Still time for young people to be part of #essexonevoice film
Young people across Essex still have the chance to be part of an exciting film project being carried out by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.
The film focuses on the issue of hate crime and encourages young people to record their thoughts and feelings about the subject to help raise awareness of the problem among their peers.
Filming for the project began last week at the PCC’s second annual Youth Conference. Called “Be the Change”, the conference saw teenagers attend the event at Chelmsford City Football Club and work with police and partners to share their views on important topics including hate crime, cyber bullying, interaction between young people and police, online grooming and consent in personal relationships.
Following an interactive presentation from Show Racism the Red Card at the conference, the teens were set the task of creating key messages using any medium they chose, including poems, raps, posters and campaign statements which they then performed in front of the camera. The filming was supported by volunteer and budding film-maker Tom Gudgeon.
The resulting footage will be used to create the short film, for use as an educational resource by schools and youth groups, to raise more awareness around the issues of hate crime, stereotyping and bullying.
Youngsters are still welcome to create messages around hate crime and stereotyping for the film project, which will remain open until Monday August 24. People wishing to take part can upload their video footage via Twitter using the hashtag #essexonevoice
Deputy Police & Crime Commissioner Lindsay Whitehouse said: “The issue of hate crime is of real concern to me and I believe young people in Essex have a crucial role to play in leading work in this area, particularly with regard to educating people and challenging stereotypes. This film is a great opportunity for young people to not only share their thoughts and perceptions on hate crime, but to help educate and raise awareness with others.”
The PCC Youth Conference took place on Wednesday August 5th.
Young people filming at the PCC Youth Conference
