What We Do
Lurgan Film Launch
- Date: 03 June, 2010
- Centre: Belfast Foyer Bytes
A hard-hitting film created by young people was launched today at Lurgan Foyer with over 60 guests in attendance including UUP MLA George Savage and Sinn Fein Councillor Brian McKweon.
Too Much Too Young’ was made by the 16- to 25-year-olds living in Lurgan Foyer’s Mount Zion House, facilitated by Amanda Stewart of the Big Lottery Funded Bytes Outreach Project and the up-and-coming Belfast film maker, Michael MacBroom,
The drama seeks to show the hidden harm faced by young people in homes where drug or alcohol abuse is present.
“It highlights the devastating effects and includes themes of alcohol misuse, isolation, teenage pregnancy and neglect,” said Amanda Stewart, Bytes project development officer.
“The film provides a true reflection of the poignancy of young people in this situation but also highlights the help and support that is available if you are affected by any of these issues.
“The young people really worked hard on producing this film and are to be highly commended for their efforts.”
17-year-old Foyer resident Roberta Campbell plays the main character and was glowing about the experience:
“I think the film shows people what it is like for some young people today. We wanted to create something that people would be able to relate to – to show them that this really is how it is,” she said.
“But I also think that it gives people hope to keep on going even when things are hard and shows that you don’t have to turn to drink to cope with things that are going on.”
Jan O’Neill, Foyer Manager, explained that the term ‘Hidden Harm’ is used because it vividly describes the situation of many children and young people affected by parental alcohol and drug misuse:
“A significant number of residents at Lurgan Foyer have arrived here as a direct or indirect result of alcohol and drug related family backgrounds. Some are referred to us by Social Services and their experiences and risks are well known to the Foyer. Others disclose information and/or behaviours which allow staff an insight into the hidden harm elements that have been part of their family experience. “
“It is therefore a very important aspect of our role as support staff to try and raise awareness and steer our young people away from risk-taking behaviour and the creative process can be a very effective way of doing this.”
In collaboration with Lurgan Bytes, the film was produced and edited by Michael MacBroom Productions whose services were engaged by the Foyer and funded by the Health and Social Care Board and Public Health Agency under the ‘Regional Hidden Harm Action Plan’.
“This was a quite unique and exciting partnership,” said Foyer Manager, Jan O’Neill. “With the expertise of Amanda and Michael, we were able to pool skills and resources and plan a very successful project. Not only have the young people developed a deepener awareness around the issues of ‘Hidden Harm’, but they have learned a huge amount about the creative and technical process of film-making; have gained valuable recognised qualifications as a result; and they can claim ownership to a high quality piece of work of which they can be very proud.
We hope to offer this DVD resource to any organisation working with young people and we will be uploading the film to You Tube and putting it on the Lurgan Foyer website. ”
Frank Hewitt, Big Lottery Fund NI Chair, said: “The Reaching Communities programme is a very important part of our work in NI, ensuring that lottery cash reaches strong projects led by the voluntary and community sector that have a real and lasting impact on people lives.
“Lurgan Foyer’s Bytes project is supporting homeless young people within our society.”