A COMMUNITY led group has been awarded a share of more than £750,000 over the past three months from The National Lottery Community Fund.

Bradford Talking Magazines is just one of the community-led groups to receive National Lottery funding, after being awarded over £220,000 to deliver its ‘Hear Our Voice’ project, which offers exciting opportunities for disabled people in the community to learn new skills in both photography and videography.

The charity works with people with learning disabilities, mental health issues, and those who are deaf, to develop and learn new skills, ranging from basic computer skills, through to more advanced digital editing software.

Hear Our Voice provides unique opportunities for people to experience real-life simulated projects such as developing a portfolio for a dress making business using digital software. They are responsible for their own projects from the initial planning phase all the way through to the final showcasing, with the aim of building confidence and increasing the possibility of paid employment in the future.

Anthony, 41, who has learning disabilities, has garnered a passion for media after documenting a community event while shadowing a staff member. After getting access to an iPad thanks to Hear Our Voice, Anthony’s love for photography and videography has grown, as he continues to film and edit content which he collects from other group members during their weekly sessions.

As well as taking great strides in both his video and interviewing skills, the iPad has helped Anthony to keep in contact with his friends while he has been at home, which was imperative in ensuring he was able to avoid feelings of isolation and loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Anthony said: “I love coming to Hear Our Voice to learn more new skills. It makes me feel confident. I work on computers and cameras. It gives me a voice, and I speak for myself and more others.”

One of the group members, who finds being in a loud busy environment difficult, worked on a short film to inform people about ‘sensory overload’, and how it often affects people with autism.

Sue Crowe, Chief Officer at Bradford Talking Magazines, said, “Without the support of National Lottery players and the funding we have been awarded, Bradford Talking Magazines would not be able to support and work with as many disabled people as we do. The difference this money makes is enormous.”