INTRODUCING EQUALS
Equals brings together the consultancy work of Gareth Benest, a communications consultant and participatory media practitioner. Gareth works with organisations and communities to explore complex issues and develop stories with people rather than about them. The result is communication that is accurate, engaging and deeply human.
Gareth’s work is grounded in more than 25 years of participatory practice, facilitation, creative production and strategic communications. Based in the UK, he works with communities, activists and civil society organisations around the world, supporting communications that are collaborative, ethical and rooted in lived experience. Read more about Gareth.
To discuss a project or explore working together, please get in touch. You can also read what previous clients have said about working with Gareth on the testimonials page.
“Gareth’s drive, dedication, diligence and exceptional professionalism significantly contributed to the success and impact of our programme.”
“Our issues were only ever whispered among ourselves, between widows. We have never spoken about our problems openly…let alone discuss them with the Chief! Now our issues are being shared and we have sensed change in the air.”
participatory practice
As a participatory video practitioner, Gareth has worked with unheard and underrepresented communities around the world to explore the issues affecting them and tell their stories in their own words and from their own perspectives. He has trained countless facilitators, nurtured a global network of community media hubs and written three guidebooks showing how participatory practice can amplify local knowledge, support community-led solutions, shift power and engage people often excluded from decision-making.
“Reliable, driven, on-time, on-spec and creative - that’s Gareth Benest, and so much more. If you want someone who shines with integrity, doesn’t settle for less and can move mountains, you’ve got your man.”
“Gareth Benest is one of those people who are always a pleasure to work with. He makes sure that projects are executed with high level of professionalism”
writing & editing
Gareth turns complex ideas, evidence and lived experience into clear, compelling writing. He brings technical or sensitive subjects to life without oversimplifying them. Click below to explore recent toolkits, articles and publications he has written or edited.
film
Gareth creates films for campaigns, advocacy and public engagement, taking projects from first idea to final cut. He brings both strategic judgement and hands-on production experience to the process. Recent work includes a short film on state capture and an animation exploring land corruption across Africa.
design
Gareth creates clear, engaging visual materials that help complex information land with the right audience. His work spans reports, publications, campaign materials and exhibition design. Click below to explore recent examples for various international development organisations.