Executive Summary

“Let the Children Speak!” is a creative and educational project pilot aiming to give voice to children and young people from disadvantaged or marginalised communities across South Yorkshire.

We will transform a motorhome into a mobile media caravan that brings monthly video journalism and digital storytelling workshops to schools, parks, festivals and public spaces. Young participants will learn how to film, interview, edit, and share their stories – empowering them to speak out about the issues that matter to them.

We will equip the caravan with a professional camera, audio gear, and editing tools, and deliver 12 workshops, producing over 40 community videos. These will be published on YouTube, TikTok and Facebook to amplify youth voices and foster dialogue in the wider community.

The project will involve over 15 volunteers and reach at least 100 children and young people, focusing especially on those facing barriers of poverty, isolation or cultural disadvantage.

 What difference will your project make?

Let the Children Speak! will create meaningful opportunities for children and young people from marginalised communities to be heard, valued and visible. Many of the participants – particularly those from Eastern European backgrounds, newly arrived families, or low-income households – often feel disconnected from local services, media and civic spaces.

This project addresses that by giving them practical skills and a platform to tell their own stories. Through video journalism and creative expression, young people will gain confidence, media literacy, communication skills and the sense that their voices matter. The process will also foster teamwork, resilience and pride in their identity and community.

All video productions will be published on the Academy of Friends TV YouTube channel and TikTok account, which will be developed as a youth-led media outlet for the community. These platforms will become safe, inclusive spaces where children’s voices and ideas are visible and shared publicly – amplifying their impact beyond the local events.

The wider community will benefit too: the videos will challenge stereotypes, promote cultural inclusion, and highlight the everyday realities and aspirations of local youth. Parents, teachers and neighbours will see young people in a new light, helping to reduce intergenerational and intercultural barriers.

Over 100 children and teens will be directly involved, 10+ volunteers engaged, and at least 500 community members reached through public viewings, online sharing and event-based screenings. The project will leave a lasting legacy of skills, visibility and community cohesion.

How will our community be involved?  

Let the Children Speak! is built on active community involvement at every stage. From design to delivery, the project centres the voices and needs of children, families and volunteers in South Yorkshire – especially in Barnsley, where the Academy of Friends has a strong existing presence.

We have an ongoing partnership with Barnsley Council, who support our cultural outreach events and will help promote the media caravan sessions through their local networks, schools and community venues. We also collaborate with local volunteers, artists, teachers and parents who will co-create the workshop content and support delivery.

Children and young people will not just be participants – they will be co-creators. They will suggest video topics, conduct interviews, film and even edit their content. Volunteers from the community will help coordinate activities, handle logistics and support outreach.

Each workshop will include opportunities for families and community members to engage, either through live filming days, public video screenings or follow-up discussions. All content will be shared on Academy of Friends TV platforms, inviting further feedback and visibility.