Leeds Community Foundation and Heads Together supports next generation of broadcasters

Heads Together Productions is a community arts and broadcasting organisation at Chapel FM in East Leeds. Thanks to a Pears Youth Fund grant awarded by the foundation, the group was able to run a six-month Next Generation Broadcasting course for local young people, teaching key broadcasting skills and producing eight broadcasts on topics such as fake news, local music, and youth culture.

Here, Linda Strudwick from Heads Together Productions tells us more:

What difference has the project made? 

The young people involved are often made aware that their local area is in the bottom percentile for deprivation and poverty, so being able to explore their community through broadcasting and community journalism is a powerful tool for them to challenge stereotypes. Taking part in this course in the local community allows young people to socialise and gain a sense of pride of where they live.

Could you share a rewarding moment?

Seeing young people develop is always the most rewarding part as it reassures us that our work is valuable and has the power to change lives. This was the case with one participant in particular whose confidence has grown noticeably. She took on senior roles in the course and supported new members, sharing skills and making them feel comfortable in group situations.

The course was a defining moment for her and solidified her ambitions to study and work in radio in the future. Her achievement is especially poignant for us as she is a young carer and up to now has not developed a strong friendship group, so to see her blossom is so rewarding.

What difference has the foundation’s support made?

We were keen to apply for the foundation’s Pears Youth Fund grants after attending a briefing session in Bradford. It felt refreshing to hear first-hand from a funder that genuinely wanted to explore ways of supporting work with young people.

The support has really helped us develop activities with young people, giving them a voice in what direction the project takes. 

To find out more or donate visit www.leedscf.org.uk/the-leeds-fund