Homeless DVD made by kids to be launched in Rutherglen

Feb 3 2010 by Kenny Smith, Rutherglen Reformer

A NEW DVD made by South Lanarkshire children who have experienced homelessness will have its premiere in Rutherglen Town Hall this week.

Over 20 children and young people were involved in making the new DVD – entitled What is a Home?’ – with the help of an animation artist, the Shelter Scotland Support Service South Lanarkshire, and South Lanarkshire Council.

Staff from the local Shelter Scotland project – which has been running for 10 years, helping over 1000 children and 600 families during that time – are delighted with not just the final DVD but also the benefits that those participating got from taking part.

The finished product, which will get its premiere at a screening for invited guests in Rutherglen Town Hall on February 4, is also set to be used on a national stage by the housing and homelessness charity to highlight the plight of those young people faced with losing their home, or who are homeless.

The special screening of the DVD will be attended by the filmmakers themselves and their families, with invites being sent to colleagues, partners, and local politicians.

One very special guest – King’s Park actress Jane McCarry, who plays Isa in Still Game and Granny Murray in Me Too! – is also set to attend on the night to show her support.

The DVD has been produced in partnership with South Lanarkshire Council’s Arts Development Team and supported by funding from Integrating Children’s Services (ICS) Locality Challenge Fund, Hamilton and Blantyre.

Linda Dickson, service manager for the Shelter Scotland Support Service South Lanarkshire, said: “Homelessness is devastating, not just for the adults in a family, but also for young people and children, who are often affected in ways they don’t realise.

“For example, children can regress rather than progress, very often facing difficulty finding places to do their homework, or even getting to school from temporary housing. Ultimately being homeless can affect their life chances.

“So for the young people and children from South Lanarkshire involved with the making of this DVD, it was their chance to tell people what impact becoming homeless has had on their lives.

“Homelessness can leave people feeling they have no voice. But making this DVD, with the help of our specialist child support workers, has given them a really important chance to speak out. Now, we plan to get that voice out there, not just to other professionals working with children, but also to key decision and policy makers around Scotland.”

Jane McCarry added: “I think it’s fantastic to be able to support such a worthwhile cause.

“It’s great that the young people have done it, and it’s important to support them, and I’m looking forward to seeing the finished film on Thursday.”