2019-2022

Headliners (UK) delivered the #UnfilteredProject across East London. The project was funded by the Young Londoners Fund and aims to facilitate safe spaces for young people to discuss and investigate issues most affecting them.

The three year #UnfilteredProject worked with young people who are most affected by the issues they explore and gives them a voice on the changes that need to be made in society. The project aims to give them to the tools to make a difference in their local communities whilst introducing them to exciting, cultural and thought provoking spaces. 

The beginning of the project concentrated on creating a safe space for young people to discuss openly and honestly as well as introducing them to photography, journalistic interviewing & podcast recording.

Through the project the young people in each project produce an array of work from photography exhibitions, short documentaries and written articles. Each story is produced through a series of unfiltered conversations around lots of different issues with young people having a space to challenge their peers and wider society in a positive environment. These group discussions are a complete free space for young people to build bonds with their peers and have a greater understanding on not being alone in the barriers they face.

In the middle and end of the project we encourage young people to join us on industry trips to places including the BBC & The Migration Museum, engaging in masterclasses from industry professionals to community leaders. This aims to break down some of the barriers young people have accessing these spaces and introduces the range of opportunities available in London.

Alongside these two strands of work we run mentoring sessions. These mentoring sessions are a mix of group and 1-to-1 workshops exploring goal setting for the future, how to work with anger and healthy relationships among other things.

Each group has the opportunity to learn digital media and communication skills that builds confidence and self-esteem. All the young people gain lifelong transferable skills such as critical thinking, storytelling and self -advocacy skills that are backed up by accreditation. This gives them the confidence to make positive choices and raises aspirations.

What do we offer?

Free three-month long journalism projects in schools, alternative provisions and community settings with young people who are at risk or have been removed from mainstream education as well as those with special educational needs. *N.B. during lockdown these are ongoing but in an online environment.*

Mentoring and pastoral support for every young person on our projects both during and throughout their next steps.

Employability support to help identify career aspirations, create flexible learning pathways which reflect young people’s needs and goals, including OCN London Accreditation.

Funded trips out into the community and across London.

How does it work?

Workshops are run weekly over a 3-month period for 2-3 hrs at a time and hosted in your provision (school, youth setting etc).

All workshops are hands on, flexible and youth led. We ensure all workshops are as accessible as they can be and support the individual young people we work with.

All of the young people taking part in the #UnfilteredProject are invited to join our London based Headliners Young Reporters Clubs and continue their skill building and becoming vocal community leaders.

For any further information contact [email protected]