Finding my voice in local news
January 1, 2026
Photo by Liza Summer at Pexels
Rebecca Pattni reflects on a month of journalism giving her a voice and highlighting local stories
Writing has always been a passion of mine.
It allows us to speak up for those who can’t and provides a means of uncovering all of those buried and hidden thoughts and emotions we all have.
Given the heartbreaking and unsettling state of the world at the moment, I find that writing gives me power. Through reflecting, writing and researching, I am able to express my thoughts on political and social issues.
I took this desire into my own hands this summer and completed a month of work experience with the Barnet Post.
Barnet Post is part of the Social Spider Network, a “small social enterprise developing a new, sustainable model for local news publishing.” The network runs five not-for-profit papers across North and East London: Barnet Post, EC1 Echo, Enfield Dispatch, Haringey Community Press, and Waltham Forest Echo.
I commuted to offices in Enfield and Walthamstow, where I learned invaluable skills and grew as a writer with the help of supportive and friendly mentors. David Floyd, founder of Social Spider and an Exposure alumnus, was especially encouraging, and I also had the chance to work closely with Marco Marcelline, editor of the Waltham Forest Echo.
My days began at 10 am and finished around 6 pm. Each week started with brainstorming sessions, followed by preparing interview questions and arranging meetings with local business owners and community leaders.
Throughout my work experience, my writing style improved, thanks to lots of helpful feedback
I wrote articles about various community interest organisations in North London, such as CJ’s Bakery (who provide opportunities for adults with learning difficulties), PapaTango (who champion emerging playwrights, creating pathways into theatre for those who might otherwise be excluded), and Community Focus (an inclusive arts centre for adults and children with disabilities). I also took this opportunity to learn more about the day-to-day operations of Exposure. In addition, I covered current issues concerning developments and bus lanes.
I am also passionate about photography, so this experience gave me the chance to take professional photographs of a newly opened bakery, Balkan, in Chingford. The photographs were subsequently published in an article in the Waltham Forest Echo, adding a personal touch to the story. You can read my article here.
Throughout this time, my writing improved, thanks to lots of helpful feedback. Writing consistently over a month also strengthened my voice and style.
Another skill I developed was my ability to communicate and connect with others. I interviewed a range of people from councillors to charity workers, café owners, and campaigners. With each interaction, I noted what went well and grew more confident as I went.
The connections I made and the experience I gained during my time at Social Spider (Barnet Post) are something I will always be grateful for.
We need the voices of young people now more than ever. Express yourself, write, share – make yourself heard!
