice.
“An excellent interactive course that gave me lots to think about and take away.” Voluntary Organisations Development Agency (VODA) North East
“Pitched at the right level and quality delivery - full of tips, tools and practical advice.” Education Business Connections LTD, North East
“Very useful - I can apply a lot of this to my role.” National Energy Action (NEA)
The ‘Planning your marketing activities’ sessions take a closer look at the marketing mix, tools and techniques to perfect your organisation’s approach to marketing, analysis and how to achieve the goals that are set.
“Excellent day, just what I needed, thank you for all efforts!” Suffolk Local Infrastructure Partnership
The schedule continued until March 2010. See the Marketing Support section for more information.
Future Jobs Fund opportunities
Media Trust is looking to develop a new opportunity in partnership with The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) that will provide additional media and communications support for third sector organisations.
Through Future Jobs Fund we aim to provide funded media, communications and digital media related jobs for long-term unemployed young people to help resource third sector organisations across England. We’re aiming to provide a support fee of £1,500 per young person to contribute towards the organisation's overhead costs, alongside mentoring, training and guidance for the young people.
If you’d like valuable additional marketing and communications resource in your organisation, please head here for more details and to express your interest.
Volunteer Films funding available
Telling your story and that of the communities you work with through a film is one of the most powerful ways to get your message across.
Our Volunteer Films scheme supports 25 small charities that would benefit from the production of a short film about their organisation's work.
The deadline for the second phase of Series five applications has now passed.
The films are made specifically for each charity by professional filmmakers and production teams who volunteer their time and expertise. Find out more about this scheme.
July 2009
Marketing Support events announced
Media Trust recently launched the Marketing Support section of the website, a new resource with lots of useful information and advice helping to make sense of the complicated topic that is marketing.
In addition, there is a full schedule of training around Planning your Marketing activities and Planning your PR activities, across England. Find out where the nearest Marketing Support/NSS events are taking place or speak to Helena Malcolm at Media Trust to find out more - 020 7217 3774 / helenam@mediatrust.org - or book the events online.
These events are part of the improving support of the National Support Services (NSS) programme funded by Capacitybuilders. Media Trust is a lead agency of the marketing and communications workstream. For more information on these courses or NSS, please contact us on 020 7217 3772, email supportproviders@mediatrust.org or visit the Marketing Support section of the website or the Improving Support website.
Meet The Future month
July saw the launch of 'Meet the Future' month, dedicating an entire month of programming to celebrate the creativity of young people up and down the country.
A special month of programming on Community Channel showcased documentaries, music videos and dramas made by talented teenagers, after a call-to-action was put out encouraging content submission.
‘Meet the Future’ month also tied in with SHINE week, which ran from 6 – 10 July.
June 2009
Deafblind Awareness Week
From 22 - 28 June 2009, Sense supported the international awareness week for the deafblind. During Deafblind Awareness Week, the focus was to give people an understanding of the deafblindness whilst also helping the deafblind.
Find out more about the Sense events which marked this week and experience the all-new interactive sensehub. There's information on how organisations got involved, including the 5km run in Leeds.
In addition, to give those affected a voice, Sense produced some short films to tell the story of five deafblind people. You can watch the inspiring deafblind videos here.
Jon Snow talks volunteering and charities
Media Trust's deputy chairman Jon Snow has spoken to Third Sector about how getting skilled volunteers can help organisations in the trying economic climate.
In addition to Media Trust, Jon is involved with a number of other charities and at the Charity Trustee Networks annual lecture in London, he recommended hiring volunteers for their specific professional knowledge and expertise as a way of getting them interested in helping out a charity.
Speaking about an architect who has helped with the New Horizon Youth Centre that Jon works with, he said, "He didn't know he was a volunteer, but he comes in for about four minutes once a fortnight and it is like gold dust to us. Most people don't want to volunteer for charities because they think they would only look after old or unemployed people."
He also stressed the importance of having a strong web presence to get charities noticed. Read the full article on the Third Sector website.
Digital Mentors programme renamed Community Voices
Here’s a quick update on the progress of the digital programme so far. The big news is the launch of a new programme with a new name: Community Voices.
The reason for the name change lay in the approach to this project: empowering communities to get their voices heard - and this name sums it up well.
We conducted research into the kind of communities and projects that will be prioritised, and this provided us with a guide to help us begin appointing projects. It's not too late to register your interest - as a media volunteer or a pilot project - head to the Community Voices section to send us your details.
Speakers confirmed for ...Celebrity Support event
Media Trust's 'Attract and keep celebrity support' training seminar was on Thursday 11 June and we had a stellar panel of speakers to impart their knowledge on all things celebrity.
Chairing proceedings was Julian Beynon who is Breast Cancer Campaign's Celebrity Development Manager. He was joined by broadcaster, writer and celebrity speaker Edwina Currie Jones, Heat Magazine's Assistant Features Editor Kay Ribeiro, GMTV producer Michelle de Leon, Red Cross's PR Manager David Piner and Wendy Bailey, celebrity agent, publicist and media professional.
The panel covered a variety of celebrity-related topics including finding the right celebrity for your charity, what motivates celebrities to get involved with causes, how their support could help you and how to maximise your publicity with the help of a celebrity affiliation.
More on the Media Trust event with Google
With belts tightening in tough times and more than 70% of the UK population being online, it’s vital that third sector organisations have a strong presence in the digital space. With 30% of the public’s leisure time spent online in 2008, it’s time to make the most of what the web has to offer.
Using the free tools and technologies available, organisations can increase site traffic and boost campaign donations. And by focusing on getting the basics right, organisations can ensure they are found and heard online.
Following the Online & Inspired event, Media Trust teamed up with Google again for the Online Insight & Intelligence event. As Google are the leaders in this field, the aim was to equip organisations with the knowledge and tools to gain the online edge.
Taking place on Thursday 4 June 2009 in front of an invited audience, speakers shared their expert advice and key tips for developing websites that work and fundraising online.
May 2009
The Guardian Charity Awards 2009 are announced
Details for the 17th annual Guardian Charity Awards were confirmed in May 2009. Sponsored by Media Trust and the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), the awards seek to recognise the important of small to medium sized charities operating in the UK.
David Brindle, Public Services Editor, The Guardian, said, “Smaller charities are often the backbone of their communities, keeping them engaged with pressing issues and acting as a vital support mechanism. The Charity Awards celebrate the achievements, resourcefulness and courage of hard working organisations that are often overlooked.”
Media Trust’s Chief Executive Caroline Diehl sat on the judging panel along with Dame Suzi Leather, the chair of the Charity Commission, David Brindle, Chief Executive of the NCVO Stuart Etherington and charity representatives.
Winners were announced at an awards ceremony in December. The winning charities received a cheque for £1,000, a new PC, a half-day consultancy support free of charge (including follow-up support for up to six months) courtesy of NCVO’s consultancy service and a tailored package of media services from Media Trust.
Media Trust team up with Google for online event
Following Media Trust's successful collaboration with Google for the Online & Inspired event, the Online Insight & Intelligence event took place on Thursday 4 June 2009 where speakers discussed how organisations can get the edge online with an invited audience.
Check out some additional details and a variety of video, podcasts and guides from the previous event on the Google Online Insight & Intelligence page in our Training section.
Branding guru confirmed for Media Trust event
Branding expert and youth culture commentator, Neil Boorman, spoke to charities at the Media Trust ‘Engaging with young people’ training event on Tuesday 9th June.
Following his success with Ctrl.Alt.Shift for Christian Aid - a user-generated, multi-platform activist magazine for disaffected young people - Neil advised charities on how they can harness the power of emotional branding to reach young people and engage them with their cause.
A well-informed expert on youth branding, Neil is the former editor-in-chief of youth magazine Sleazenation and writer of the hugely popular ‘Bonfire of the Brands’ book, which took a look at brand addiction in youth culture.
Neil shared his wealth of experience about marketing and how young people interact with media at the ‘Engaging with young people’ event. He was joined by innovations consultant Jonathan Macdonald and Red Foundation’s Jamie Thomas who chaired the session.
Baroness Andrews' Digital Mentors announcement
Here is an extract from Baroness Andrews talking about the launch of Digital Mentors at the NDI09 conference:
"I am really pleased to be able to formally announce a little more detail on a new Digital Mentors programme, a two-year nationwide programme in England jointly funded by my Department (CLG) and the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS).
We will be working with Media Trust to engage, equip and skill up those citizens who feel unheard or voiceless with the digital tools to express and exchange views on issues of relevance to them and to increase individual and community empowerment.
The scheme will provide funding for 26 grassroots groups throughout England from July 2009. It will also provide a further 40 grants to communities and individuals to work on specific digital media projects and provide comprehensive tools and resources for communities and community organisations of all sizes to increase engagement through digital media.
It is an exciting initiative that I would urge you to get involved with."
To learn more about the programme, head to the Digital Mentors section and you can read Baroness Andrews' speech on digital inclusion in its entirety.
Volunteers' Week celebrates 25 years
Last year's annual Volunteers' Week marks 25 years of celebrating the hard work of volunteers. Running from 1-7 June, the event recognised the time and commitment of 22 million people across the UK who give up their time to help others.
Throughout Volunteers' Week, there were events to acknowledge the efforts of volunteers, plus opportunities for those who give up their time to share their stories. To find out more, see the Volunteers' Week website.
CLG Minister talks about digital inclusion
Communities & Local Government Minister Baroness Andrews gave a speech at the National Digital Inclusion 09 conference. Here she discussed the challenges of digital inclusion, why it is so important, social exclusion and good practice when it comes to developing digital initiatives.
In addition, she announced full details of the Digital Mentors programme and how the Media Trust/CLG initiative aims to help empower communities. Baroness Andrews' speech is now available to watch online, along with numerous other keynote speakers from NDI09.
To watch these, head to the NDI09 speeches' archive and scroll down to view Baroness Andrews' speech.
April 2009
New Digital Mentors programme
Digital Mentors aims to inspire, engage and support disadvantaged and isolated communities across England to get their voices heard through digital media.
Led by Media Trust, and running until March 2011, Digital Mentors will provide funding for 26 grassroots groups, alongside one major new initiative and a further 40 small grants for specific digital projects. Digital Mentors will also provide comprehensive tools and resources for communities and community organisations of all sizes to increase engagement through digital media.
Digital Communities is funded by the Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) and the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS).
Digital Inclusion Conference 2009: Cross-government team to meet challenge of digital inclusion
Ministers from across Government gathered on 27 April 2009 for the national Digital Inclusion Conference 2009, to meet the challenge of digital inclusion head on.
The recent budget announced more money for broadband penetration and digital take-up as two key building blocks to take Britain out of recession. Ministers met with delegates from across the public, private and third sectors to discuss how their departments – and Government as a whole – intend to make Britain digital, and ensure everyone gets the chance to make the most of new technologies at home, at work, at school, and in their everyday lives.
At the previous Conference Paul Murphy MP made one of his first official speeches in his new role as Minister for Digital Inclusion. Since then this emerging policy area has changed significantly, alongside the technological, environmental and political landscape.
Paul Murphy explains: “Digital inclusion is now more than ever an economic imperative, and a key driver of 21st Century social justice. It has an important role to play in propelling businesses big and small through the slump, in creating a competitive economy for the future, in helping workers work, communities flourish and families thrive. Digital inclusion is about employment, about enabling enterprise, about education, culture, social policy and even health. It cuts across sectors, across government departments, and across politics.
“The Cabinet Committee on Digital Inclusion, which I chair, has been meeting regularly to help us formulate and plan joint action on this issue, and I’m delighted so many of my Ministerial colleagues will be part of this very important Conference. There have been some key developments since last year, both including and rounded up in our Delivering Digital Inclusion, an Action Plan for Consultation document. We had an enormous response to this thinking, and the results of the consultation are being published today. Notably, there was great support for the idea of an independent ‘Champion’ for Digital Inclusion, and while I can’t yet reveal who that will be, I look forward to doing so very shortly. This person, alongside a taskforce of experts, will help us across government and across sectors drive awareness of this issue, build a charter of actions, and rise to meet the challenge that digital inclusion now presents. We have to work together to make things happen and happen quickly, because as a nation we simply can’t afford to leave anyone on the wrong side of the digital divide.”
That notion was seconded by Lord Carter, whose Digital Britain interim report set out the Government’s vision of an economy and society where everyone has the opportunity to benefit from the opportunities of the digital age and no one is left behind. Speaking on the same platform for the first time, Lord Carter said: “For a truly digital Britain we need high-quality, wide-reaching networks; high-quality digital services and creative content; universal availability, and a population equipped with the skills and tools that enable them to make the most of the content and services available.
He added: “It’s vital we ensure that those who are currently digitally excluded do not become the new socially excluded. Which is why last week, the Budget confirmed our commitment to deliver a universal broadband service of 2Mbps to communities and businesses right across the UK. And this universality will be backed-up with support to improve citizens’ basic digital skills and promote take-up, to ensure that broadband adoption continues to grow along with the opportunities it offers.”
Digital inclusion is now very much a cross-government issue, and Communities and Local Government Minister Baroness Andrews spoke on the second day of the Conference. She spoke about how digital inclusion is being addressed at a local level, and announced details on the new Digital Mentors project.
Speaking ahead of the conference Baroness Andrews said: “Digital inclusion effects real people in real places, and often the only way to reach and engage the truly excluded is through local action, in local communities. This will be incredibly important as Government seeks to tackle this issue holistically, and at CLG we have already made considerable progress. We have developed of a number of delivery tools and initiatives that are already live and being put to good effect, and we continue to build on that work in order to better understand what we’re dealing with, better engage citizens, and make sure they have best digital tools and skills to work, socialise, discover and create.
“I’m particularly excited about the new two year Digital Mentors scheme I’ll be talking about in more detail tomorrow. This two year programme will focus on giving people a voice through new technologies, encouraging them to exchange views, express themselves, and engage with their communities. I’ve seen with my own eyes that this really works. And when it does so, it changes lives. That’s what I - and my colleagues across Government - want to ensure we see more of.”
The National Digital Inclusion Conference 2009 is a Civic Agenda Conference in association with UK online centres, DC10 Plus, supported by Communities and Local Government, NHS Choices, Regenerateit, Yorkshire Forward, Intel, Ofcom, BT, Directgov, and Simply Digital.
Other Ministerial speakers included Schools Minister Jim Knight who gave an update on Home Access, Skills Minister Sion Simon discussed the Learning Revolution White Paper and Lord Bach from the Ministry of Justice discussed technology and the democratic process.
More information – including a full programme - can be found on the official site; and plenary speeches were broadcast live at live.nationadigitalinclusionconference.co.uk.
March 2009
Media Trust has been awarded Digital Mentors contract
We are delighted to confirm that Media Trust has been awarded the contract to deliver Digital Mentors on behalf of the Department of Communities and Local Government (CLG). We will be formally launching details of the proposal with CLG shortly, however we are keen to hear from anyone who is interested in working with us. If you'd like to get involved, please email felicityl@mediatrust.org marking the subject of the email Digital Mentors and we'll keep you in touch with the progress!
Engaging ‘Hard-to-Reach’ Communities – One Day Conference led by Government, Third Sector, Media and Communications Professionals
Media Trust’s 2009 Spring Conference opened with a keynote speech by Kevin Brennan MP, Minister for Third Sector, as charities, public sector and corporate professionals gather to explore and share best practice around the issue of engaging ‘hard to reach’ communities and minority audiences.
Joining the Minister will be Lord Herman Ouseley, Jonathan MacDonald, Ogilvy, One Worldwide and Caroline Diehl MBE, Chief Executive, Media Trust, who delivered keynote speeches on the topic and challenge some of the traditional thinking on this subject.
Chaired by BBC Breakfast’s Susanna Reid, the conference provided practical information and explored a range of communication strategies, tools and best practices that can help charities, public sector and corporate organisations looking to reach specific communities or under represented audiences.
Delegates also had the opportunity to take part in workshops led by community, government and media professionals, who explored best practice and guidance around topics including Digital Divide - What is the impact of digital media engagement with people in ‘hard to reach’ communities.
The conference featured a panel debate examining the notion of ‘There’s no such thing as a ‘hard-to-reach’ community’ and questioning the tactics and thinking behind this concept.
Chaired by Esther Rantzen CBE, the panel comprised of Peter Picton, Editor The Sun Online, Sandra Kerr, National Director of the Race for Opportunity Campaign, Business in the Community, James Bevan, Fairbridge and Patricia Macauley, Head of Cultural Diversity and COI.
Gavin Sheppard, Development Director, Media Trust, commented: "Against the current economic downturn, with tighter resources and a higher demand for services, there is enormous pressure on organisations across all sectors, to effectively target and reach certain priority groups.
"Media Trust’s conference will hear from a diverse range of organisations from The Co-operative Group, to Mencap, Scope and Learning and Skills Council, who have all employed a range of tactics and strategies to reach certain minority groups.
"The panel debate will take the very concept of ‘hard-to-reach’ and question whether this terminology is a valid or useful way of targeting and reaching certain communities or just the jargon of communication professionals."
Note to editors
Media Trust works in partnership with the media industry to build effective communications for the charity and voluntary sectors. It does this through media training seminars and workshops, film and TV production (Media Trust Productions), broadcasting (Community Channel), news distribution (Community Newswire), Media Matching and campaigns. Media Trust corporate members are BBC, BSkyB, Channel 4, Daily Mail and General Trust, Discovery Networks Europe, Disney Channel UK, Emap plc, Guardian Media Group, IPC Media, ITV, MTV Networks UK & Ireland, News International, Newsquest Media Group, OMD, Turner Broadcasting, Warner Bros, WPP Group.
About Engaging ‘Hard-to-Reach’ Communities
The conference is funded by the Office of the Third Sector (OTS). As part of the Cabinet Office, the OTS leads work across government to support the environment for a thriving third sector. The conference marks the end of the OTS Volunteering for All programme, which is focused on increasing volunteering amongst those at risk of social exclusion.
February 2009
Media Trust, Society of Editors and Joseph Rowntree Foundation partnership: Reporting Poverty in the UK tailored events
Media Trust's Bespoke training team
has successfully delivered strategic events in the nations to launch the Joseph Rowntree Foundation's (JRF) Reporting poverty in the UK practical guide for journalists.
Download Reporting poverty in the UK,
A practical guide for journalists.(PDF, 2.7Mb)
The Bespoke training team, who deliver tailored events and workshops to meet the needs of individuals and organisation, used their extensive contacts to bring together influential figures across the press, film, community media, academia, local government and the third sector.
Some prominent figures who were involved included Mark Easton (BBC Home Editor), Martin Wainwright (Guardian), and Liz Barclay (BBC Radio 4), William Crawley (BBC Northern Ireland) and Ruth Sully (BBC Cymru).
Liz Barclay, BBC Radio 4 who chaired the London launch said: "I know it probably sounds like a strange thing to say about an event at which we are discussing poverty but it really was an extremely exciting meeting. I think that was because we had a lot of people who were extremely committed to the whole issue of poverty from the media and from the third sector."
Third sector representatives who attended these events commented on the valuable opportunity to discuss their work and ideas with journalists and broadcasters directly. Each event featured working group sessions for the delegates which uncovered areas in which charities need help to improve their communications and raise awareness.
Lydia Frempong, Media Trust Business Development Manager who heads the Bespoke training services said: “Organising the Reporting Poverty events has been really exciting opportunity for Media Trust. It was a worthwhile event for the charities we work to help and an excellent chance for journalists and broadcasters to gain a better understanding of the third sector and how they can work better together to report important subjects such as poverty in the UK.
Frempong continues: "Facilitating the working groups has really highlighted the communication needs of the third sector for us. Many people who attended the events have since completed our training seminars and workshops to assist them in areas including New Media, press release writing and Media Interview Training.”
Teresa Hanley, Manager of Public Interest in Poverty Issues for Joseph Rowntree Foundation praised Media Trust and said: “The team has been a pleasure to work with and met the needs of the events. Lydia's good leadership and cheerful can-do attitude was outstanding."
For further information contact the Bespoke training team by phone 0207 217 3776 or email tailoredtraining@mediatrust.org.
January 2009
Mediabox, The Daily Mirror and Bebo's film competition workshops on 24th January
workshop where they were mentored by top media experts on Saturday 24th January 2009.
The 10 successful entrants to the YourFilm09 competition (that closed on 5th January) also received grants to create their films. When finished, their work will be showcased on Charge on Community Channel, Mirror.co.uk and social networking site Bebo.
The Choice FM presenter, actor and Mediabox ambassador Richard Blackwood said: "This competition gives young people the chance to work with media experts; people who have been in the industry, know the pitfalls and are best placed to give guidance and encouragement. The media industry can be a complicated place at times, YourFilm09 gives young people rare access, advice and insight into how to make media work for you."
Conor Hanna, Daily Mirror deputy editor, said: "This competition represents a fantastic opportunity for young, undiscovered and talented filmmakers to come to the fore and fulfill their potential."
More information can be found at www.mirror.co.uk/yourfilm09 and fans of Richard Blackwood can watch him in a special vodcast about the competition.
Completed films will be broadcast on Charge on Community Channel Sky 539, Virgin TV 233 and Freeview 87.
News archive - 2008
News archive - 2007
