WE WERE delighted to sponsor Stratford Youth Forum’s presence at Stratford River Festival on Saturday 6 July so they could officially launch their Film Competition, #YourStratfordStory, aimed at young people aged 11 to 18. Working with the Forum as part of our wider conversations with young people at projects like Stratford SkatePark will help us lead and support innovative initiatives that make Stratford a great place to grow-up for all local children and young people.
Stratford Youth Forum (SYF) are a group of young people who have been elected in the Warwickshire Youth Elections. Members are the local face of the regional and national UK Youth Parliaments, run by young people, for young people. They meet every two months at the Saltway Centre, supported by Carla Young and Laurence Grinnell, experienced Youth Workers who are part of the Children and Families Team at Warwickshire County Council. Their members wanted a way to collect and celebrate the voices of young people and a Film Competition seemed the perfect option.
Alfie Walker, Secretary of SYF said: ‘The aim of the film competition is to find out what young people really think about living in Stratford district, what issues they face and what changes they would like to see. We came up with the idea in February and it was great to launch it at the River Festival. We want the films and the stories they tell to influence our local campaigns and future projects. We know that working together, we can make a difference.’
His fellow Forum member, Isaac Searle, co-chair of SYF said: ‘Your StratfordStory gives you the chance to share your views across on a wider platform, thanks to the Stratford Picturehouse and our supporters WCC County Councillor Dominic Skinner and Stratford Town Trust. We’re looking for creativity, great stories and films that are fun to watch – we don’t mind how the film has been shot and want to be as inclusive as possible so if you need support to tell your story – please get in touch. We’d encourage everyone to have a go. Whatever your story is, we want to hear it – your voice deserves to be heard.’
Dominic Skinner, Warwickshire County Councillor: The Stratford Youth Forum is a great platform for local young people to get their voices heard and the film competition will really cast some light on the issues that matter to youth of our district. Young people are far more informed, passionate and switched on than ever before, and they aren’t afraid to shy away from the big issues that matter. As a local county councillor I feel passionately about helping to create opportunities for our entire community, and I’m really pleased to be able to support the SYF. I hope that this competition, and the continuing work of the SYF, will help to empower and inspire young people all over Stratford on Avon.’
Film entries can be up to five minutes long and are welcome from 1 August until 1 October. They can be made by individuals or as part of a group. Winning films will be showcased at Stratford Picturehouse. To enter or for more information, email: soayouthforum@gmail.com