You Press is Amplifying Voices and Changing Lives
At the heart of You Press, a grassroots social enterprise dedicated to empowering young voices, stands Farah Mohammoud—a social entrepreneur with a clear mission: to give a voice to the often-overlooked. Founded in 2011 as a youth social action campaign, You Press was Farah’s answer to the social inequalities he witnessed growing up in East London. Driven by his community’s resilience and his own dedication to personal growth, Farah has transformed You Press into a beacon of empowerment, fostering creative expression and community impact through writing, media, and the arts.
Creating a Platform for Change
You Press was born from a deep-seated commitment to social justice, built on the belief that storytelling can change lives. “We believe in the power of words and stories to make a difference,” Farah shares. This philosophy drives the organisation’s mission to challenge stereotypes, particularly those faced by young people from diverse backgrounds. Through initiatives that foster creativity and personal growth, You Press gives individuals aged 13 to 30 the tools they need to find their voice and shape their own narratives.
The journey to build You Press wasn’t without its challenges. Initially launched as a campaign in Newham to give young people a platform, You Press gained early recognition for its Youth Tell Us series in collaboration with The Guardian, which won the International Citizen Media Award. “Our early success showed us the power of amplifying unheard voices,” Farah recalls. From that point, You Press began to grow, supporting an increasingly diverse community including young creatives, refugees, and ex-offenders. Today, the organisation stands as a testament to the transformative impact of inclusive media.
“Visualise Until You Make It”: Leading with Authenticity
For Farah, authenticity is key. He shares a powerful quote that guides his work: “Visualise Until You Make It”—a reimagining of the familiar phrase “Fake It Until You Make It.” This quote, he explains, embodies a commitment to genuine self-expression and personal growth. “It encourages us to be true to ourselves and pursue our goals without compromise,” Farah says. “It’s about celebrating success authentically, knowing that we’ve earned it.” This mindset has been central to You Press’s work, ensuring that each project and partnership resonates with sincerity and purpose.
Impact in Action: Aliya’s Journey with You Press
The work of You Press is best exemplified through stories like Aliya’s. Aliya came to You Press as a volunteer with a unique perspective—being a mother of two children with special needs, she understood the challenges that families like hers face daily. Motivated to help others, Aliya co-designed the Functional Learning Programme for You Press, creating workshops that provide practical strategies for families. Today, this programme supports over 300 families, making a tangible impact on their children’s independence and quality of life.
“Aliya’s transformation from volunteer to a leader in our program is one of our proudest achievements,” Farah shares. Her journey embodies the power of You Press to inspire not only personal growth but also meaningful community contributions. Aliya’s story is a reminder of why Farah continues to dedicate himself to building programs that create space for resilience and leadership.
The Impact of the Make it Big Grant
Securing funding has long been a challenge for grassroots organisations like You Press. As Farah explains, restricted funding often leaves critical operational needs unmet. The Make it Big (Round 1 in collaboration with Pathway Fund) grant from Do it Now Now has been a significant exception, providing the flexible funding You Press needs to cover core expenses. “With this support, we’ve been able to focus on sustainability, allowing us to retain valuable staff and invest in our team’s growth,” Farah notes.
This financial stability has allowed You Press to adopt a more entrepreneurial approach, expanding their in-house creative agency to diversify income streams. This shift has not only relieved financial pressure but has also opened up new avenues for community outreach, mentorship, and social action. “The grant has been transformative,” Farah says. “It allows us to build for the future, ensuring that we can continue making a lasting impact.”
Building for the Future: Farah’s Vision for Growth
Looking ahead, Farah is focused on scaling You Press’s reach and influence. To him, future support needs to include long-term, flexible funding that enables innovation and growth, empowering organisations to adapt and expand their services. “With more investment in capacity-building, we could enhance our infrastructure, hire additional staff, and reach even more young people in need,” he explains. Partnerships with corporate mentors or strategic collaborators would also help navigate challenges and foster sustainability, further amplifying You Press’s mission.
Farah’s work has not only empowered young people but has also built a foundation for lasting social change, championing equality and inclusion across the creative industries. By offering mentorship, skill-building workshops, and pathways to paid opportunities, You Press provides a lifeline for underrepresented voices.
A Message of Gratitude
For Farah and the You Press team, being part of the Make it Big programme is an invaluable opportunity. “We’re deeply grateful for this support,” he says. “It’s given us the resources to continue our work and expand our impact.” Farah’s gratitude extends beyond the financial aspect; it’s also about the learning and development that the programme has fostered. “This journey has given us the chance to grow, innovate, and make a difference in ways we couldn’t have before.”
Advice for Other Grassroots Organisations
Farah’s advice for other organisations is simple yet profound: “Stay persistent and build relationships with funders who understand your mission.” He emphasises the importance of diversifying income streams and taking an entrepreneurial approach, as well as continuously measuring impact to show funders the value of their work. “Collaboration is key,” he adds. “Partner with others who believe in your vision, and be ready to adapt as new challenges arise.”
With Farah’s leadership and the support of programmes like Make it Big, You Press continues to make waves, proving that creativity, resilience, and community can change lives.
You Press is just one of the many organisations supported by Do it Now Now’s Make it Big programme, which is dedicated to empowering grassroots social enterprises. To receive more stories of impact and to learn how to support these initiatives, subscribe to our newsletter.
