Save REPREZENT - Keep Young People Broadcasting!

REPREZENT is a pioneering British media platform. We:

• Broadcast 40+ new presenters each week.
• Put hundreds of new artists in the spotlight per year.
• Provide entry-to-advanced level media training and volunteering opportunities that have helped increase aspirations, change lives and launch hundreds of professional careers including Stormzy, Jamz Supernova, Munya Chawawa and many more.

What We Do (and Why!):

As an OFCOM-licensed youth-led community radio station in London, we are a catalyst for change, levelling the playing field by providing opportunities for young people from all backgrounds to come together and learn, create and grow. 

Our approach to learning builds communication, teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, resilience, time management, leadership, and self-awareness. This prepares young people not just for specific job roles, but for successful careers in any sector, ensuring they’re ready to meet the challenges of today’s rapidly changing world.

For over twenty years, REPREZENT has provided young people from all backgrounds with their first opportunities in the media and creative industries. We've carved out a unique pathway into sectors that are famously difficult to access, opening doors for a new generation of grass-roots talent.

However, despite this important and successful work, we need your support to make it through 2024. 

The Problem:

A decade of cuts to the youth development sector has meant local authorities are spending 77% less on youth services - that’s a £1bn decrease in real terms, which has led to the closure of hundreds of youth clubs and the loss of thousands of highly skilled youth work jobs. At the same time, 63% of youth organisations are seeing increased demand for services, and 67% face increased operating costs. Our list of applicants waiting for support has grown to 2.5 thousand young people, and this increases with every week that passes without further funding.

The cost of delivering our training is at an all-time high, while income availability is at an all-time low. We pay the bills with grants, donations, sponsorship and broadcast commissions, but post-pandemic these are becoming harder and harder to obtain.

The Solution:

We are currently in the process of becoming a registered charity. This will enable us to access a far wider range of private funders, several of whom have already expressed interest in supporting us: however, our application has been repeatedly delayed by post-pandemic backlogs, and we’ve already waited more than two months longer for a response than anticipated.

As a result, we need your support to bridge the gap and make sure these young people are given the chance to succeed. Without it, we may be forced to shut down our operation before we're able to capitalise on these new opportunities.

How We'll Use Your Funds:

As a not-for-profit company, every penny of your donation will go directly to where it’s needed most. You'll get us over this funding hurdle, so we can keep our doors open while we work to make the necessary behind-the-scenes changes to ensure we can bounce back better and stronger than ever.

You will fund:

• A 10-week training programme providing 16-25-year-olds with a deep dive into the world of Media and Radio Broadcast.
• A Direct-to-Volunteering programme offering hands-on work experience and training to young people interested in the behind-the-scenes operations of a radio station.
• On-air support for new presenters.
• Airplay, guidance, and development support for new artists.
• One-to-one mentorship for our most in-need beneficiaries.

Rewards:

This year will mark our twentieth year of operation; that’s two decades of fighting to support young people and create a space for them in the media scene. Everyone who donates £250 or more will receive an exclusive premium hoodie with a high-end embroidered Reprezent chest logo to say thank you. 

With your help, we can bridge this gap in funding and continue to do what we do best - creating life-changing opportunities for the voices of tomorrow.

Protect the future.

#SAVEREPREZENT