Communities from Media Trust's Community Voices scheme visited Westminster on Thursday 20th January to meet the Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow, to discuss how community groups can engage with Parliament.

John Bercow spoke to the communities about his role in Parliament and advised them on how best to engage with politicians and local councils and to get their voice heard.

The audience then addressed questions to a panel made up of the Speaker and representatives from other government departments including ‘Communities and Local Government’ and ‘Business, Innovation and Skills’.

The Speaker John Bercow said: “I am keen to encourage people from all backgrounds, and all parts of the UK, to engage with the work of Parliament. People often feel that Parliament is remote from their lives, so it was a fantastic experience to meet and talk to a selection of people from the many communities who work with the Media Trust.”

The meeting was chaired by Gavin Sheppard of Media Trust, and arranged in partnership with the Parliamentary Outreach Service. Media Trust’s Community Voices scheme aims to inspire, engage and support disadvantaged and isolated communities to get their voices heard through digital media.