Down Not Out Homelessness News Agency Launch

We are delighted to invite you to the launch of the Down Not Out community media news agency on Tuesday 31 January 2012 from 9.30-14.00 at Coffee Republic, Granby Street, Leicester.

We do hope you will be able to join us to meet members of the Down Not Out editorial team and community media volunteers.

Down Not Out, a new Leicester-based community news agency unique in being led by people with experience of vulnerable housing and homelessness – will launch during Poverty and Homelessness Action Week. A joint project between Citizens’ Eye and Action Homeless, the news agency has been set up through a Big Lottery Fund Grant to bring vital volunteering, training and work opportunities to develop skills for independent living and break the cycle of repeat homelessness.

Anthony, one of the sub-editors said, ‘I’m looking to build on the skills and experience I’ve gained through editing the Action Homeless service-user led magazine Upwards and Onwards.  My artwork has a theme of diversity and inclusion, and I hope that seeing it will encourage a range of people to come forward and get involved.’

Through a range of media outlets in print, on line and in radio, Down Not Out will create a platform for people affected by homelessness to have a voice on issues that matter to them and the local community.

‘I’m looking to make a career change from the construction industry and set up my own graphic design company,’ explains Brian Bishop another of the sub-editors. ‘I’ve retrained at Leicester College to get ahead in my chosen field, and through Down Not Out we will be organising community media training for around 100 volunteers to help share skills and develop new expertise. I would encourage anyone with experience of homelessness, or affected by it through their friends and family, to come along to the launch and get involved. This is about taking steps towards a more positive future.’

With kind regards,

Monica Hingorani

Down not Out Project Coordinator

Action Homeless

Ridgeway House

Little Hill

Newton Lane

Leicester LE18 3SE

Tel: 0116 22118884

Email: monicahingorani@actionhomeless.org.uk

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