Tower Hamlets Summer University (THSU) has launched Reel Change – a new project funded by Ken Livingstone, the Mayor of London through the London Development Agency to give 100 young Londoners the chance to have their say on the issues they believe young Londoners are facing today.  A diverse range of 13-19 year olds from across the capital will come together over the next six months to produce, promote and exhibit their own cutting edge documentary, expressing their views and helping to inform the roll out of the London Youth Offer.

Six new THSU training courses will mean that film and TV students will make the documentary, young journalists and web administrators will tell the world about it, trainee events managers will put on the final show, marketing students will get bums on seats and freshly trained events managers and public speakers will make sure that everything goes alright on the night.

Executive Director of THSU, Sarah Davies, said: “The Reel Change project is giving young people the chance to speak out and make a positive contribution to life in London, while gaining fantastic experience in areas such as film making and journalism as part of the process.  We welcome young people from across London to get involved.”

The courses are free and open to everyone aged 13 to 19, from all backgrounds and boroughs.  THSU actively encourages participation from young people who are not in education, employment or training, young people with disabilities – all young people.  Anyone interested in taking part should log onto www.summerunilondon.org/reelchange or call Joanne Whalley on 020 7183 3220 for more information.

ENDS

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Notes to Editors

Reel Change

Reel Change is a Tower Hamlets Summer Uni project, funded by London Development Agency and supported by Summer Uni London and the Greater London Authority.

The London Youth Offer

The Mayor of London and central government are working together to deliver a £79 million London Youth Offer, running over 2 years from 2008 to 2010.  £20 million will come from the Mayor’s London Development Agency and £59 million will come from the Department for Children, Schools and Families.  The aims are to provide more activities and services for young people, get young people involved in the decision making process and to target the most deprived and hard to reach young Londoners.  For more information visit http://www.london.gov.uk/mayor/children/youth-offer-1207.jsp

Tower Hamlets Summer University

THSU is a registered charity which aims to work with young people through innovative educational opportunities in the summer holidays and year-round, helping them to make informed, positive decisions that enhance their lives and the lives of those around them. 

For more information visit www.summeruni.org

Charity No. 1048822

Summer Uni London

Summer Uni London is a project of Tower Hamlets Summer University, helping to establish a Summer Uni in every London borough. Summer Unis offer a wide range of free and affordable courses and volunteering opportunities for young people aged 8 to 25. Programmes combine fun academic and vocational study and peer volunteering opportunities. See www.summerunilondon.org for more information