“
Emilia has appreciated the opportunity to be listened to on live radio thanks to Sound Voices After School Training and won't take the opportunity for granted.
Our community reporters learn to interview, record, edit and share authentic stories often missing from mainstream media. Building confidence, skills and strengthening their local communities.
Who is it for?
Community Reporters is open to young people aged 11–18 from all abilities and backgrounds, including:
- Those Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET).
- Neurodiverse learners, including autistic young people.
- Individuals with learning disabilities.
- Young people experiencing anxiety, low mood or social isolation.
- Young people from disadvantaged or challenging backgrounds.
- Those for whom English is not a first language.
What is the impact?
Participants:
- Build confidence and self-belief through storytelling.
- Develop practical skills in interviewing, recording, editing and presenting.
- Gain real communication and digital media experience.
- Find purpose, belonging and positive peer relationships.
- Improve wellbeing through being listened to and valued.
- Access progression routes into volunteering, training and employment.
Strengthens local communities by:
- Amplifying under-represented voices.
- Building empathy and understanding across ages and backgrounds.
- Reducing stigma around difference, challenge and inequality.
- Encouraging civic engagement and local pride.
- Creating shared stories that connect people and promote inclusion.
Local Media Landscape benefits by:
- More diverse and authentic storytelling.
- A new generation of trained young community reporters.
- Content that focuses on solutions, positivity and local creativity.
- Stronger partnerships between media, schools, youth groups and charities.
- Increased audience trust and engagement.
- Innovation through blending radio and digital media.
- A growing community archive preserving local identity.
What does it involve?
Typically, young people commit to attending weekly training and workshops during term time. Working with industry experienced professionals, participants will build their knowledge, creativity and confidence in these reporting, presenting and production skills:
- Research and plan stories.
- Interview local people, down the line and in the community.
- Record high-quality audio and video.
- Edit and produce digital content.
- Publish and broadcast their work on radio and online platforms.
Young reporters explore the topics and communities that inspire them, such as:
- Arts, culture and performance.
- Local music scenes.
- Sports clubs and youth activities.
- Environmental campaigns and activism.
- Local democracy and decision-makers.
- Positive intergenerational storytelling.
- Volunteering and community action.
All training takes place in a supportive, inclusive environment where creativity is encouraged, and no one is judged for trying something new.
How do we measure success?
We track impact through:
- Participant confidence and wellbeing measures.
- Skills development and digital/media competency.
- Attendance, engagement and progression into training or volunteering.
- Number and diversity of stories produced.
- Community reach through broadcasts and online platforms.
- Feedback from listeners, partners and participants.
- Evidence of increased inclusion, civic participation and local pride.
What’s next?
With stronger community ties, improved confidence, and new skills our community reporters may go on to secure volunteer or paid local reporting roles, or identify next steps into other future careers.
Some community reporters may also decide to mentor and support emerging talent.
Case Studies
“
I’m still anxious but I’ve definitely had my confidence boosted. I can even dance in front of people now and I talk to more people.
“
I love coming to these sessions where I can just talk about stuff. I love listening to podcasts, it is not something I would usually do.
/ 3
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