Using Film to Inspire Young People

Inspire Highfield work to combat loneliness, isolation, improve green spaces and encourage behaviour change in relation to peoples health and wellbeing across Highfield, Bradford.

Through the Manjit Wolstenholme Fund, they used film as an educational tool to bring young people together to deepen their understanding of diverse peoples and cultures, and inspire them

 

• Can you describe your organisation and the people/communities you support?

Our journey started in 2011 when we formed Highfield Food Co-op, a social action group that wanted to tackle health inequalities and promote social cohesion in the area. Our mission was to increase participation for communities who didn’t /would not engage in community matters.

Over the years we have completed many projects that have made an impact on the communities living in the Highfield area. We are a user led organisation and we have several volunteers who support the running of our organisation.

 

• How have you been supported by GiveBradford and what has this funding enabled you to do? 

The Manjit Wolstenholme Fund provided young people the opportunity to meet, learn and share their ideas. The project provided young people to learn skills such as film kit set up, how to obtain film licenses and promote the film screenings. This project was unique as it was new innovative and designed and delivered by young people.

The film screenings inspired conversations around, Race, Identity, Opportunities, the Environment. The project has inspired young people to challenge inequalities, inspire creativity and most of all inspire change.

 

• Can you give us an example of an individual and or group and how they have responded to this work?

The project has inspired young people to challenge inequalities, inspire creativity and most of all inspire change.

“Really cool project enjoyed it” – Aadam.

“The films were awesome”-Shaz.

“Film kit training was interesting, after 40mins, it was like being in the cinema”. – Anonymous

 

• What challenges and opportunities do you face as an organisation in the current climate?

The challenges that we face now due to the Covid -19 Pandemic are more demand for our services, many people have suffered in terms of losing their jobs, young people experiencing loneliness and mental health issues.

We have communities who will require support during and post pandemic. So, as you can see, we have many challenges ahead of us, but we feel we have a role to play in working with the most vulnerable people in our community.

We have found it hard but with support from Leeds Community Foundation, we have manged to carry on our activities and services.

 

• How is your organisation preparing for the future, and what kind of funding is needed?

We have had a great relationship with Leeds Community Foundation who have been part of our journey. We have completed several projects that have been funded by Leeds Community Foundation. The support and guidance that they provided for the past few years has increased our confidence and our resilience.

There was a stage when we were thinking of closing Highfield Food Coop because we did not have the funds to continue, but the support and advice that Leeds Community Foundation provided we managed to survive closure. We really value the connection we have had with the Foundation, and we hope to continue this partnership.