Meet our Being the Story Spokesperson Network

Over the last six months we’ve been fundraising to pilot a programme for a Spokesperson Network of people with direct experience of some of our big social issues. These people are experts by experience and their ideas and solutions can and should be helping to create change. We are now thrilled to launch our pilot programme.

Over the last six months we’ve been fundraising to pilot a programme for a Spokesperson Network of people with direct experience of some of our big social issues. These people are experts by experience and their ideas and solutions can and should be helping to create change. To date we’ve successfully crowdfunded £11,039 (minus fees) from 150 supporters and have receiving match-funding from Paul Hamlyn Foundation and Lankelly Chase Foundation. We are now thrilled to launch our pilot programme.

Our Spokesperson Network pilot is a programme of training, support, networking and speaker opportunities to diversify the voices we hear in the media, at events, in boardrooms and beyond. The network receive storytelling and media training, pastoral care and support, mentoring from award-winning media professionals and opportunities to have their voices heard in the media, at events and on platforms where they can influence change around the issue they seek to address.

21 experts by experience will be part of our pilot network, and we’ll be working with them to amplify their voices.

Meet our first cohort of changemakers:

Amanda Hailes, Anne-Marie Douglas,
Barbara Burton,
Bryony Albery,
Clare Patey, Darren Murinas,
Lady Unchained,
Marissa Begonia,
Ric Flo, Simeon Moore,
Steve Arnott Aka Redeye Feenix,
Sue James, Tracey Ford,
Travon Steadman,
Caroline Kennedy, Dom Raban,
Marina Cantacuzino, Nick O’Shea,
Onjali Q. Raúf, Lorraine Jones,
Emma Lawton.

Meet our mentors:

Aimee Meade Communities Editor, Metro.co.uk
Anna Hall Creative Director, True Vision Yorkshire
Mike Lewis Nine Lives Media
Emma Wakefield Managing Director, Lambent Productions
Adam Gee Commissioning Editor, Red Bull Media House
Zakia Sewell Broadcaster and DJ, NTS
Giles Edwards Producer, BBC Radio
Jamie, Ed and Kate Postcode Films

With more to announce

Last week we kicked off the programme with our first practical workshop looking at the six months ahead, social media skills, digital leadership and engaging with the media. We were also joined by Guardian Society editor Clare Horton and Channel 4 News Home Affairs Producer Maaiysa Valli to talk about how we can build relationships with the media.

The ideas we heard around the room have made us excited for the coming months, and we can’t wait for you all to hear what our spokespeople have to share. If you want to find out any more about anyone in our network, or get involved as a mentor, funder or supporter then get in touch.

We are keeping the crowdfunder open throughout the pilot so if you want to support the ambition of the programme we’d really appreciate it.

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