Herefordshire-based production company and charity Rural Media has today announced its full support of local communities during the COVID-19 lockdown

With a focus on providing opportunities and support for isolated communities, artists and filmmakers, the charity has announced its digital support projects and opportunities, including:

• Travellers Times: Through their work with Travellers Times, Rural Media are providing telephone support to the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community. Travellers Times also created a suite of films answering questions from the community on staying safe during the lockdown. See their digital package here.
  
  
• West Mercia’s Women Aid (WMWA): Rural Media is creating awareness resources to enhance the re-shaping of their work with victims of domestic abuse during lockdown, as well as digital toolkits to support WMWA ‘Ask Me’ Ambassadors to better communicate their role.
  
  
• Herefordshire Community Fund: Continuing to work remotely with rural young people in Herefordshire’s Teme Valley to find their voice through film and storytelling, Rural Media will be making a film devised and recorded by the young people from the safety of their homes. See the first film created before lockdown, Interface, here.
  
  
• BBC Arts and Arts Council England: With the BBC and Arts Council England -funded New Creatives scheme, Rural Media is still actively commissioning new work by and for young people from across the Midlands.

Nic Millington, CEO of Rural Media said:

“The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting everyone but ever more disproportionally for some communities. Using accessible digital technologies and the skills of our creative teams, we are pleased to be able to reach very isolated and disadvantaged groups, enabling individuals and families to share their stories and experiences at such a critical time in our history.”

With several projects on hold, Rural Media are actively developing plans to continue its work during lockdown, with further news of upcoming projects to be released soon.

To see what opportunities are on offer with Rural Media visit the website, follow the charity on social media or email [email protected]