Youngsters create film to challenge stigma around being in care

A group of young people who are in the care of Derby City Council have helped create a new film aimed at breaking down the stigma around growing up in the care system.

The young people meet as part of Derby’s ‘Our Voice, Our Success’ group and the Derby Virtual School, which are both part of the city council.

The idea to make a film came from 14-year-old Margita, who wanted to change people’s views about what it means to be in care.

The council’s participation team, which supports children in care, helped to take the idea forward and connected the young people with creatives from Derby Theatre.

Around 15 youngsters took part in a series of workshops to produce the seven-minute animated film, which is called One Day.

They were then invited to see the film for the first time at a red carpet screening at QUAD.

The animation has been showcased at the Virtual School Festival and will be shown at the National Association of Directors of Children’s Services Conference this month.

Going forward, the city council is exploring how to use the film to educate and inform to provide a better understanding of the care experience.

Suanne Lim, the city council’s director of early help and children’s social care, said: “Our fantastic care experienced young people have done a wonderful job with this film.

“What they’ve created is truly inspirational and conveys such a powerful message about what it’s like in care. It’s really quite emotional to watch.

“I want to say a huge well done to all the young people that were involved.

“We’re passionate about providing the right care and support for every child in the city and this project is a great example of how we collaborate with our partners to achieve that.”

To view the film, visit https://www.youtube.com/derbycc .