Former Community News Project recognised as community champion

A Community News Project reporter has been honoured at a local awards ceremony celebrating community champions. 

Lise Evans, who completed her NCTJ diploma with Darlington College as a community reporter at the Stratford Herald, received a special award at the Love Evesham Awards for her journalism work in the area. 

The recognition comes shortly after Lise was named in the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism awards as the Oxford University Press public affairs winner, having achieved 92% in the exam. 

Lise currently works as chief reporter for the Evesham Observer and contributes to titles across Worcestershire and Warwickshire for Bullivant Media Group. 

Lise said: “I thought I’d been invited as a member of the press and was truly dumbstruck when the organiser announced my name for a special award for my journalism. The room of people, many of whom I did not know, cheered when my name was read out.” 

Since joining the Evesham Observer 12 months ago, Lise said she has been warmly welcomed by the community. “It’s been extremely gratifying to know I am making an impact,” she added. 

Love Evesham Awards organiser Katie Gilbert praised Lise’s approach to reporting, saying: “We finally have a journalist who cares about sharing all news, the good, the bad, and yes, sometimes the ugly, with care and integrity. Lise has had such a positive impact that our main stakeholders, including businesses and community leaders, all know her by name; they commend her and actively recommend her. 

“Her work has helped me truly identify the importance of and recognise a decent journalist. She deserves it. Simple.” 

The Community News Project, initially funded by Meta and now supported by £450,000 from the NCTJ’s charitable reserves through the Community Reporting Fund, has supported 300 journalists since 2019. The NCTJ is actively seeking additional funding partners to secure the project’s long-term future. 

Joanne Forbes, chief executive at the NCTJ, said: ” We’re delighted to see Lise recognised in this way. Her dedication and the quality of her journalism are testament to the value of community reporting. Seeing the ongoing impact of the Community News Project through the work of our alumni, who are making real differences in the communities they serve across the country, demonstrates the vital role these journalists play in their local areas.”