This developing area of the Networking Newsletter web site will focus on working with the media and give local media contacts
Over 200 of the region's media and marketing professionals attended the launch of the Media Trust in the North West, held at the Royal Northern College of Music in January. The Media Trust works with the media industry to help meet the communication needs of the voluntary sector. It supplies media training, video production and also has its own TV channel - the Community Channel.
The Media Trust can help voluntary groups in one of three ways. Firstly, by a series of seminars where media and communications professionals give practical advice. Secondly, by an online matching service of media professionals to groups. Thirdly by online guides.
Speaking at the NW launch event, the Trust's development director Gaynor Vaughan-Jones said, "To build our offer to charities we need experts from all areas of the community to give their time to help train and guide; and we're also looking for corporate members and sponsors. We picked the North West as it has such a wealth of expertise and professionalism, coupled with excellent charities. By bringing these two sectors together, we can do something special."
Gaynor Vaughan-Jones, Media Trust in the North West (0161 835 9944, mediatrust@centrescreen.co.uk
[taken from GMCVO "Information Bulletin", Sept 2002 & March 2003]
If you want help raising your profile, writing articles for newsletters, reporting on events or devising marketing campaigns then the Community Service Volunteers' Journalist Network can help. This is a scheme that offers voluntary help from experienced professionals to the voluntary sector. It was launched at the beginning of 2002 in association with the BBC and ITN and since then has helped over 100 groups with all aspects of media relations and internal communications. There is no charge for the service, although it is expected that a volunteer's expenses would be reimbursed.
Matthew Thomas, CSV (020 7643 1371, journonetwork@csv.org.uk)