About Us
Our work is shaped by time, experience, and the voices of the communities we serve. As we’ve evolved over the past 20 years, so has our commitment – to create inclusive opportunities, champion disadvantaged young people, and support those who empower them.
What started as a small local initiative has become a long-term movement for change. Over time, we’ve expanded our reach, deepened our expertise, and broadened our vision, all while staying true to the mission that shaped us: empowering young people to thrive.
Since our inception 20 years ago, APE Media has been steadfast in one mission: to enhance the life chances and social mobility of young people and their families. As a registered charity (1147901) nestled in the heart of Newham, London, we have dedicated ourselves to pioneering intervention projects for children and young people since 2004.
With a wealth of experience in supporting vulnerable young individuals and adults aged 10–25, our reach extends from the local community to a global stage. Our primary focus remains on young people in London, aiding those challenged by educational exclusion, mental health issues, and the Criminal Justice System.
Our impactful programmes have touched the lives of over 18,000 young people, guiding at least 45 percent into creative industries and other employment sectors. We pride ourselves on our key learning style—an informal approach to courses, workshops, and activities, ensuring our programmes are as engaging as they are adaptable.
Today, APE Media’s vision has expanded. We aim not only to provide direct opportunities to disadvantaged young people in London and the surrounding areas but also to bolster local grassroots individuals, and voluntary, community, or social enterprise organizations serving these communities. Our goal is to enhance their capabilities—from fundraising enhancements to direct connections with funding sources. We’re committed to raising equitable levels for all disadvantaged youth, particularly those of colour, uplifting every individual, and empowering our young people and local partners with the skills for sustainable growth. This is our commitment, our evolution, our promise to lift as we climb—fuelling a future where everyone has the tools to rise and thrive.
OUR VISION
From fashion to radio, from media broadcast production to event and project management, APE Media stands as a beacon of opportunity. For twenty years, we’ve unlocked the world of the arts for London’s young creatives of colour, particularly in London and the surrounding areas. We’re proud to champion the conviction that every young person, aged 10 to 25, is entitled to free access to spaces and platforms that fuel their creative flame.
At a time when arts and humanities have faded from local curriculums, accessible only to those in affluent neighbourhoods, we stand as a guiding light of inclusion. Our commitment extends beyond mere access; we’re dedicated to elevating young creatives, providing them equitable chances to shine in the creative industries.
APE Media has carved paths when no others would, driven by the conviction that diversity within the arts is not just about social justice—it’s about harnessing the collective power of varied voices to fuel innovation. A diverse workforce in the creative sector doesn’t just reflect society; it propels it forward with richer, more varied narratives and ideas.
Now, it’s time for action. APE Media is on a mission to attract funding that supports the ambitions of our youth beyond makeshift projects. We aim to secure investments that recognize the potential in early-stage concepts and support young social entrepreneurs.
Like the inspirational work done by Youth INC in New York, we understand the imperative of nurturing talent where it’s found. APE Media isn’t just about creating a seat at the table; it’s about reimagining the table in a way that’s innovative, inclusive, and reflective of the society we live in.
Join us in this creative revolution—where dreams are woven into realities, and where the vibrancy of diverse cultures lights up the stages and screens of tomorrow’s London.
MEET THE TEAM

BARONESS REINA VAN PALLANDT
PATRON
Practised for many years in London as an international commercial lawyer in the City of London whilst also Solicitor Trustee of The Netherlands Benevolent Association and Legal Adviser of the Netherlands Embassy in the UK as well as Commercial Director of the London Festival Orchestra. Returned to The Netherlands and completed LLM at Amsterdam University in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights.
Currently working as a senior disputes lawyer in London and The Hague.

Trevor Blackman
FOUNDER & CEO
National Youth Strategy winner, Clore Leadership Fellow and British Council Young Creative Entrepreneur, Trevor Blackman, has been different since the day he was born. At the age of 14 this blue head, then silver head, then blonde head and now bald head, marched into BBC Leicester and demanded a job. They gave him one, not because of his wacky hair, but because a producer looked at him and saw he had the passion.
Since then, Trevor has proven he can do anything and everything, even with words of discouragement. One of the most magnificent being the take over of the iconic National Gallery and Trafalgar square, (which proves that APE Media started flash mobs), as part of the Festival of Youth Arts.
Trevor has successfully been a producer, presenter, scriptwriter, actor, director, manager, mentor, entrepreneur and he’s still looking young.

Richard Brooke
FOUNDER
Currently a Senior Network Director working on BBC’s public service television channels, such as BBC1 and BBC2. Richard has now worked at the BBC for 16 years, during which he has worked in Production on Crimewatch and Watchdog, in BBC Local Radio and the main BBC Newsroom, on BBC World News television, before moving to his current role.
He is also a founder member of the precursor to APE, namely Apple Pie Productions along with Trevor Blackman.

Sam Brown
APE MEDIA TRUSTEE / PR CREATIVE DIRECTOR / CAMPAIGN LEAD
As a PR creative director and campaign director, Sam Brown has worked with some of the biggest brands and cultural institutions in the world and has won multiple awards for her work in youth marketing. From London Fashion Week and Glastonbury Festival, through to youth homelessness and knife crime, Sam understands how to get people moving and change their behaviour. Her work as a mentor has also helped dozens of young people into jobs in media and creative industries.

Andy Jaye
HEAD OF CREATIVE & NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Andy Jaye leads APE Media’s creative output and new business development, bringing over two decades of experience in broadcasting and content production. His career spans television, radio and digital media, where he has built a strong reputation for creative vision, storytelling and delivering high-profile projects. Andy has worked with major broadcasters, produced original formats and interviewed global talent. At APE Media, he drives creative direction, partnerships and growth, helping shape the future of our media work.

Carol Berry
MEDIA & RADIO PRODUCTION TUTOR
Freelance radio producer at BBC Radio 1 & BBC Radio 1Xtra, and production tutor at Ape Media.

Melissa Caprini
PROJECT COORDINATOR
Born in Italy and raised in East London, Mel is a polyglot fluent in French, Italian, and Spanish.