From Youth Club to Academy: Amelia Dimoldenberg's Journey of Giving Back

Beginning with Purpose

My journey into journalism began not with grand ambitions or even a clear career path, but with a simple curiosity that started in a youth club. I often think about how differently my life might have unfolded if I had never attended one 16 years ago. It was there, in that community space, that I first discovered the spark of storytelling and connection that would eventually become 'Chicken Shop Date'—a show that now reaches nearly 3 million followers and has become a cultural phenomenon.

"I've always wanted to create something similar for young people myself, when I was able to," Dimoldenberg recalls. "The benefits were just immense."

That foundational experience shaped my perspective on how important community spaces are for personal development, particularly for young people who might otherwise be overlooked or underserved.

Building on Experience: The Birth of Dimz Inc. Academy

Last summer marked a turning point in my career. Inspired by the lessons learned from my own youth club days, I launched Dimz Inc. Academy—a free, in-person summer program for 18 to 24-year-olds from underrepresented communities interested in creative industries.

Working with Spiral Skills and hosted at Young Creators U.K.'s South London studio space, the five-day program allowed participants to develop their own show concepts while learning essential production skills. They worked on camera operations, team collaboration, video editing, marketing strategies, and even shadowed a full 'Chicken Shop Date' shoot.

The initial success was undeniable—graduates of the first academy secured positions at major organizations like YCUK, the BBC, and Google. But what really excited me was the potential for growth and deeper impact.

Expanding Impact: A Month-Long Commitment

This year, we took a bold step forward by expanding the program to four weeks. The extended timeline offered more time for participants to form stronger bonds, refine their projects, and develop meaningful portfolios. During this month-long journey, we focused on the theme 'Love Letters,' with teams tasked with creating different types of videos—classic interviews, fast-paced vox pops, and documentary-style reports.

Each participant was assigned a specific role within their team—presenter, director, producer, camera operator, editor—and received instruction from industry professionals in those fields. My goal was never to create a pipeline for just front-of-camera talent; I wanted the program to be a comprehensive introduction to all aspects of creative production.

"I never wanted this to be just a creator pipeline and only about people who are in front of the camera," Dimoldenberg explains. "I wanted it to be a place where you could learn about all the different roles about the industry."

Skills, Support, and Sustainability

One of the most rewarding parts of running the academy is seeing participants grow not just professionally but personally. The studio space buzzes with energy as students work together, collaborate, and refine their projects under professional guidance.

This year's program included a partnership with Adobe, providing all participants with a one-year subscription to Adobe Premiere Pro—a crucial tool for modern video editing. The learning experience goes beyond software use; it's about building confidence, understanding the industry landscape, and creating lasting networks.

The impact extends far beyond graduation. Participants receive one-week paid work placements with professionals who visited the program, followed by continued support from Spiral Skills' youth workers and access to YCUK's resources.

Real Stories of Transformation

Grace Bower, a 21-year-old from Rotherham, exemplifies how the academy transforms lives. She applied after attending a previous workshop and found the experience exceeded her expectations. "I've never been able to access opportunities like this [in Rotherham]," she says. "Not only have I learnt the skills, I've really got to bond with the other people who are part of the academy."

Another participant, Tese Ajorgbor, echoed these sentiments. After struggling in the job market, he saw the academy as an opportunity to dive into a new experience. "I thought [Dimz Inc. Academy] would be a good opportunity to dive headfirst into a new experience and learn from professionals in the media space," he shared.

The support doesn't end at the conclusion of the program either. Participants continue to receive mentorship, and many go on to form long-term professional relationships that evolve into ongoing collaborations.

Addressing the Crisis

The academy addresses a significant issue facing young people in the UK—unemployment and underemployment in creative fields. According to recent reports from the Department for Work and Pensions, over 1 million young people in the UK are considered NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training), with mental health challenges, anxiety, and neurodivergence being major contributing factors.

Spiral Skills, a key partner in this initiative, emphasizes that trust is foundational. As CEO Ben Kahn puts it, "So often when we talk about the job NEET crisis, people talk about opportunity, which in Spiral's view is just one part of it. Young people from underserved communities are not turning up on our doorstep ready to go and just needing opportunity, they're first needing to build those trusted relationships."

Community as Foundation

At lunchtime, instead of separating into groups, the 16 participants sit together, sharing laughter and stories. This moment captures what makes the academy special—its focus on community-building and shared learning rather than competition.

"I'm like, this is literally what it's all about," Dimoldenberg smiles, watching the interactions unfold.

Siân Thandi, who completed the five-day program last year, now works as a producer at YCUK. "Spaces like Spiral, Dimz, YCUK, they really open young people up to not feel afraid to want to do that as a career," she says. "Coming here, I've never felt like I'm odd or different for wanting to go down this avenue. Everyone is so supportive and welcoming to your ideas and what you want to do."

Looking Forward: Scaling Impact

As I reflect on the journey so far, my vision is clear—expanding the academy regionally to serve more young people across the UK. But beyond that, I hope to inspire others with platforms to give back as well.

"People in my position: Can you open doors? Can you use your network? Can you be asking people to have internships?" Dimoldenberg urges. "Use your voice in that way."

The success of the academy isn't just measured by skills gained or jobs secured—it's about creating a sense of belonging and empowerment for young creatives who might otherwise feel isolated or unseen.

When I think about the final celebration at Southbank Centre, where participants showcased their work and shared how much the experience meant to them, it reaffirms why this mission is so vital. One student summed it up perfectly: "I just really don't ever feel that I will come across something like this again."