New film raises awareness about youth homelessness

Lambeth Council is launching its own blockbusting film in an attempt to discourage young people from leaving home and potentially ending up 'at risk' or even living on the streets.

The Prodigals tackles the links between family difficulties and youth homelessness, and is just one of a number of initiatives supporting the Council's commitment to tackle the underlying causes of youth homelessness and risky behaviour.

The film, to be launched at the Ritzy Cinema in Brixton this week, follows the story of two brothers - Ryan, who has left home to chase his dreams of becoming a professional footballer, and Leon who is on the verge of leaving home following a family row.

Leon has some tough choices to make and seeks his brother's advice before making a decision about leaving home. Will he make the right choice? Ryan's girlfriend Kelly also has some tough decisions. She is upset by her mother's latest partner, is caught up in an unhealthy relationship with Ryan, and yearning for emotional support.

A Prodigals soundtrack is being produced by local music producer Neville Thomas of 2B3 productions, to support the film launch and to reinforce the key messages with young people. Local up and coming artists Tada and Typah, who are featured on the soundtrack donated their services to the project free of charge.

"Like the character in the film, I nearly ended up on the streets because of family rows," says Typah, "so I know how important it is to talk to your family about the issues or seek help from mediators like the Family Support Service.

"I think it's so important that young people realise they can get this sort of support before it's too late, and this film is a great way of getting that message across."

There will be regular free screenings of the film, for local secondary school pupils, colleges and youth clubs throughout the borough. It will also form part of a supporting teaching pack, and there is a Prodigals website under development which can be visited at www.theprodigals.co.uk 

Janene Rose, assistant head teacher of Norwood Girls School, says "It is important for young people to be aware of the problems and challenges they can face when they leave home. The reality of making such a major decision must be clearly stated in order for them to avoid any difficulties.

"This film will highlight the experiences of young people who have made that decision and will hopefully deter young people from leaving home." 

The Family Support Service helps young people at risk of becoming homeless. It was launched in January 2007 and sees around 50 young people per month who present themselves to the service as homeless or at risk of homelessness. Of those, over 60 per cent have been either assisted to remain at home or return home, or to leave in a planned way.

The council also recently launched an innovative text messaging service for young people who need advice and support about housing and family conflict issues. Officers can be contacted on "CALLME"+"your name" to 82540. Alternatively family support officers can be reached by telephone on 020 7926 5135. 

Further initiatives are in the pipeline to enhance the Family Support service including the availability of 'time-out' accommodation with a mediation suite and also a community based accommodation scheme. This will provide safe and stable accommodation and support, to help young people make the transition to independence and fulfil their potential. 

Councillor John Kazantzis, cabinet member for housing says "Minor family conflict is in many ways a normal part of growing up. In a few unfortunate cases however, this conflict can escalate, leading to teenage homelessness.

"Raising awareness of the dangers of leaving home in an unplanned way is core to our commitment to preventing youth homelessness, and The Prodigals film is an important and innovative way to raise that awareness." 

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