Haringey films score first in Community Awards

Wednesday 5 August 2009

Young film makers aged between 11 and 21 are celebrating after their short documentary style films about life on housing estates, managed by Homes for Haringey, won a prestigious community award.

The Youth Outreach Film Project, led by Homes for Haringey’s Resident Involvement team, scooped the trophy in the Best Practice in the Community category in the TPAS Connecting People Awards final on Saturday (1 August 2009).

Having won the southern region heat in March, they again beat off stiff competition from shortlisted projects in the national final. They were presented with their award at a glittering reception held at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole.

The 10 minute ‘shorts’ addressed facilities for young people, safe places to play and anti-social behaviour. Supported by Homes for Haringey in conjunction with Haringey Council’s Neighbourhood Management Teams, the documentaries also capture the feelings and experiences of the young people.

Estates featured were The Sandlings (N22), Edgecot Grove (N15), Coldfall (N10) and Northumberland Park (N17).

Homes for Haringey’s Marlon Bruce, Youth Outreach Officer, collected the award along with Chief Executive, Paul Bridge, and five of the young film makers.

“Everyone was ecstatic on hearing the announcement,” Marlon said. “This project has been a labour of love for the young people and they are jubilant their efforts have now been rewarded. This award is an utter testament to their sheer hard work.”

During the three day film project, 44 young people learnt a range of video-making skills, from creating a storyboard, using a camera, and production techniques such as cutting and editing to create ‘rushes’ prior to final production.

“This project showed there are other ways to engage young people than offering pizza,” according to Simon Godfrey, Involvement & Equalities Manager. “It was fun project to do which has delivered real results on all the estates.”

Chief Executive, Paul Bridge, added:

“This is a great credit for all the young people who participated in the making of their estate films.  These young residents continue to successfully work with other young people, parents and agencies to take forward and address issues - good and bad - on their estates, from start to finish. Congratulations to them all on this tremendous achievement.”

Ends

Notes to editors

TPAS is the Tenant Participation Advisory Service – a national body representing tenant and leaseholder interests

The film project was originally launched in December 2007.

Each of the four films was planned and shot over a single weekend. The 11-21 year-olds worked with local film companies, Fig Tree Films and Two Twelve Films, commissioned by Homes for Haringey in partnership with Haringey Council’s Neighbourhoods teams and the Bridge New Deal for Communities Project.  

Homes for Haringey has set up its own virtual youth panel newsletter to help young people get involved in their community.

A new multi-user games area at Edgecot Grove is just one example of how the young people involved in the films have brought about a positive improvement in their area. They have also made successful applications for funding from Grass Roots and Haringey Council’s ‘Making a Difference’ budgets to buy computers to access the internet and buy better youth centre equipment.

For further information contact Homes for Haringey’s Resident Involvement team on 020 8489 4476 or 4483.or email resident.involvement@homesforharingey.org

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