UK (University of South Wales) Film highlights access to education for homeless young people

Film students at the University of South Wales have worked with Llamau to help change the lives of vulnerable women and young people experiencing homelessness this winter.

As part of their course, the second year students teamed up with the charity to create an emotive film, showing the services it provides to the thousands of people who find themselves homeless in Wales each year.

Produced from the perspective of a young man struggling at school and having problems at home, the film focuses on Llamau’s Step Into Education programme for young people aged 16 to 24, who are at a higher risk of facing homelessness in later life. The programme helps young people who are facing hardship at home or school to gain qualifications and life skills, which can offer opportunities to succeed and ultimately avoid becoming homeless.

Beverley Taylor, Marketing and Communications Manager at Llamau, said: “The whole process of working with the USW students was very enjoyable – they had thoroughly researched Llamau and our mission, and were eager to make a film that would help raise their profile of our education provision.

“The project was a great opportunity for us to benefit from their expertise and skills, supporting their professional development while gaining external insight into our work and a fresh perspective on how best to communicate the need for the services we provide.

“We hope that the film will help reach the young people who could benefit from our courses, as well as stakeholders such as local authorities who might refer young people to our services. We will also  use the film to show potential funders and sponsors how they can work with us as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.”

Jo Prescott, 21, is studying BA Film at USW and was part of the team who made the film. She said: “We wanted to create a hybrid film that was both relatable for the young people that Llamau help, and could also be useful in securing funding and sponsorship. Without funding, the charity would not be able to continue providing these services.

“Working with Llamau was a fantastic experience as we were able to apply our skills to create a meaningful piece of work, and have the opportunity to create something similar to what we may be doing in the industry, which is exactly what I came to university for.

“We established a great working relationship with the charity which allowed us to deliver the project exactly as they had asked for. I feel proud knowing that young people may be able to access these vital services because of our film.”