Children’s rights film wins national award
VIDEO DEVISED AND ACTED BY YOUNG PEOPLE FROM THE CITY
A FILM about children’s rights made by young people in Leicester has won an award.
Was Not Heard was named winner of the recruitment and professional development category at the Children & Young People Now awards – the biggest national prize programme in the youth and children’s work sector.
It was singled out by judges as the project that made the biggest contribution to boosting recruitment and the status of work with children, young people and families.
Was Not Heard was made in Leicester with the support of youth workers at the city council, in association with Badshoes Film.
It was funded by NHS England and the Safeguarding Partnership Boards of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
The film highlights the rights of children to have their voices heard, be listened to by adults and to have their views and opinions considered and respected by decisionmakers.
In doing so, the film highlighted Article 12 of the UN’s Convention on the Rights of the Child, which states “I have the right to be listened to, and taken seriously”.
The film received a virtual premiere in July. It was written by 17-year-old Yasmin Allen with narration and performances from 12 actors aged from six to 17.
Yasmin said: “By listening to youth voices, adults can become the bridge between our problems and support. Not listening and not acting on what you hear doesn’t just break trust, the consequences are that you leave young people in a vulnerable position.
“The message of this film is that it’s time to listen more carefully.”
Councillor Sarah Russell, deputy city mayor responsible for social care, said: “It’s fantastic news that Was Not Heard has won a Children & Young People Now award.
“This is a really powerful film that demonstrates how important it is that we listen to the children and young people we work with.
“I am so proud of our young people who came up with the idea for the film and delighted our brilliant participation team could support them to make it happen.
“The fact we were up against The National Youth Agency, a national organisation, for this award, shows just how groundbreaking and ambitious our work in Leicester is.
“The film has also been recognised by Unicef, so it’s had international exposure.
“It’s amazing to think that something made in Leicester is having such a far-reaching impact.”
Was Not Heard is also being used as a training tool for professionals who work with children and young people.
The film has recently been included in an online psychological first aid course for practitioners across children’s services, produced by Public Health England.
So far, more than 30,000 professionals have enrolled on to the course.
■ To view the film, go to:
It’s amazing to think that something made in Leicester is having such a far-reaching impact
Coun Sarah Russell, pictured