This immersive session explores hyper-local community journalism through the lens of the Narrativas project – a collaborative initiative between the local news outlet Mensagem de Lisboa and grassroots leaders. 

Led by cultural activist and Chelas native Nuno Varela and Catarina Reis from Mensagem de Lisboa, this session dives into how participatory media can empower historically marginalised urban neighbourhoods, dismantle long-standing stigmas, and reframe neighbourhood narratives from within. 

Held directly in Chelas, one of Lisbon’s largest public housing districts, the dynamic meeting bridges local storytelling with broader discussions on community representation, civic engagement, and social impact, giving foundation representatives a tangible, on-the-ground look at media created by and for the community.