Knowle West Media Centre (KWMC) is delighted to announce that it has received a six-figure grant from BBC Children in Need to fund its work with young people for the next three years. The £141,542 sum will finance the posts of two full-time youth media workers and allow KWMC to award five bursaries to young people under 18, enabling them to undertake and manage their own creative projects.

Currently KWMC receives part funding for two regular groups based at the Media Centre, which are supported by Youth Moves. The new weekly youth programme, titled the ‘Imagination Station’, will begin in September and comprises a range of creative, media-based activities, including music production, filmmaking, photography and journalism.

Biscuit Mix offers anyone with an interest in music production the opportunity to record their music for free while Music & Lyrics, running every Thursday from 4-6pm, will give young people the opportunity to produce music using a computer. The popular Digital Fish film club generates a dynamic and creative atmosphere in which young people can learn to produce short films and animations. As part of the ‘*Imagination Station’* KWMC will run workshops on script-writing, make-up and acting, whilst also providing training in production and website development. Members of the photography group Nlarge receive fun and informal practical training in a wide range of photography techniques, produce exhibitions of their work and undertake professional commissions. Introductory drop-in sessions will run four nights a week offering young people the chance to sample a variety of media activities.

The sessions have been, and will continue to be, developed through consultation with young people and are responsive to their needs and interests. Their experiences during KWMC’s Summer Programme will inform the development of existing projects and impact future provision.

Carolyn Hassan, KWMC Director, said: ‘The BBC Children In Need Grant has come just at the right time; I’m absolutely delighted. We will now be able to deliver the range of exciting and innovative media projects that young people have told us they would like to be part of. This grant will enable young people from Knowle West and South Bristol to take part in activities they have enjoyed and it comes at a time where, without this funding, our developmental work with young people would have been severely restricted. This is great news for young people and KWMC.’

This generous grant will secure the employment of permanent staff to allow KWMC to expand its existing programme and develop new opportunities for young people in Knowle West and South Bristol to experiment with digital media, learn new skills and interact with others in a fun and supportive environment.

For more information on KWMC visit www.kwmc.org.uk or contact Sandra Manson, Youth Media Worker, on 01179 030444 or email sandra@kwmc.org.uk.