NEW HILLINGDON MEDIA TRUST IS EMPOWERING COMMUNITY

The newly launched Hillingdon Vision Media Trust (HVMT) is redefining what community media can mean — using creative arts not just to teach, but to connect people, rebuild trust, and inspire change.

A Volunteer Reporter working as part of the pilot scheme rub by Hillingdon Vision CIC

Founded by James Carson in 2025, the charity believes storytelling is the heartbeat of a healthy community. “Community media isn’t about headlines — it’s about belonging,” says Carson. “We want local people to tell their own stories, in their own voices.”

That philosophy drives everything HVMT does. Its workshops bring together photographers, writers, and broadcasters across Hillingdon, creating spaces where beginners and professionals work side by side. The Trust offers free membership to residents facing poverty or limited education opportunities, while a modest £50 annual fee from standard members helps sustain its work.

One recent session in West Drayton captured that spirit perfectly. Veteran photographers shared hands-on advice — including the “I-H-S” exposure triangle — with newcomers eager to learn. Midway through, several of the long-time members quietly pooled money to cover the venue hire, ensuring the workshop stayed free for all.

Beyond workshops, HVMT inspires a culture of care in other ways. The photography club has teamed up with Wenzels UK, who provide sandwiches, pastries, and other items for redistribution to those in need. While not an official part of HVMT, this collaboration is a testament to the generosity and concern for the community the Trust nurtures.

Among the participants was Alicia Horne, one of HVMT’s most inspiring success stories. She joined the Trust’s pilot programme in its early days, discovering a passion for media that changed her life. Now a Trustee of the charity, Alicia is preparing to start university next year to study digital media.“I came to the first workshop not knowing a single setting on a camera,” she laughs. “Now I’m helping others find their voice, just like someone did for me. HVMT didn’t just teach me photography — it taught me confidence.”

As Sara Carson, James’s mother, observed, “In West Drayton, you can never go hungry. This club, with its workshops and small acts of generosity like Wenzels donating food, shows what it means to care for your community.”

That generosity, both creative and practical, is what makes HVMT tick. The Trust isn’t just offering classes; it’s nurturing a culture of care and shared purpose — a family built on curiosity, kindness, and confidence behind the lens.

Get involved: Visit the Hillingdon Vision Media Trust to learn how you can take part, volunteer, or support their community programmes.