Offering help to youngsters in media

3:26pm Wednesday 29th November 2006

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Alestir Waller gave up social work and launched her own media training charity to help troubled black youngsters. Reporter LOUISE TWEDDELL finds out why.

MEDIA for All (MfA) has come a long way since Alestir Waller decided to do something for young black people.

Its Deptford-based production studios are visited daily by youngsters from secondary schools eager to learn how to edit, write scripts and produce programmes.

In 2002, the charity was just a dream for the 42-year-old mother-of-two.

After 15 years working as a social worker in central London, Alestir realised she wanted to make a real difference to the lives of young black people.

She said: "I'd been working with women with mental health problems, alcohol problems and long-term prostitutes and decided I wanted a change.

"I started to think I could do more than just pay my mortgage.

"For the first time in my life I realised I could choose my own career."

Alestir quit her job in 1998 and studied for a degree in professional broadcasting at Ravensbourne College, Chislehurst.

Four years later, having graduated with a first-class degree in 2000, she decided to set up MfA.

Alestir was struck by the under-represenation of black people in the media.

She decided to help equip troubled youngsters with the skills needed to break into the industry.

Alestir added: "I think people thought it was an impossible dream and I had taken on too much, but I slowly built up contacts and people started to listen."

After months of begging and borrowing, MfA was given a permanent base by the Peabody Trust, an organisation helping to regenerate communities across London.

In July 2004, the charity moved into the Leander Community Centre, Ship Street, Deptford, where an empty room was turned into a studio.

Financial help, including Lottery cash and partnerships with the police, the BBC and Community Service Volunteers helped MfA get established Since then, more than 200 youngsters have used the centre to learn new skills.

Two are now working in the industry - one as a BBC researcher and the other who made a film for Channel 4 about the lives of modern Asian women.

Grants from the Home Office and bodies including the Deptford Challenge Trust help provide the £250,000 needed each year to keep MfA afloat.

Record producer Damon Dash and presenter and DJ Trevor Nelson are among those who have worked with the young people.

Alestir said: "It's nice to give something back really. I had quite a privileged upbringing.

"I knew I could combine my experience as a social worker with my new experience in media to pull it off."

This year has seen exciting times for MfA.

It is to produce six music programmes for black satellite channel Ben TV.

It has also opened a new centre in the Windsor Castle pub in Deptford High Street, which even has its own radio station.

And Alestir has also received recognition for her hard work.

Last month, she was given an award by the European Federation of Black Women Business Owners.

The federation, set up in 1996 to recognise the achievements of black businesswomen, presented her with its Training Award.

This was in recognition for her commitment to teaching and passing on her skills.

Alestir added: "I was surprised and excited. To be chosen in this way is a real achievement.

"The award is amazing but the real reason I do this is for the kids.

"After a few weeks here you can see a change in them and that is what's important.

"It's all about helping people to improve their lives."

Visit the charity's website at mediaforall.co.uk