Kidderminster media company helps Birmingham launch Young Advocates programme

Published by

Nicky Godding

Media and communications company DRPG hosted a special live launch for Birmingham Hippodrome. The Hippodrome selected 16 young people for its new ‘Young Advocates’ pilot programme. These enthusiastic and local 14–22 year olds were selected among 150 applicants to participate in this programme from which they will receive mentoring, training and development to build the Hippodrome group into future leaders.

The new group met for the first time last week for a special digital live launch event, hosted by Kidderminster-based DRPG which is supporting the programme. Over the course of the evening they learned more about the Hippodrome’s work through a Q&A session with Fiona Allan (Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Birmingham Hippodrome) and Chris Sudworth (Director of Artistic Programme of Birmingham Hippodrome).

Zaylie-Dawn Wilson, Head of Learning and Participation at Birmingham Hippodrome said: “We can’t wait to start working with this exceptional group of young people. This is about the Young Advocates driving meaningful change for young people of the city. As well as looking at how this group can shape our future programme, we are excited to develop their skills as future leaders in the arts and cultural sector.”

Zaylie added: “We are hugely grateful to DRPG for supporting this important programme including hosting the digital launch in their covid-safe studios, training for our Young Advocates and digital expertise to realise the ambitious plans for the programme as we develop these talented young people”

The team at DRPG will also play a part in mentoring the Young Advocates in digital communications and giving an insight into careers in the creative industries.

Richard Hingley, Chief Creative Officer of DRPG added: “At DRPG we are committed to supporting young people in our community and I’m delighted we will be working with Birmingham Hippodrome once again. As a creative communications agency it made perfect sense to partner with the Hippodrome, providing them with access to our experienced creative team members, our wider creative services and studio facilities.

He added “Since DRPG began back in 1980 we have consistently nurtured young talent, helping them harness their energy and passion for creating amazing work. Our 350 strong team are passionate about giving back and this local initiative will shine a light on the exciting opportunities for those wishing to start a career and help shape the future of the creative industries.

The Young Advocates Programme also promises to leave a lasting impression not only on all those involved, but in the wider creative community and who knows, some may find themselves using their talents to help DRPG continue its trajectory of growth well into the future.”

Nicky Godding

Nicky Godding is editor of The Business Magazine. Before her journalism career, she worked mainly in public relations moving into writing when she was invited to launch Retail Watch, a publication covering retail and real estate across Europe. After some years of constant travelling, she tucked away her passport and concentrated on business writing, co-founding a successful regional business magazine. She has interviewed some of the UK’s most successful entrepreneurs who have built multi-million-pound businesses and reported on many science and technology firsts. She reports on the region’s thriving business economy from start-ups, family businesses and multi-million-pound corporations, to the professionals that support their growth and the institutions that educate the next generation of business leaders.