Teaching young people how to turn their phones into income — building high-value content creation skills that open real doors.
Beyond The Lens is a youth unemployment initiative designed for young people who are Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET). In a world where content creation has become one of the most valuable and accessible career paths available, we teach young people how to use the phone already in their pocket as a professional tool.
Through hands-on workshops, participants learn videography, photography, social media strategy, editing and storytelling — skills that are in high demand and that translate directly into freelance income, employment and entrepreneurship.
Several participants from our cohorts have gone on to paid employment and their own businesses — directly boosting Birmingham's local economy.
Cohort 1 was funded by Aston Villa Foundation. We have now delivered three full cohorts and are actively seeking funding to expand the programme further.
Mobile Videography
How to shoot professional-quality video using a smartphone — framing, lighting, movement and storytelling.
Photo & Editing
Photography fundamentals and editing workflows using accessible tools and apps.
Social Media Strategy
How to build an audience, engage communities and create content that performs on platforms like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
Freelancing & Business
How to pitch to clients, set rates, invoice and build a sustainable income from creative skills.
Whether you’re a young person interested in joining the next cohort, or an organisation that wants to fund or partner with us on this programme — get in touch.
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