"Jo came on board with RECLAIM to help us on our media strategy. As a small charity, with no dedicated PR person we often struggle to make the most of the opportunities that are out there. Jo spent an afternoon with us and from that created a workable, achievable media strategy that highlighted how we could be proactive with the resources we have. It was clear that she listened and understood what we do and what our limitations are and I was really impressed with the quality of the work she delivered. It was an absolute pleasure to work with her and I hope to do so again in the near future."
Monika Neall, Development Manager, The RECLAIM Project, Manchester
"It’s been a pleasure working with Jo. She did a fantastic job in raising the profile of my new play - and of my work at a national level."
Amanda Whittington, Playwright
"Jo delivered some really interesting media training for RECLAIM. Her methods were engaging and interactive, covering a range of media including print, broadcast and online.
The skills she shared with our team have been put in place and proven to be beneficial.
We were given really useful techniques and also some valuable industry tips! I would definitely recommend Jo for any business, (especially the Third Sector)."
Emma Horridge, Volunteer Manager, The RECLAIM Project, Manchester
“We contacted Jo initially to ask for help and advice regarding our press and PR strategy as we no longer had dedicated support in that area. Jo came and spent a day with staff and the Board to help and develop a working plan that we could build on. This was such a productive day and great value for money. Since then The Media Room has been employed to work more strategically with all seven Home-Starts across Greater Manchester. In such a short time Jo has raised our profile enormously with press & PR opportunities including BBC Radio Manchester, newspapers including the MEN, and an online presence. Her skills, knowledge and understanding of the media have been invaluable. Jo is not only fantastic at what she does, but a wonderful person to work with. I would highly recommend her, she's an absolute star!"
Kate Brookes, Manager, Home-Start Bury
"I have written and directed 30 pantomimes at Nottingham Playhouse and I can honestly say Jo McLeish got me the best coverage I have had in 30 years. We got national coverage which is not easy with so many pantomimes chasing publicity. Jo is not just superb at her job, but also an extremely charming person. I can not praise Jo enough."
Kenneth Alan Taylor, Actor, Writer, Director
"Home-Start Birmingham were awarded an Awards for All grant to go towards the making of a film that showcases the work of Home-Start in Birmingham and that made potential volunteers feel that it was something that they could relate to as it features Birmingham landmarks. We worked with Jo McLeish- Executive Producer, (The Media Room), and Nadya Mahdi- Director and Alex Robinson- cameraman, (Tuesday Films). Throughout the whole process Jo, Nadya and Alex were completely professional and put the safe-being of the participants at the front of everything they did. There was a real duty of care towards them as the stories they were telling were very real and in some cases very painful. I feel that this helped make the film as powerful as it is. Time was not an issue, it took as long as it took and people were made to feel comfortable before any filming started. I feel that the film that was produced gives a really good insight into the work of Home-Start. I have shown it to many people since it has been finished and everyone has found it a very powerful film and has helped them to understand the work Home-Start does."
Alison Foden, Home-Start Birmingham
"Working with Jo from The Media Room and Nadya and Alex from Tuesday Films, when making ‘Telling Their Stories’ was a stress-free uncomplicated experience, made possible through their professionalism, forward planning, close attention to detail, sensitivity, and caring nature. I would not expose the vulnerable families that I have supported through Home-Start in the hands of just anyone. I trust Jo, Nadya and Alex to capture experiences in a true and positive form, with lots of consideration to the individuals that make it possible. I feel this was definitely achieved with the very powerful ‘Telling Their Stories’ film."
Kathryn Eckersley, Home-Start Greater Manchester
Jo McLeish was a pleasure to work with on our project In Another Place. Her expertise was invaluable in securing the project interest from regional press and media, most notably in BBC radio and television coverage. She was a supportive and committed member of the delivery team, communicating clearly and productively with the project partners, which included representatives from organisations and individual artists. She was sensitive to the various agendas involved.
She was well prepared, methodical, thorough and diligent, and definitely “went the extra mile” to ensure that opportunities were fully explored. Importantly, she was a good humoured colleague throughout the process, making it a genuinely happy aspect of the project delivery. I would love to work with Jo again and would recommend her without hesitation."
Elizabeth Hawley- Lingham, Contemporary Visual Arts East Midlands