We are often approached by the media for interviews and comment about our work and on issues affecting people and communities.
Here, we set out our guidance on facilitating positive interview opportunities for the media — sharing stories in a way that protects, rather than harms, people we are working with.
We’d like accessibility to play an integral part in the planning and execution of interviews. An accessible event, meeting, interview or space helps build a more accessible world.
We want to create the right conditions where people can show up fully, feel safe, take part with confidence and be involved on their own terms where possible. This helps everyone make the most of the opportunity to talk about an issue in relation to their life.
Here are our pointers for supporting people to share their first-hand experiences and voices so they can be more widely heard, while ensuring meaningful interactions with the media that work for us all:
Our tips for a great interview
- Please be clear from the outset what you need from your interview request — including filming location(s), who else should be present and the time needed
- Suggestion: You could send a photo and short bio ahead of time to help the interviewee feel more confident about meeting you
- People we work with can want a bit more time to consider their answers in advance, but we know a more conversational style is often sought by the media. So while providing a list of questions in advance helps, we understand this is not always possible. In that case, we welcome having an idea of topics to be discussed and the form the questions are likely to take to help reassure people
- In the same vein, please make every effort to meet or call interviewees at the scheduled time. Planning travel, arranging support and moving other arrangements (such as work or school) takes time and effort. We understand news and events can move at pace, but please don’t forget to let us know as soon as possible if things change
- If the interview will not take place at Grapevine, try to consider the interview environment — for example, is it accessible to a wheelchair user? Is it very noisy and/or bright for those with sensory processing difficulties? Is there space for someone to accompany the person and/or a friendly face available to show them where to go?
- Please involve us at the earliest opportunity in interviews with people we support or about projects we run where our work is a part of the story.
We don’t expect journalists to get it right the first time, every time. But by raising awareness, we can open up conversations and take action together to make things better.
Thank you for reading our guide to how we can work most effectively with the media.
For media enquiries, please contact our communications manager Claire Harvey at charvey@grapevinecovandwarks.org or mobile number 07916 232639. Please note we are a small charity and so Claire does not work on Fridays, weekends or on call.
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