Amplifying Community Voices: The Crew Club Echo Podcast

At East Brighton Trust, we are committed to supporting projects that celebrate, document and strengthen the voices of our local community. A recent collaboration between Curtis James from Fieldwork, storyteller, Podcast Producer and one half of Class Divide, Brighton Digital Media Academy students, and the Crew Club does exactly that, by bringing together storytelling, youth engagement and grassroots experience in a powerful new Echo podcast.

Funded by Coastal Catalyst, this project centres on a podcast featuring Lacie May-Snow, who leads the Crew Club in Whitehawk. The podcast complements the second edition of The Echo newspaper, offering a more personal and in-depth exploration of the people and places that shape life in East Brighton. By pairing written journalism with audio storytelling, the project broadens access and creates new ways for residents to connect with local stories.

A key strength of the project lies in its collaborative approach. BACA media students worked alongside Curtis to develop, produce and shape the podcast, gaining valuable real-world experience in interviewing, editing and storytelling. At the same time, they engaged directly with their local community, helping to ensure that the final piece reflects an authentic voice and lived experience.

At the heart of the podcast is Lacie’s story. Her connection to the Crew Club runs deep. It was founded by her parents 25 years ago, and she has taken on its leadership in recent years. As she describes it, the club is more than just a building; it is “home.” This sense of belonging is echoed throughout her work and in the role the Crew Club plays across Whitehawk.

Under Lacie’s leadership, the club has expanded its offer to meet growing community needs. From sports and creative sessions to food provision and gardening activities, it provides vital support for families facing increasing challenges. The community garden, for example, gives children the opportunity to grow fresh produce and take it home, fostering both practical skills and a sense of pride.

The podcast also does not shy away from the realities behind this work. Lacie speaks candidly about the pressures she has faced, including personal challenges and the impact of online abuse. Her resilience and commitment highlight the often unseen emotional work involved in community leadership. Despite these difficulties, her motivation remains rooted in the people she supports; families who rely on the Crew Club for connection, stability and care.

For East Brighton Trust, this project reflects the importance of investing in both people and platforms. By supporting initiatives like this, we can help ensure that community stories are not only told, but heard widely and meaningfully. It also demonstrates the value of youth involvement in storytelling, empowering the next generation to document and shape the narratives of their own communities.

Ultimately, the podcast stands as a testament to the strength and spirit of Whitehawk. Through Lacie’s voice, and the work of the young people who helped bring her story to life, we are reminded of the power of local organisations to create lasting impact.

We are proud to support this collaboration and look forward to continuing to champion projects that celebrate the people, resilience and creativity of East Brighton.

Listen to the Echo podcast here.