Trevor Blackman

Trevor Blackman has always believed in his capabilities, and this one attribute has enabled him to excel on so many fronts. Driven by a simple, but powerful, philosophy of supporting, encouraging and providing young people with the opportunity to be all they can be, Trevor has affected and changed the lives of many. As the Artistic Director of FYA (www.FestivalofYouthArts.org.uk) Trevor has managed to reach out to young people all over London, providing inspiration and opportunity, whilst showcasing the sheer amount of talent of the capital’s youth. His role as Executive Chair at APE Media (www.ape-media.com) has enabled him to continue fulfilling his pledge through running community projects that provide young people with the skills and currency they need to find a career in the creative industries.

A positive role model in a world where too few exist, Trevor received his first major opportunity at fourteen when, whilst trying for a role as a trainee youth reporter, a producer at BBC Radio Leicester recognised his passion and offered him the chance to prove himself. This provided the foundations for a future in radio broadcasting, in which Trevor has secured freelance work for the likes of the BBC, Choice FM, Kiss FM and Break FM. During his time he has had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing such inspiring people as Maya Angelou, Tom Conti, Terrace Trent Darby, Destiny’s Child, Mica Paris, Spike Lee, Boy George, Courtney Pine, Darcus Howe, Angela Basset, Leon Robinson and Noel Wallace.

Away from the media world, Trevor successfully pursued a career as a community development manager, working with a number of socially excluded communities. Trevor devised and ran a project for excluded children offering both pastoral and educational support to 13 – 16 years from East London for four years. A trained counsellor, youth advocate and mentor, Trevor continues to work on the front line of many young people lives. In 2002, whilst seconded to work for West Ham & Plaistow New Deal for Communities as their Play/Youth Strategic Manager Trevor received the 2003-2004 Deputy Prime Ministers Office’s -Neighbourhood Renewal - NATIONAL YOUTH STRATEGY award.

Trevor has enjoyed a thoroughly exciting year thus far, and in his true fashion, has no plans to slow down anytime soon. 2007 has seen the beginnings of a new venture, one potentially more exciting and successful than all others before: “The Trevor Blackman Show”. With the pilot soon to be aired on ITV Local and the show destined for great success, people all over the country can look forward to a new era in talk shows. Trevor’s undisputable ability to uplift and inspire people, and his joy for unearthing excitingly fresh talent gives audiences much to anticipate!