film making
Film Making at Yeldall Manor Drug Rehabilitation Centre
Pilgrim Hearts obtained a grant from the European Social Fund and the Berkshire Community Foundation to help disadvantaged ex-drug addicts with a film making course at Yeldall Manor (a Christian run rehabilitation centre).
The aim was to enhance communication skills and build confidence through the experience of making a film. There are many benefits to film making projects include:
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improving the use of language to communicate
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building team working skills
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developing self confidence
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improving interviewing skills
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helping develop self-esteem and self-worth
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encouraging a wider use of language both verbal & non verbal
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developing knowledge of the film making process
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experiencing hands on use of filming equipment
For this project Pilgrim Heart teamed up with Clive Robertson from Real Time, one of the UK’s leading exponents of the use of participatory media and digital art in community settings, and Sally Everett, project manager. The participants were 12 residents from Yeldall Manor who worked together over 6 weeks. The outcome was a series of short films telling the story of different drug addicts and their road to recovery.
Before filming began the participants were asked what they hoped to achieve by being involved in the making of the film, their answers included:
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they wanted to raise the profile of the effects of addiction, so that it would educate people and prevent them taking the same path.
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They also wanted to stress the importance of rehabilitation for those who needed help.
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Some of them were primarily interested in the process of making a film.
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They were all keen to improve their communication skills and gain confidence.
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The outcome they hoped for was the satisfaction of improving their skills, having the confidence to contribute to the film, and being involved in a group that co-operated together effectively.
After the completion of the course, participants were asked to evaluate whether it had been beneficial to them.
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Several of the participants enjoyed doing the interviewing, and were interested in hearing what others had to say, whilst others enjoyed the film-making process, which they had not done before.
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Most of them enjoyed working as a group, and getting to know people better.
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Some of the participants were inspired by film-making, and were hoping to learn more.
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Most of them said that the experience of making the film had been beneficial to them, and some wanted to do another one!
Following on from this project a workbook for use with youth groups has been developed which can be used in conjunction with the film. Both these products are available from the Shop.
Pilgrim Hearts has also run creative writing workshops at Yeldall Manor rehabilitation centre.
NEWS
Spring News letter
We are moving on with three new projects..
..read more New co-operation with homeless charities.
Pilgrim Hearts will join forces with Trinity Housing in Uxbridge and Slough Homeless Our Concern (“SHOC”) in Slough. We plan to offer arts workshops to clients of Trinity and SHOC working closely with these two charities. Pilgrim Hearts Director, Elaine Chalmers-Brown says “Our workshops will offer the homeless in Slough and Uxbridge the chance to discover their creative talents and so increase their self esteem. We will also train them in the social and communication skills they need to give them a better chance to find work and turn their lives around.” It’s hoped that, if the workshops go well Pilgrim Hearts could work in closer partnership with SHOC and TRINITY.
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