Back for its second full year, our Spokesperson Network training programme aims to diversify the voices we hear in the media and make it more representative of the society we live in. Together with members of our 2021 cohort, we recruited and launched our 2022 programme supporting a new cohort of 13 spokespeople, whilst continuing to support our alumni from the pilot and first year.
Our programme of practical workshops, media matches, speaking and media opportunities and one-to-one support gave the network the skills and confidence to share their experience, have their expertise heard more widely and ultimately drive change. Here’s a snapshot of what they’ve been up to in 2022:
They took part in a three day summer residential alongside participating in workshops in social media, blogging, vlogging, public speaking, media training, campaigning and funding.
Radio Features on BBC Radio Three Counties by Marie, BBC Radio Leeds by Debs, BBC West Midlands by Beth and Sam, BBC Radio Four’s Woman’s Hour by Brenda, Chloe Juliette and Anna Wardley both gave Four Thought talks on BBC Radio Four. Anna’s was Featured on Radio 4’s programme Pick of the Week, BBC Radio London by Alan. BBC Radio Five Live by Brenda.
Rachael appeared on BBC Look North and BBC West Midlands. Craig appeared on Channel 4’s Steph’s Packed Lunch.
Articles in the Guardian by Jan and Lady Unchained,
The I News by Rosie,
The Metro by Debs, Zain, Steve, Rachael and Sam
Yorkshire Post by Debs
Buck Free Press by Marie
Islington Tribune by Lady Unchained,
BBC News by Sam, Rachael and Craig.
Comment in the NY Times by Jan and Cosmopolitan by Maggie.
Pieces in Children and Young People Now by Emma, Sharon, Chloe Juliette, Ric and Anna.
A piece by Jamie in Drink and Drug News.
Some featured in this image carousel:
There were 20 incredible blogs and 20 vlogs with thousands of views created by our network.
Lady Unchained and Amanda spokes at a Tortoise ThinkIn on Women in Prison, and Eliza spoke at a Tortoise Slow News Cafe.
Debs spoke in parliament at the APPG Arts, Wellbeing & Health ‘ Creative Health Launch
Collaborations between Eliza Rebeiro and Simeon Moore on national knife crime prevention resources
Lady Unchained’s debut book was published ‘Behind Bars’ and we held a special learning lunch Q&A to celebrate
Steve won a Yorkshire Prestige Award
Lady Unchained won Best Documentary at the BUFF Film Awards
Anna won a Churchill Fellowship Award
Rachael won disability specialist of the year at the RIDI Award
Maggie won a Marsh Award.
We’re excited to be recruiting a new cohort in February 2023. whilst continuing to support our existing network. Meet all of the network here.
“I have absolutely loved being part of this programme – the training, the solidarity, the motivation, the accountability and, more than anything, knowing that you’ve got my back. It’s like I’ve finally got the permission, the tools and the allies to be able to do this important work.” Anna Wardley, Luna Foundation