Young Westminster’s ‘The Hand That Helps’ film wins Big Syn International Film Festival Award

By 29th November 2023News

 

‘The Hand That Helps’ film, created with the words of young people and youth workers, to launch our Helping Hands Programme has won a second major award.

The film, directed by Jonathan Haldon and produced by Sam Wightman, takes the audience on a journey around the important role youth workers have in young people’s lives and how youth work is fundamental in addressing the impact of youth violence in the borough. Created in 2021 as part of Media Trust’s and John Lyon’s Charity Volunteer Film Project, the film went on to win Charity Film of the Year in the £1-£2million turnover category at Smiley Charity Film Awards in 2022.

Helen Mann, CEO at Young Westminster Foundation said: ‘We are honoured to win another award for this film, a helping hand can be a powerful thing, it just takes the act of extending one to save a life. Youth workers across the country extend their hands to young people every day, supporting them to learn the tools to find themselves, in safe spaces where everyone is accepted for who they are. They are the roots of our community and to see their work brought to life in film and recognised through awards such as this is fantastic’.

As a winning film, ‘The Hand That Helps’ was screened on Europe’s largest screen at Piccadilly Circus on Tuesday 14th November. Thank you to Big Syn International Film Festival, the judges, Jonathan Haldon, Media Trust, John Lyon’s Charity, and all those who have supported the film.

To view ‘The Hand That Helps’ film click here.

To find out more information about the Helping Hands Programme click here.

Young Westminster Foundation brings together youth organisations, young people, businesses, Westminster City Council, schools and the wider community to shape opportunities and create the best services for young people in Westminster, London. Together, the YWF community shares a vision for all young people in Westminster to grow up healthy, safe, and happy with the best opportunities for brighter futures. YWF’s 80+ members range from large youth clubs to smaller grass roots organisations; all driven by their passion to provide the best services, opportunities and support for local young people. YWF is part of the growing network of Young People’s Foundations (YPFs).

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