Armed with cameras and mobile phones, they are going out on to the streets to capture clips and events to show what they get up to, what their neighbourhoods are like and what it’s like to grow up in Sandwell in 2009.

Each film lasts just 60 seconds and can be about any topic they want as they illustrate their lives. The best will eventually be shown at a One Minute Film Festival in the New Year across Sandwell’s youth centres and facilities. Among the subject matters will be children in care exploring what it is like to be a looked after young person, while a group at Burnt Tree in Oldbury will be asking the question ‘what am I about?’

The project is funded through the Government’s Positive Activities for Young People scheme, part of the Aiming High for Young People strategy which aims to give young people safe places to go and interesting things to do at the times they want and need them most, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. Almost £5 million has been made available through the strategy in Sandwell between 2008 and 2011.

Project leader Lisa Chalcraft said: “This grew out of comments the young people were making about wanting to get involved in audio visual projects. We did a one off session where young people learnt skills in shooting film using their own mobile phones. It is hoped they will use these skills to make a video with an artist about issues in their area.

“The vast majority of young people are law-abiding and respectful but we know anti-social behaviour is an important issue for some. We are therefore also looking at anti-social behaviour in this project. It is hoped the video will include a role play, with one young person playing a local shopkeeper who gets abuse from young people, to help them understand the impact the behaviour has on the shopkeeper, the business and the local community.”

Cllr Ian Jones, Sandwell Council's cabinet member for children and young people, added: “A project like this really allows young people to get their creative juices flowing and show the world what is on their mind.

“Young people have a lot going on in their lives, and we want them to go out and explore their surroundings, interview each other and show what they get up to on a daily basis.”

After a successful pilot last month, there will be filmmaking workshops throughout November and December that will encourage young people to make short films about themselves, their town and any issues that are affecting them.

For more information about how to get involved contact Penny Wells at Coneygre 0121 557 3585 For a full listing of youth activities in Sandwell visit the website at www.justyouth.org.uk.

NOTES TO EDITORS
1. In July 2007 the Government announced a £679 million investment supplemented by £160 million from the Children's Plan to ensure places to go and things to do for young people aged 13-19 as part of the Aiming High for Young People: A Ten Year Strategy for Positive Activities.
2. Experience shows that young people are more likely to get involved in positive activities when they have a say in what is available, and that taking part helps them to learn new skills, as well as divert them from behaviour that might be considered by the wider community as anti-social.
3. Since April 2003, the Positive Activities for Young People programme (PAYP) has provided targeted developmental activities for 8-19 year olds at risk of social exclusion and community crime. Young people can participate in activities during the school holidays and access out of school activities throughout the year. Those most at risk can engage with key worker support. Extra funding over between 20008 and 2011 will increase holiday provision for 'at risk' teenagers, and extend the supply of tailored activities across the year.
4. More information on Aiming High is available at: http://www.everychildmatters.gov.uk/youthmatters/aiminghigh/
5. For information on the Youth Crime Action Plan and related initiatives visit www.dcsf.gov.uk/everychildmatters/ytf

Issued on behalf of DCSF by COI News & PR West Midlands. For further information please contact Neil Whelan on 0121 222 2638 or e-mail neil.whelan@coi.gsi.gov.uk.