On Saturday 29 July over 40 young people attended the launch of the BME Video Research Project at Wimbledon YMCA, in a partnership involving Merton Council and Pathway Housing Association.

The aim of the project is for young people from ethnic minority communities to make a video by researching their peers about housing issues and homelessness. Real Time will be working with the young people on producing the video, but it is the young people who will decide the content.

Colin Bascom, Chief Executive of Pathway Housing Association spoke about his own experience of being homeless.

Colin Bascom said:

“I have personally experienced street homelessness and exclusion from school and can attest to the positive turnaround that can be achieved in one’s life despite the difficult circumstances faced.

“We want to listen to you talk about your housing related needs while giving you an opportunity to acquire new multi-media skills. It will be an interesting, fun and educational process. “

After Colin’s talk the young people were given the chance to practice their filming and interview skills.

Once the video is completed, young people will go to schools and youth clubs to use it as an educational tool to discuss homelessness issues amongst others. The project also involves setting up a Youth Forum and website to keep the issues live and relevant.

Oonagh Moulton, Merton Council’s Cabinet Member for Youth Engagement said:

“This project is a wonderful opportunity for young people to get involved and help the community by creating a tool to help prevent homelessness, whilst developing new skills for themselves.”