We’re celebrating an exciting development here at YJ HQ!

We have secured investment to expand our projects that enable people aged 7 to 70 to develop news reporting and media skills.

We have been awarded £21,600 from the Access to Growth fund, part of GM Social investment – a range of social investment funds delivered by Greater Manchester Centre for Voluntary Organisation.

The investment will be used to develop our pop-up TV studio and newsroom clubs for children, Media Cubs, and to grow the online audience of the UK’s first older people’s-led news platform, Talking About My Generation.

Both projects have offered Greater Manchester residents a range of media opportunities, from giving children the opportunity to interview Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham in their own pandemic press conference, to training older people to launch their own podcasts, news website and magazine.

We’ve worked with a range of well-known brands to develop their media projects, including TalkTalk, Manchester Libraries and Foundation92 – and has plans to further expand its partnerships with brands targeting families and older people.

Kirsty Day, Media Director for Yellow Jigsaw CIC, said “We’re a unique media organisation with a mission to democratise the news – by upskilling people of all ages and backgrounds to create their own media.

“Over the past two years- during the pandemic – we have seen the value that community-led media can have to empower people and build trust between the media and individuals .

“These loans are designed for organisations who have the potential to add more value to their local communities and grow their social impact – so we’re delighted to be awarded the investment to create further impact in Greater Manchester”.

Access to Growth is a subsidiary company wholly owned by Greater Manchester Centre for Voluntary Organisation, who have been working with social change and ethical trading organisations in Greater Manchester for over 40 years.