A group of teenagers from Shotley is determined to try and change their community’s perception of “youth today” with a screening of a special film.
The film project, which was organised and funded by Babergh District Council, aims to challenge negative perceptions of young people and to provide a creative outlet for their energy.
It is hoped that the film will attract an audience of young people, parents, villagers, community leaders and business people, as well as local police officers and youth workers at a special screening on Tuesday 26th May.
The group – Josh Ling, Matt Prescott, Sam Cox, Jack Pugh, Josh Mison, Tom Hemsley, Liam Matthews, Becky Taylor and Beth Saxby - all aged between 14 and 15 years old, have called their film Shotley Youth News after a series of successful filming sessions during the February half term and Easter holidays.
The group have worked with film-makers CSV Media Clubhouse to produce the film which aims to show a snippet of real life in the village through teenager’s eyes.
One criticism voiced by teenagers in the film is that there is nowhere for their peer group to meet in Shotley and they are asking for a place to “hang out” for one night a week.
The young people recognise they need adult supervision and through their film aim to show that they are responsible teenagers who “just need to be given a chance”. If the group are successful in obtaining a room they will apply, with the help of Babergh, for funding, in order to purchase new equipment to support their project.
Jill Barton, Babergh’s Community Development Officer said: “I am amazed at the commitment and enthusiasm of the young people taking part – they are a unique bunch of teenagers who definitely deserve to be heard”
“I hope that the film will have a positive impact in helping the different generations in Shotley to work together in order to take this project forward”
This project highlights an increasing focus by Babergh on bringing communities together.
Paul Little, Babergh’s Community Safety and Leisure Manager, said: “This film project is a good example of how young people can be provided with an opportunity to tell their story to the rest of the community.
“This in turn could then prompt a discussion and action from within the community to provide positive outlets for young people’s energies.
“Babergh can help and support communities, but key to any long terms success is how that help and support can help communities to take an active part in helping our young people.”
Josh Ling, one of the young people taking part in the project added: “It has been a great experience to take part in this project.
“It’s really fun, not just to be able to do something within the community that will benefit future generations, but also to use some really high-tech equipment in the process.”
The screening is taking place at 7pm on May 26th at Shotley Village Hall. It will be followed by an open discussion called ‘Building Bridges’.
If you can help the group by volunteering, on a rota basis, to help one evening per week so the group can get their new project off the ground, please call Jill Barton on (01473) 826674 jill.barton@babergh.gov.uk. or Steph Lloyd on 01473 825834 steph.lloyd@babergh.gov.uk. ENDS
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