P.O.V. is a new project from Rural Media. Supported by Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, P.O.V. will give the chance for rural 14-25-year-olds across Herefordshire to speak their minds, share their thoughts, feelings and experiences, and influence government policy directly affecting their lives.

With increasing levels of isolation amplified by COVID-19, rural young people are vastly underrepresented across the cultural landscape. This new project will look to reach young people throughout the region, to collect a comprehensive picture of their point of view and discuss wider public perception. It will shine a spotlight on issues that rural young people are dealing with every day including; mental health, rural isolation, identity and racism, and create a series of new creative projects that directly addresses how rural young people think, feel and express themselves.

From October 2020 to March 2021, rural young people living in Herefordshire will be consulted through surveys, interviews, one-to-one testimonies and creative consultation. The project aims to boost social mobility, life skills and career opportunities for hundreds of unheard rural young people, channelling their lived experience into compelling, creative advocacy and shine a spotlight on their lives to bring about change.

In short, this project will empower rural young people to speak their minds, get their voices heard and make a difference.