We believe in a confident social sector able to develop and amplify lived experience stories and expertise to address social inequalities.
We want to see people in positions to use their lived experience of social injustice so they can influence change on that issue.
We work towards greater representation and diversity of the voices we hear in the media and beyond.
Find out more about what we do and who we are.
Our programme creates a network of confident spokespeople, who have direct experience of social injustices. Developed collaboratively with a network of leaders with lived experience, it aims to diversify the voices we hear in the media and in rooms with policymakers and other decision makers. Through training, mentoring, peer support and speaking opportunities, we tackle the barriers that prevent these experts from engaging with the people and platforms that have the power to influence national conversations. Meet the network.
"Being involved with the Spokesperson Network is an experience I will never forget. It feels like I am part of an incredible, unique family. I have learned so much. I always come away with renewed passion, and the goal to keep going no matter how complex the issues I am trying to highlight."
Amanda Hailes
When Elsy Gomez Campos wrote a blog about racial discrimination in pharmacy in 2018, she wasn’t expecting the response. Messages flooded in from Black pharmacy professionals sharing similar experiences. Now part of our Spokesperson Leadership Programme, she shares why she founded the UK Black Pharmacists Association and her ambition to bring more people into the conversation about racial discrimination in pharmacy.
Having experienced first-hand the challenges of fleeing conflict and rebuilding a life in the UK, Said Mir Ahmad Seerat now works to support refugees and migrants in Hull. As part of our Spokesperson Leadership Programme, he shares his passion for helping others integrate and his commitment to creating positive change.
Ten years ago, Hope Lightowler was told she would never work, live independently or stay out of hospital. Today, she’s doing all three. As she joins our Spokesperson Leadership Programme, Hope reflects on the role good social care has played in her life, the barriers disabled people still face and why she’s using her voice for change.
Karina Graham speaks to The Modern Mann podcast about her experience of when her children were removed from her care and her fight with the system to get them back.
In this piece for the Daily Mirror, Dr Allan Njanji writes about Labour’s new asylum plan and the reality of what it means for people seeking asylum in the UK.
Diane Johnson speaks to BBC Look East about being nominated for a West Northants Inspirational Women Award due to her work with EnFold, a charity providing services to the autistic community in Northamptonshire.
