As we close the YJ doors on 2022, we thought we’d share a few of our highlights from a very busy and fun year. 

It goes without saying that our two main Yellow Jigsaw projects – Talking About My Generation – the first older people’s led newsroom in the country and Media Cubs – a kids pop-up TV studio and newsroom – make the top of the list!

My Generation started life in 2019 as a 12-month campaign to challenge ageism. Fast forward to now: they’re a leading voice and recipients of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. And 2023 will see the team supporting other areas to grow their own news platforms. My Generation has not only seen an increase in the number of stories produced and video commissions with partner organisations – like the one to end 2022 – Winterwise – but it has also grown its community – with an increasing number of reporters and readership.

And they continue to challenge ageing stereotypes – like with their campaign for International Day of Older Person’s – anyone for a (Not too old for) Sex on the Beach cocktail?

Media Cubs has also gone from strength to strength. We hit our 1000th mini reporter milestone in June this year and we’re now approaching the 2000th thanks to lots of programmes delivered in the second half of the year!

We had a successful HAF school holiday programme collaborating with Greater Manchester providers and councils, increased the schools we worked with, expanded the crew, and also increased our project work with organisations such as The Dukes, The Manc, Art With Heart, Z-Arts and Manchester Literature Festival, Manchester Youth Zone, Trafford Carers and Tandem Theatre to name just a few!

Our mini reporters had some fantastic opportunities this year reporting at events like the Spirit of Manchester awards and Young Carers Action Day and our resident roving reporter – Ben – even got to be on the red sofa live on BBC Breakfast – giving his views on social media.

We were also delighted to be in great company as part of Elevate’s top 100 Northern Gamechangers list, and big thank yous go to all the fantastic social enterprises that we work with for doing great things across Greater Manchester including Empowered Conversations, Inspired Women Oldham, Proper Good and Flourish CIC (again, to name just a few). 

2022 also saw Yellow Jigsaw expand the team at the end of the year – taking on Cara as a content creator. And we are excited to see her progress in 2023 alongside Jodie, William and our associates Kathryn and Tony.

Kirsty Day, media director at Yellow Jigsaw, said: “There is so much to be look back on and be proud of in 2022. Last year saw us really define Yellow Jigsaw’s purpose as community media specialists – working with individuals and organisations – empowering them to broadcast their views and stories through multimedia training, community projects and consultancy.   

“We have loved working with so many fantastic people, projects and places along the way and here’s to more of that in 2023. Happy New Year to everyone and thank you for your continued support as Yellow Jigsaw enters its ninth year. Bring it on!”