Raising awareness of homelessness amongst young people
Following on from the recent success of awareness raising films such as COW, a 30 minute drama which drew upon the skills and talent of young people in the Gwent area to warn against texting while driving, the Homelessness Network has engaged with award winning writer/director Peter Watkins-Hughes to produce a fictional drama about young people and homelessness. Shelter Cymru and Community Housing Cymru are also involved in the development of the project which is being funded by the Welsh Assembly Government.
Young people who have experienced homelessness in Wales are helping to develop the story that underpins the film, whilst others will get the opportunity to star in the production and gain work experience in the technical aspect of film production and benefit from the expertise of students from Newport Film School.
The film hopes to raise awareness among young people and the wider population of the realities of young people becoming homeless and give the young people who have engaged with the process an experience that will boost confidence and enhance skills. Shot in both South and North Wales, the film will depict both rural and urban homelessness with a view to eradicating myths and prompting people to seek help at the earliest possible stage.
Young single people ages 16 – 25 are disproportionally more likely to become homeless through eviction than any other group. Failed tenancies occur through a lack of financial awareness, anti-social behaviour and sometimes an inability to furnish a property. Last year, Hafod Housing Association reported that 12% of their tenancies were held by under 25 year olds – but they accounted for over a quarter of failed tenancies. Since 2007, 23% of RCT Homes’ tenants are aged 25 and under, but the total number of evictions for this age group is 27% and tenancies which have ended including abandonments is 31%.
The film will become part of an education homelessness prevention pack for young people and meets the Ten Year Homelessness plan aspiration to promote stability in young people’s lives at the earliest possible stage and help them understand the risks of homelessness and how they can be avoided. Shelter Cymru’s educational agenda focuses on education in schools using the Housemate resource comprising the website www.housemate.org.uk and education pack.
For further information please contact clare-williams@chcymru.org.uk
Training and Events with Community Housing Cymru
Training
Debt counselling, money management and financial inclusion – November 11
Creating successful tenancies – December 15
An introduction to housing associations – December 16
Conferences
HR conference – 20 October, Park Plaza Hotel, Cardiff
Annual conference – 25-26 November, Hilton Hotel, Cardiff
Governance conference – 17-18 February 2011, Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod Wells
For further details, visit our website www.chcymru.org.uk or contact Jennifer Horton Jennifer-horton@chcymru.org.uk or telephone 029 2055 7410 or Rhian Robinson on 029 2055 7413 rhian-robinson@chcymru.org.uk