iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Ben Dickenson @benjitoon.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

I was part of a generation that fell in love with football watching KK in black & white. He saved us twice, as player & manager. Then he made us truly great. Put pride back into a city Thatcherism nearly broke. Might have done it a third time too, if things had been different. Thank you Kevin. RIP

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Ben Dickenson @benjitoon.bsky.social · 13/02/2026

It's been a while...but the fear remains, so does hope. Inspired by Grandma's stand against British fascists and the women from Minneapolis emailing @bylinesnetwork.co.uk. This is 50 by 50 #11 - the latest of a series exploring the fear/hope paradigm. bendickenson.substack.com/p/50-by-50-1...

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Ben Dickenson @benjitoon.bsky.social · 22/01/2026

My latest 50 by 50 post shares a nightmare about my son that shook me to my core – instigated by real-world threats of men in uniform and repression. First of a two-part essay on ICE, Iran, family history lessons and releasing your child into a fractured world. open.substack.com/pub/bendicke...

Image of a man in bed having a nightmare, with his son being led away by uniformed me in the background. Above the image is the ttle of an article by Ben Dickenson on his 50 by 50 Substack.

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Ben Dickenson @benjitoon.bsky.social · 08/01/2026

Come over and read about my wedding... ...and why I'm calling on us all to put love first this year. After what happened in Minneapolis, it feels even more important to fight for connection, community and humanity. We can't let hate and repression win. bendickenson.substack.com/p/50-by-50-9...

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Ben Dickenson @benjitoon.bsky.social · 02/01/2026

Job done. 2026 has started pretty well.

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Ben Dickenson @benjitoon.bsky.social · 30/12/2025

Last evening living in sin. Wedding bells tomorrow.

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Ben Dickenson @benjitoon.bsky.social · 28/12/2025

My latest post is about my wedding (which is in 3 days, eek!) and will be the happiest moment of my life. It will be missing one person - my cousin, who was murdered in 2011. Today would have been her 53rd birthday. I wish she could be there when I get married. open.substack.com/pub/bendicke...

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Ben Dickenson @benjitoon.bsky.social · 26/12/2025

What films have you been watching this festive season? If they're present-day Hollywood, they're unlikely to challenge the Trump world order. It wasn't always like this – it doesn't have to be! Revisiting my cinema specialism in this article. Come join me. bendickenson.substack.com/p/50-by-50-7...

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Ben Dickenson @benjitoon.bsky.social · 23/12/2025

Hanukkah ended yesterday. The Bondi shooting was over a week ago. Unity and connection across cultural divisions feels more immediately relevant than ever. Come and read my take: open.substack.com/pub/bendicke...

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Ben Dickenson @benjitoon.bsky.social · 21/12/2025

Come over to Substack and have a read. Thoughts welcome. Humanity expected. bendickenson.substack.com/p/50-by-60-6...

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Ben Dickenson @benjitoon.bsky.social · 13/12/2025

Moonlighting at Midsommar Bakery. Today’s workplace is pretty cool. Plenty of writing inspiration to be found amongst those buns, and in conversations with the lovely humans eating them.

Buns and cakes at Midsommar Bakery, Grainger Market, Newcastle.

Ben in an apron at Midsommar Bakery, Grainger Market, Newcastle.

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Ben Dickenson @benjitoon.bsky.social · 09/12/2025

2011 - cousin murdered. 2018 - Mum died. 2025 - Dad gets cancer. 2012 - start a theatre company. 2019 - storytelling programmes for excluded young people. 2026 - Bylines Network and Substack. Honouring those I love through creativity and resistance: bendickenson.substack.com/p/the-heavy-...

Title card for episode 4 of Ben Dickenson’s 50 by 50 Substack

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Ben Dickenson @benjitoon.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

My take on the Farage schoolboy accusations. It's personal, revealing my own experience of racism in school, and explores why journalism and other forms of storytelling need to do one thing - ask the right questions. Please click, read and subscribe. bendickenson.substack.com/p/50-by-50-3...

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Ben Dickenson @benjitoon.bsky.social · 01/12/2025

You're invited to join me on my 50 by 50 journey. This is post #3 - all about racism, journalism and the questions storytellers should be asking. bendickenson.substack.com/p/50-by-50-3...

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Ben Dickenson @benjitoon.bsky.social · 29/11/2025

Happening now Newcastle’s Grainger Market - Midsommar Bakery grand opening! Queues formed early, and have been running out the door all day. Buns, open sandwiches, cakes flying into happy bellies. It already feels like a hub of lovely humans. Fika has been enjoyed by all!

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Ben Dickenson @benjitoon.bsky.social · 19/11/2025

Some words about my Dad, who has just been diagnosed with cancer. A better man than many - a better, fairer and kinder human. Stop by my Substack to read more - including two poems in the latest post and a brand new post every week: substack.com/@bendickenso...

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Ben Dickenson @benjitoon.bsky.social · 19/11/2025

Two images that felt relevant on International Men’s Day. We need more good men, not toxically masculine but driven by kindness and hope.

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Ben Dickenson @benjitoon.bsky.social · 19/11/2025

A tiny bit of one of my poems for my Dad. Cancer is a bastard huh? Revisiting a lot of words I’ve written for him right now. He might well be ok. He could survive this. His legacy - of kindness, humanity and good values - certainly will.

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Ben Dickenson @benjitoon.bsky.social · 14/11/2025

Oh the canny wee cards Substack makes for your posts! Here’s one for this piece: bendickenson.substack.com/p/50-by-50-1... Any reads, shares, comments and feedback welcome. And please do hop over there and subscribe to 50 by 50 when you feel so inclined. You’ll be very welcome.

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Ben Dickenson @benjitoon.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

Here's post #1 of my 50 by 50 collection. Trains, shame and school toilets. When a stranger risked his life to stop a knife attack on a train, something deep stirred in me – a journey through trauma and identity, and a reminder that we are one humanity. bendickenson.substack.com/p/50-by-50-1...

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Ben Dickenson @benjitoon.bsky.social · 09/11/2025

30 years without justice. Silenced, ignored and blocked. These survivors need your attention and support. Something needs to change. If you do one thing before you retire to bed tonight, read this: bylinesnetwork.substack.com/p/when-power... Isabella is one of 100s who deserve your time.

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Ben Dickenson @benjitoon.bsky.social · 05/11/2025

This is me. Writing. Again. At last. substack.com/@bendickenso...

Black and white picture of Ben in a hat looking downwards, with text that says “announcing 50 by 50”

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Ben Dickenson @benjitoon.bsky.social · 23/10/2025

Community journeys of change start with story. Of course they do! That’s why @bylinesnetwork.co.uk is so important and so powerful. Brilliant to be with @neweconomics.bsky.social @makevotesmatter.bsky.social @europeanmovement.co.uk and others today talking about community.

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Ben Dickenson @benjitoon.bsky.social · 19/10/2025

If you’re in Newcastle in a couple of weeks, this could make your Monday evening much better. Highly recommend.

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Ben Dickenson @benjitoon.bsky.social · 15/10/2025

Please do complete the survey and share your view on Substack in the final comment section. Also, are you aware we have an anti-hate live event on 4 November?

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Ben Dickenson @benjitoon.bsky.social · 09/10/2025

A think that @bylinesnetwork.co.uk is doing. Come along - bit.ly/BylinesHope

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Ben Dickenson @benjitoon.bsky.social · 27/09/2025

Newcastle says no to fascism. The far right brought a hundred or so with them, bussed from far and wide. This city turned out 1000s, from local communities, estates and streets. Geordies of all backgrounds coming together and outnumbering the purveyors of hate by some distance. Newcastle united.

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Ben Dickenson @benjitoon.bsky.social · 07/09/2025

Is that a young @reecedinsdale.bsky.social in a bit of vintage late 80s TV? Scouring a Roku’s free offerings for something nostalgic to watch. Fearnot! The Storyteller is here.

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Ben Dickenson @benjitoon.bsky.social · 16/07/2025

Interesting and important analysis here by Tim Gopsill. open.substack.com/pub/bylinesn...?

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Ben Dickenson @benjitoon.bsky.social · 11/07/2025

@bylinesnetwork.co.uk at the Byline Festival. Here all weekend. Tons to show and give you, and lots of friendly chat. You can even enjoy our online publications at the stall. Find us in Union Square. PS it’s hot! Bring cold drinks. Or a nice cool donation to support our citizen journalism.

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Ben Dickenson @benjitoon.bsky.social · 02/07/2025

A few stories you can find on the @bylinesnetwork.co.uk Substack. We put the best articles from all 10 of our UK national and regional titles there every month...with some special pieces, podcast episodes, snazzy Gazettes, and other goodies popping up between. Go visit: bylinesnetwork.substack.com

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Ben Dickenson @benjitoon.bsky.social · 14/06/2025

A critical point indeed. We can't ignore it. Come and hear Shirish and others share their expert views on diversity and equality in media...and then share yours too. Only together are we going to make things better. www.tickettailor.com/events/bylin...

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Ben Dickenson @benjitoon.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

There has never been a more important time to fight for equality and diversity in our media. Join @bylinesnetwork.co.uk and friends to talk about how. Just one week to go - get yourself booked in: bit.ly/mediaEDI

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Ben Dickenson @benjitoon.bsky.social · 22/05/2025

Been quiet here lately whilst dealing with a bereavement. But coming back with news of something pretty exciting and important. Join @bylinesnetwork.co.uk to talk about equity, diversity & inclusion in media and journalism. With some special guest speakers. This feels more necessary than ever.

A flyer that says "Bylines Network Webinar. Equality and diversity in media and journalism. Where do we go from here? Join media professionals and everyday citizens working to make our media more inclusive. Find out about research, alternative media models, and tools to shape better journalism." There is a QR code to swipe and a URL - https://bit.ly.mediaEDI - for booking. On the other side of the flyer, the speakers are listed. Diane Kemp, Director of the Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity and Professor of Broadcast Journalism at Birmingham City University. Jennie Kermode, journalist specialising in LGBTQ issues and film, Bylines Network EDI coordinator and Bylines Scotland writer. Mike Findlay-Agnew, CEO International Network of Street Papers, LGBTQ+ and EDI trainer, and freelance writer on equality. Shirish Kulkani, journalist, researcher and community organiser. Currently News Innovation Research Fellow at Media Cymru/Cardiff University School of Journalism and founder of Inclusive Journalism Cymru.

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Ben Dickenson @benjitoon.bsky.social · 19/04/2025

Mum would’ve been 80 today. Angry I didn’t see her age disgracefully & sad, in ways I can’t describe, that she won’t watch her grandson grow. But glad she doesn’t have to fight misogyny & racism again, or see more politicians fail. If your parent models resistance - hug them and don’t let go.

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Ben Dickenson @benjitoon.bsky.social · 05/04/2025

What a lovely endorsement of @bylinesnetwork.co.uk this is. Thank you @pshoot.bsky.social. We hope to do journalism by the people, for the people forever. As @mikegalsworthy.bsky.social says, we need help from our supporters to make sure that happens. Please donate people. Follow the QR code.

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Ben Dickenson @benjitoon.bsky.social · 29/03/2025

Just gonna leave this here. @bylinesnetwork.co.uk fans, feel free to visit and help us keep doing journalism by the people, for the people and with the people.

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Ben Dickenson @benjitoon.bsky.social · 16/03/2025

Not for the owners. Not even for the millionaires in the dressing room, albeit they played very well. For the fans. For the hard working people who spend their pennies following their team, year in, year out. It’s a culture, a community, a heartbeat. 70years in the making, this belongs to us.

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Ben Dickenson @benjitoon.bsky.social · 09/03/2025

Kissed playing @starandshadow.bsky.social for #internationalwomensday Women to applaud over again. Including those usually on stage but not in this video. “It’s not just one day. The struggle continues.” Says @nathaliestern.bsky.social. Proud to stand with her, today, all days, always.

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Ben Dickenson @benjitoon.bsky.social · 05/03/2025

How many presidents get this during their address to congress? No to mention those wearing pink who walked out, the jeers, Al Green heckling. Whilst over the border Trudeau is says Trump cozies up to dictators. It’s not enough. Not yet. Not nearly. But it tells a story…Trump is not unopposed.

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Ben Dickenson @benjitoon.bsky.social · 01/03/2025

Hey @bylines.scot @bylinesnetwork.co.uk - look! It’s almost like Charles is following you on @bsky.app.

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Ben Dickenson @benjitoon.bsky.social · 01/03/2025

Hey Don, you did a rare thing, you united ALL the British press in condemnation of you. You know it usually takes a big old dose of dangerous extremism to make that happen. Hmmmm….

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Ben Dickenson @benjitoon.bsky.social · 01/03/2025

Words from world leaders supporting Ukraine after Trump tried (& failed) to humiliate Zelenskyy on TV. 28 people from 25 countries. Nearly all of Europe, and Australasia. Are you listening Donald? You’re on the wrong side of history, along with Putin. Stand together everyone. Now more than ever.

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Ben Dickenson @benjitoon.bsky.social · 26/02/2025

As Starmer boards a plane to America, @alastaircampbell2.bsky.social tells a @bylinesnetwork.co.uk citizen journalist the PM can respect the President's office but must not "under any circumstances become an echo" for Trump. Full interview & pod link here: yorkshirebylines.co.uk/politics/sta...

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Ben Dickenson @benjitoon.bsky.social · 24/02/2025

The SPD conceded after seeing exit polls. The German “conservative alliances is set for victory. Much to ponder on this, and likely weeks before a coalition is formed. But the far right AfD, despite coming in second, will not be in government. There is at least some sense in this world tonight.

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Ben Dickenson @benjitoon.bsky.social · 14/02/2025

We’ve only gone and done it. Me and @nathaliestern.bsky.social have made it official…getting married at the end of this year. Date is right between our 50th birthdays. So we’ll be celebrating 100 years of union. That maths works - honest!

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Ben Dickenson @benjitoon.bsky.social · 31/12/2024

Happy New Year everyone. Hope you wake up to a view that feels like home on the first day or 2024. And if you don’t, I hope you find the path to wherever home is in the next 12months. Home = somewhere with good humans, safe, welcoming, compassionate, progressive, where you are happy.

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