Young people fighting smoking habit from behind the camera
MEMBERS of Bray and North Wicklow Youthreach are getting behind the camera ahead of the Irish Cancer Society X-Hale Youth awards.
X-Hale is an initiative developed by the Irish Cancer Society to encourage young people to take action on the issue of smoking in their own communities.
As part of X-HAle, the Irish Cancer Society hosts the annual X-Hale Youth Awards which sees youth groups from around the country enter short films and community action projects around the issue of smoking.
In total this year, 39 groups have received funding from the Society and a further six groups will receive support.
The society has awarded over €130,000 to youth groups and organisations through X-Hale to create smoking related community awareness film projects since the initiative started over seven years ago.
Youth groups can apply for a grant for their project, or take part without a grant and receive free resources, training and support.
The young people get digital film school, then get stuck into exploring important smoking issues like peer pressure, the health effects of smoking and the power of the tobacco industry.
The information provided is relevant for all young people, both non-smokers and smokers are encouraged to take part.
Completed short films are submitted to the Irish Cancer Society and are uploaded to the Irish Cancer Society YouTube channel so that you can promote and share your group’s work far and wide on social media and in your local area to expand the reach of your messages among your friends and community.
All films are showcased at the X-Hale Youth Awards each year.
This is a fantastic event to celebrate the achievements of all involved with cool prizes up for grabs under various categories including an Online Winner for the film with the most YouTube views.