Beverley Hughes announces £8 million to give young people a voice

Posted: 18 March 2009

Youth Media Fund Initiative gives disadvantaged young people chance to create media projects

Beverley Hughes, the Minister for Children and Young People, has announced a further £8 million, on top of the £8 million announced in 2006, to give thousands more disadvantaged young people the opportunity to produce creative media projects.

The Youth Media Fund initiative gives young people the chance to take part in ‘Mediabox’ projects where they can express their ideas and views on issues that matter to them using print, television, film, radio, digital, or online media. Since the projects started in 2006, young people’s projects have been showcased across a wide range of channels including the BBC, ITV and Channel 4, as well as online sites like YouTube and MySpace.

Beverley Hughes said: 'I am delighted to announce that we are continuing to support and fund Mediabox. This is a vital scheme which helps thousands of young people across the country, particularly those who face challenges, get involved in exciting media projects. For most young people it’s the first opportunity for them to have their say as well as developing new skills and the chance to be creative. Mediabox projects have been showcased to a wide audience, enabling young people to have a voice in the media, bringing positive changes to their lives and communities and giving them a sense of real achievement. This boosts young people’s self confidence and broadens their personal and career horizons. I look forward to hearing more from young people through future Mediabox projects.'

Andrew Stirling, aged 19, from Newcastle, received funding from Mediabox to create a computer animation. Having been homeless, he chose to explore what it means to be rejected from your home and outcast from society. As a result of being funded by Mediabox, Andrew has been inspired to apply for a Computer Animation course.

Andrew said:
“Mediabox has given me so much and asked for so little. It let me do something that I always wanted, all in the bid to broaden my horizons and hopefully broaden my career prospects in the process. Two years ago I was homeless and wanted to make something of my life. By doing this one Mediabox project I have learnt so many new skills and developed my confidence. I will see the effects of it throughout my entire life.”

W: www.media-box.co.uk.