Homeless young people produce and star in their own films

In partnership with Vital Regeneration, a leading agency working for positive change in London’s most deprived neighbourhoods, the ‘FreqOUT!’ project has benefited groups of homeless young people receiving support from Centrepoint since 2005. Under the guidance of an artist and director and with tuition from sound technicians and film editors, and using top of the range technology, young people are encouraged to discuss and create responses to current issues and technologies over a six week period.

Eighteen young people have benefited from the project, and five have gained AQA accreditation which will help open doors to future employment and training opportunities.

Mohamed, 21, decided to make his film about his experiences of homelessness in an inspiring video with interviews from young people receiving support from Centrepoint explaining why they became homeless, what life is like at Centrepoint and what their hopes are for the future. He said:

“We wanted to talk about some of our experiences. I was a bit nervous but excited too to see the final product up there in front of the audience. We only took one day to film but then six weeks to edit to get it right. Film is something I have always been interested in and something I am definitely looking to do in the future and for a job, maybe working with comedy films. I’m glad I’ve had the chance to do the course and get some experience.”

Jenny Irish, Project manager at Vital regeneration said: “FreqOUT! is Vital Regeneration’s innovative London based community education programme for young people. It explores the artistic and educational potential of wireless technology to engage socially excluded young people living in the 20% most deprived areas of the UK. We aim to increase young people’s opportunities for work and further education through involvement with pioneering technology, exposure to artists, members of the business community and statutory service providers.”

Louisa Benjamin, support and development worker at Centrepoint said: “The FreqOUT! project has been invaluable to the young people taking part. Many of the young people Centrepoint supports face multiple barriers into education and employment resulting from the issues that led to them becoming homeless or as a result of their experiences whilst homeless. It is imperative that we offer a route into education, training and employment that is attractive and relevant to their needs and interests. This project helps develop skills young people will need in the work that they hope to do, and is also a huge amount of fun.”