New DVD set to bring social enterprise to life for young people

A new film about successful young social entrepreneurs is being rolled out to schools, colleges and universities in a bid to get more individuals involved in the rapidly growing £27bn sector.

Aimed at young people aged 14-25, the ‘Create Yourself - Create Change’ film and tool kit is the first ever interactive learning resource, designed to help teachers, delivering GCSE social enterprise modules.

The DVD, which has been produced by West Midlands-based Shivani Mair, captures the unique stories, challenges and triumphs of five top young social entrepreneurs in the UK – all recognised by the Office of the Third Sector & UnLtd, a charity which supports social entrepreneurs.

“The film gives an easy introduction to what a social enterprise is; a business that solves social issues by trading products/services. It competes in the market like other commercial businesses,” explained Shivani, who has won critical acclaim for her careers development company The Careers Surgery.

“I wanted to use the power of media to celebrate the positive impact social enterprise makes and ignite a new entrepreneurial spirit in the next generation.”

She continued: “By capturing five amazing stories I believe it will offer a real incentive for others to take responsibility for their actions and feel excited about leaving a positive legacy behind.”

The compelling stories of Emma Spiegler, Duane Melius, Lotty Cunningham, Ash Rahman and Laura Burgess (all aged 19 -27) demonstrate that success can be found whatever your background.

The young role models featured have either been affected by a social problem, such as growing up with an alcoholic mother, or they felt passionate about making a change to global issues, including reducing the damage being caused to the environment.

These social entrepreneurs unravel their journey in taking business risks, in order to empower and help others, whilst offering tips of what to do along the way.

“‘Create Yourself’ features a diverse collection of stories from an online travel guide for green holidays and a national youth magazine, to a support website for young people coping with their loved ones’ additions and a dance and drama academy set up by a 13 year-old.

“You’ve also got Ash Rahman, who has launched a professional youth soccer academy to provide training and mentoring for young ethnic minorities. It already boasts 75 members signed to the elite programme and 8 young schoolboys signed to professional clubs.”

The ‘Create Yourself’ DVD includes: a 30 minute film, teacher’s notes and lesson plans, student activities and fun interactive features.

Tens of copies have already been sold to educational establishments across the country, with a 14-day loan offer recently launched so that new customers can try before they buy.

Shivani, who has already delivered several social enterprise workshops for youth leaders, concluded:

“5% of all DVD sales will be going into a ‘Create Change’ fund, which will provide small pots of money for young people who have a social enterprise idea and need cash to help turn it into reality.”

To inspire the next generation to create their future, go to www.careerssurgery.com to watch the film trailer and order your copy or call the Careers Surgery team on

0845 519 1063.