Brent, North West London
Priority: Children, Young People and Families - Provide ‘out of school’ opportunities for children and young people to gain new skills, discipline, divert from anti-social behaviour/ crime. Provide holistic support to the family with education, learning and healthy living
Project: Beyond the Will Smith Challenge (BTWSC)
Awarded: £3,995
About
This project was funded by Church End and Roundwood Fair Share Trust in summer 2009 to deliver the project; 'Love in the Community'. The project was designed to give 14-18 year olds the opportunity to build confidence and self-esteem, develop skills in filming and editing and to interview their peers and adults about the positive aspects of their neighbourhood and life.
In furtherance of its aims, BTWSC runs after school projects, works in schools, has developed parenting resources with the YMCA, Parent & children programmes, runs accredited courses, inter-generational programmes, role model programmes, African History Programmes, live concerts, networking sessions, and community cohesion projects.
The idea for Love in the community (LITC) came from a youth leader who wanted a project focusing on the positive aspects of living in Brent. BTWSC then helped participants turn their ideas into reality. The young people were supported by a facilitator and video professional.
LITC was delivered through inter-active sessions to develop interviewing , filming and editing skills, and support for young people to conduct and film interviews. A facilitator and video professional worked on the project with the young people.
The project successfully worked with 13 young people to build their confidence and self-esteem, and help bridge the generation gap through working on a community project.
The young people gained skills and experience in interviewing, filming and editing, and helped produce a mini documentary highlighting the positive aspects of the neighbourhood. The DVD was screened at a community event at Willesden Green Library Centre, where the young people were presented with certificates of achievement by Cllr. Lincoln Beswick MBE.
The participants were thrilled that photos of them appeared in 'The Voice' newspaper. They were also recognised at the House of Commons by the then Brent South MP and Minister for Young Citizens & Youth Engagement Dawn Butler.
LITC gave a voice to many ordinary citizens to reflect upon their community. Various members of the community, including councillors and organisations, have copies of the DVD, which puts a positive light on life in Brent, particularly around the Roundwood, Craven Park and Church End areas.
Another positive outcome of LITC is that one of the young people has started his own video production company.
An interview with this young person:
Q1 What do you like and dislike about living in the Church End and Roundwood Neighbourhood?
I like being close to my friends but I feel other areas have more facilities and things to do.
Q2. Have you had any experience of summer holiday activities in the area prior to joining this project?
No.
Q3 Why did you decide to take part in this project?
Because I wanted to be part of a project that celebrated the positive in the community.
Q4 What did you get out of taking part?
I got the opportunity to increase my skills and knowledge by working on the project, and I also got to know others in the community, and make new friends. My confidence grew because my ideas were used.
Q5 Would you take part again in future and why?
Yes, because it was an interesting project with our ideas, and I got the opportunity to work on a DVD with a positive message.
Q6 How would you like to see this project develop or improve in the future?
I would like to continue such positive projects, because when project ends we have nothing much to do, and I am interested in video film making.
Q7 Personal Statement
A). Please tell us your thoughts, feelings and views about activities being provided for young people living in the Church End and Roundwood neighbourhood.
There should be more positive activities in the community
B) Please tell us about your hopes, aspirations and goals for the future.
I want to have my own film production company.
C) Please tell us about what activities and support you think we could provide to help you achieve your goals.
Opportunities for ongoing projects like the Love In The Community video project we did with BTWSC.