YouMeUs.TV was a groundbreaking leadership and digital media programme—one of the largest and most ambitious digital entrepreneurship initiatives in Europe. Funded by the Mayor of London through his Young Londoner’s Fund and New Deal for Young People, and designed to empower young people from Newham, Tower Hamlets, Hackney and Waltham Forest, it was a one of a kind project, seamlessly integrating high-quality media training with CIC’s unique mindset coaching to create deep, lasting change.

Running over five years from 2020 to 2024, YouMeUs.TV provided young East Londoners with the skills, industry experience and confidence to step into creative careers. The project was directed by Bob Singha. Project Manager and Content Team Lead, Aran Knowles played a central role in the programme’s success, bringing his expertise in video production, storytelling and professional content creation to prepare young people for real-world industry challenges. Participants received hands-on training in filming, editing, production planning and digital storytelling, ensuring they developed both technical skills and an understanding of the fast-moving media landscape. CIC’s media since 2020 has been produced by the YouMeUs.TV team.

However, YouMeUs.TV wasn’t just about content creation—it was about transforming lives. Bob Singha and Robin Lockhart, CIC’s expert coaches, delivered powerful one-to-one and group coaching sessions, ensuring that young people didn’t just develop professional skills, but also the self-belief, resilience and mindset needed to succeed. Through CIC’s proven coaching methods, participants unlocked their potential, built confidence in their abilities and learned how to navigate an industry that can often feel closed off to those without connections or experience.

The results spoke for themselves—80% of participants reported improvements in their wellbeing, lifestyle and employability. By combining cutting-edge media training with deep personal development, YouMeUs.TV became a flagship example of how CIC’s approach creates real, lasting change.

A number of graduates progressed into YouMeUs Agency, our very own in-house production team, where they worked on paid commissions for major clients, including the Mayor of London, Westfield, Partnership for Young London and the London College of Fashion. For many of these young people, this was the first time they had direct access to such high-profile opportunities, allowing them to work with influential brands and gain invaluable industry experience. Some of the team also went on to contribute to CIC’s own global youth work documentary, It Takes a Village.

These real-world opportunities not only set the programme apart but also gave the participants the chance to build professional portfolios, gain hands-on experience and establish networks within the creative industries—something they might never have had access to otherwise.

YouMeUs.TV was made possible through partnerships with Westfield, UAL, London College of Fashion, AFTV (Arsenal Fan TV), the London FA and the London Legacy Development Corporation, with funding from the Mayor of London (Greater London Authority). At its peak, it became one of the largest digital entrepreneurship programme in Europe, equipping young creatives with the tools to produce, market and commercialise their own digital content.

Many of those involved have since gone on to build careers in media and creative industries, continuing the work they started during the programme. YouMeUs.TV nurtured a strong legacy—a network of skilled, confident young professionals who are now shaping the media/ content production industry.