Stronger Voices
Empowering UK equality organisations to amplify their voice and make change.
Free communications training for UK equality organisations who want to amplify their voice and make positive change.
What is Stronger Voices?
Stronger Voices is a transformative, free six-month strategic communications training programme specifically designed for London-based third-sector organisations whose primary focus is on equalities issues.
We are looking for 20 London-based equalities organisations to take part in Stronger Voices from October 2026 – April 2027.
Across the UK, divisive far-right narratives have moved into the mainstream, shaping public debate and influencing policy decisions in ways that deepen inequality. This programme will equip equalities organisations like yours with skills, knowledge and confidence. You’ll harness your communications to speak truth to power, offer hopeful, values-led alternatives, and drive meaningful social change.
Apply nowThe programme is brilliant. I genuinely feel like I've gained so much learning from being a part of it. Top quality learning. I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to grow in ways I wasn't aware I needed to grow.
Cheryl Ndione, Purple Moon Drama CIO
How does the programme run?
The programme is delivered through a hybrid model, with sessions taking place online via Zoom and in person in London.
We’ll cover the key principles of strategic communications, helping you understand the vital role communications play in driving progressive social change and how change happens.
You’ll explore:
- Practical approaches to creating strong communications
- Keeping your values at the heart of everything you do
- How to secure and navigate media opportunities
- Making strategic communications decisions
- How to communicate your organisation’s key messages with confidence
Now in its ninth year, Stronger Voices is funded by City Bridge Foundation and has a proven track record of working closely with the equalities sector to develop the programme. We partner with an advisory group of equalities experts, campaigners, and media organisations to ensure this programme is relevant and tailored to your needs.
What does the programme cover?
The programme is split into the following four core strands:
Strategic communications
Delve into the world of strategic communications with workshops on topics like:
- Building on the foundations
- Mastering values-led communications
- How to frame your messages
- A guide to digital communications strategies
Media engagement
Learn how to get the most out of media opportunities with workshops on:
- Understanding and engaging with the media.
- Practical media interview training.
- How to write the perfect pitch.
Putting learning into practice
Consolidate your newfound knowledge and skills at our:
- Live speed pitching with journalists event.
- Annual challenge day event with expert media industry volunteers.
Peer learning and collaboration
Collaborate directly with community and third sector peers by:
- Attending in person peer networking sessions to build connections and recap programme learnings in a collaborative space.
- Connecting with a network of passionate communications professionals working to address inequality.
- Exploring opportunities for joined up messaging and collaborative campaign strategies.
Working in a small charity I think it's common to feel alone in your struggles as you're often the only person working on communications, so meeting other people doing the same work and struggling with similar issues made me feel far less alone and more supported.
Pati Piotrowska, High Trees
Is Stronger Voices is right for me?
If you’re an organisation advocating for systemic change and addressing structural inequality in London, this programme is for you. We will equip you with the tools and techniques to confidently tell compelling stories that shift mindsets, garner public support and inspire hope.
What’s the time commitment?
We understand that your time is precious and resources are limited, which is why this intensive six-month course is completely free. We require one lead contact who attends the entire programme; however, the programme is designed to be flexible, allowing different individuals from your organisation to attend sessions along with you.
The programme will require a time commitment of up to 12 hours per month. The number of hours you commit will fluctuate across the programme based on what activity is taking place. This includes workshops, networking sessions, framing surgeries, and preparation time outside of sessions for drafting a pitch and a challenge brief.
Taking time away from distractions to focus on comms with such supportive expertise has been invaluable. Building networks between other attendees was incredibly helpful, and learning from their questions and experiences shared during the programme. It's been a supportive and empowering experience.
Victoria Kent, Ability Bow
How can I apply?
Please apply via our online application form. Applications close at 11.59pm on Tuesday 15 September 2026.
To apply to the programme as the lead applicant, you must be responsible for the day-to-day communications at your organisation, even if you have other non-communications-related responsibilities.
At Media Trust, we strive to ensure that everyone can access our programmes. If you require the application form or pack in an alternative format, or additional support, please contact Olive at olivec@mediatrust.org.
Apply nowWho can apply?
To be eligible, your organisation must meet the following essential criteria:
- Is a social justice organisation with an equalities purpose (i.e. supports beneficiaries from one or more of the nine protected characteristics detailed in the Equality Act 2010)
- Is working in one of the 33 London boroughs
- Can provide at least two years of financial records
- Is a small to medium-sized organisation with a turnover of £2 million or less.
Priority will be given to organisations that meet one or more of the desirable criteria below:
- Organisations campaigning for systemic change and/or tackling structural inequality in their work for communities in London
- Organisations that work intersectionally across multiple equality strands
- Organisations that can demonstrate they are user-led and/or meaningfully centering the voices and lived experience of the communities they support
You must meet all the essential criteria requirements to be eligible for the programme.
Meeting all the desirable criteria is not required but will give you a stronger chance of scoring highly during our shortlisting process.
The programme has increased our confidence in campaigning and storytelling, so we'll more effectively be able to raise awareness and advocate for change in how people affected by conflict are treated both in the UK and internationally.
Kayleigh Swanson, Music Action International
Find more details at our applicant pack
For more information before applying, see our applicant pack. The pack includes further information, a programme timeline and key dates about the Stronger Voices programme.
Join a Q&A event
Got questions about the programme? We’re hosting two Q&A sessions where we’ll be covering programme eligibility, content, and the application process. Sign up to one of the dates below:
The programme’s focus on fostering a supportive cohort environment, where participants could share experiences and strategies, created a collaborative learning space that extended beyond the formal sessions
Dan Lawes, My Life My Say
Key dates
- Applications open: 11 August 2026
- Applications close: 11.59pm on 15 September 2026
- Programme places offered to selected organisations: By 15 October 2026
- Programme begins: 22 October 2026
For further enquiries, please contact Olive, our Stronger Voices Senior Programme Manager, at olivec@mediatrust.org.
What impact has Stronger Voices had so far?
Former participants of the programme have experienced remarkable results, including press coverage in prestigious media outlets such as CNN, The Guardian, The Independent, Newsnight, and The Times. Completing the programme consistently leads to increased confidence, knowledge, and skills, as well as enhanced collaboration and partnerships with organisations across the sector.
Success stories
I believe the improved communications skills I have gained from the programme will help us to raise awareness of the harms being done to women and girls with multiple unmet needs.
Cynthia Otote, Agenda Alliance
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is an organisation with an intersectional equalities purpose?
An organisation with an intersectional equalities purpose is one that:
- Has the purpose of addressing and/or eradicating inequalities faced by the communities it serves. This could be an organisation with a primary focus on equality, such as an anti-racist organisation, or an organisation that works with, advocates for, and prioritises marginalised communities through its services or campaigns.
- Works across multiple equalities strands and/or supports communities from one or more of the nine protected characteristics detailed in the Equality Act 2010, such as race, gender, disability, or age. We understand that the Equality Act does not cover all possible inequalities, and there are disparities in communities that aren’t listed in the Act, such as class.
- Recognises how an individual’s multiple identities can intersect and create layers of disadvantage. The organisation should be able to demonstrate how its work encompasses and addresses this intersectionality.
What is considered a small to medium-sized organisation?
At the Media Trust, we consider the size of an organisation based on the following annual turnover:
- Micro organisation (with less than £0.5 million turnover)
- Small organisation (with £0.5 million – £1 million turnover)
- Medium organisation (with £1 million – £2 million turnover)
If you are a micro-organisation, we still encourage you to apply. However, we may ask you additional questions to demonstrate the financial health and future sustainability of your organisation.
What if my organisation's turnover is slightly higher or lower than the desired threshold?
This won’t necessarily exclude you from consideration. The application form will provide an opportunity for you to address this, and we will consider each case individually. However, please note that we cannot accept organisations that greatly exceed the £2 million turnover threshold.
Can I apply to the programme if I'm not a registered charity?
Yes. You do not have to be a registered charity to apply, and we encourage all eligible organisations to submit their applications. For example, your organisation could be a community interest company or an unincorporated association. However, we do require a minimum standard of governance to demonstrate the viability and longevity of the organisation. This may include providing two years of management accounts or, if more relevant, a constitution.
What is the difference between the essential criteria and desirable criteria for the programme?
You can apply to the programme if your organisation meets the following essential criteria:
- An organisation with an intersectional equalities purpose
- Working in one of the 33 London boroughs
- A small to medium-sized organisation with a turnover of £2 million or less
The desirable criteria are additional factors that we consider when selecting organisations for the programme. The more desirable criteria your organisation can demonstrate in the application, the higher your chances of securing a place in this year’s Stronger Voices programme.
What do you mean by structural inequality and systemic change?
By structural inequality, we refer to barriers, discrimination, and unfairness that are built into institutions and systems within society, such as housing, education, and employment. These inequalities disproportionately affect marginalised communities.
Organisations working on systemic change are more likely to create positive, long-term impact by addressing the root causes of inequality within the systems and institutions they engage with. We prioritise organisations that want to strengthen their voices to challenge harmful narratives, influence public opinion and speak truth to power.
We know systemic change takes time, is hard work, and can be done on a national, regional or hyper-local level. This can cover all types of work, from: reforming the criminal justice system, campaigning for your location authority to change or provide a service, to creating community led initiative. If you are unsure that your organisation fits these criteria, email Olive, the Stronger Voices programme manager at olivec@mediatrust.org.
What does being 'user-led' mean, and how can we demonstrate this?
Being ‘user-led’ means having the individuals or communities your organisation serves in positions of leadership, influence, and power within your organisation. For example, if you are a user-led disabled people’s organisation, the majority of your team will be composed of disabled individuals. We understand that being user-led can vary across different organisations, and the application form will provide an opportunity for you to clarify your approach. There are various ways to demonstrate being user-led, such as stating the percentage of your team composed of people from the communities your organisation aims to serve or highlighting user groups from which you draw expertise, such as youth-led advisory groups.
With thanks to our funder:
Stronger Voices is funded by the City of London Corporation’s charitable funder, City Bridge Foundation.
Our Corporate Partners
We enjoy outstanding support from the media industry. Our partners include:
