Beyond Adversity

A 4 month project in partnership with Young Minds exploring the testimonies of young people who have experienced extreme Adversity.

Using animation and film as a tool, young people produced individualised short-films to help them to tell their unique stories in their unique ways; the purpose of these films was to help them to educate those they felt could make a difference to other young people in similar situations. A central film was also produced combining elements of these films and wider interviews.

This project engaged: Young people in Care, Care-leavers, Young people in PRUs, Young offenders, Romany gypsy children, ex-Homeless young people, among others. It was designed and facilitated by Dr. Claire MacNeill and commissioned to compliment the launch of Young Minds’ new report: Beyond Adversity: Addressing the mental health needs of young people who face complexity and adversity in their lives. https://youngminds.org.uk/resources/policy/beyond-adversity/

Edited imagery by @Mathew Kaltenborn

Watch the video

What our client had to say

"I wanted to write to express my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to yourself, Matt and Young Minds for giving Holly such a wonderful opportunity to express herself, her feelings and experiences of education through the medium of animation. The short film she produced ‘Holly’s Story’, with the support from yourself and Matt is both beautiful and powerful. You have empowered her to have a voice and to tell her story, and in doing so supported personal closure on anxieties and a negative script that dominated her headspace. Furthermore, her story amplifies the transformational power and significance of nurture and a child-centred approach in education – qualities that often get lost in the data driven ideology of mainstream education today.

Your work has made a very genuine positive impact on Holly’s life. Thank you."

Nina MooreHead Teacher