Case Studies

 

County: Hillingdon, London

Funding theme: Outcomes for young people

Amount secured: £10,000

 

About the project

C-Change West London used its grant to deliver the Youth Filmmaking and Social Action Programme in Hillingdon, engaging over 25 young people aged 10–16. The sessions aimed to inspire leadership, creativity, and confidence through hands-on experience in filmmaking. Participants explored every aspect of film production from scripting and directing to acting and sound while creating short social action films. The films addressed local issues and were showcased in the community, encouraging civic pride and advocacy. The project sought to build a stronger sense of connection among young people while opening pathways to further opportunities in the arts, media, and volunteering.

 

Mission

As part of the programme, the young people also created a powerful short documentary titled ‘A Day in the Life of a Faith Leader’, which shares the lived experiences of local religious leaders and the importance of interfaith understanding. The film was developed in close partnership with the Hillingdon Interfaith Community group, allowing the youth to connect with diverse faith communities across the borough, forge new relationships, and raise the profile of both the project and C-Change West London.

 

Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KQTPQDS-A0

 

The film premiered at a special screening held at the iconic Battle of Britain Bunker in Uxbridge, attended by over 100 guests including the Leader of Hillingdon Council, the Deputy Mayor, and the Deputy Lord Lieutenant for the borough. It was a celebration of the young filmmakers' achievements, where participants were recognised with certificates and awards, marking a milestone in their creative and personal journeys.

The Youth Filmmaking and Social Action Programme achieved more than just artistic development: it created lasting impact for the participants and their communities. For many, it was their first time engaging in a creative or extracurricular programme, and the change in confidence, self-esteem, and ambition was profound.

 

“I really enjoy coming on Saturdays,” said YR, age 11. “When I moved to the UK last year, I barely spoke any English and was very shy. But now I love speaking in front of the camera. I’ve made so many new friends and I feel part of the local community.”

 

KY, 15, reflected: “At first I didn’t think this was for me, but my mum encouraged me to try it. I’ve found a passion for filmmaking and drama. I’ve never really volunteered before, but now I want to. I’ve even started helping with the sessions, and my school grades have improved too.”

 

For HE, 13, who has been home schooled for two years, the project was life-changing: “This project gave me confidence, teamwork skills, and a reference that helped me get into a media-focused academy for Year 10. I now want to go into film as a career. The staff are excellent. Juhi and Raph are brilliant, have been able to bring us all together, and they’re easy to talk to. I feel supported by them and the organisation.”

 

EL, 12, shared: “I don’t usually do after-school activities and I’m not into sports, but this gave me something I love. I was the sound operator on a documentary, and I’m now thinking of becoming a sound engineer. It’s changed how I see my future.”

 

AA, 13, found self-belief and new friendships: “I’ve always wanted to be an actress, but I used to be shy. Now I’m confident seeing myself on screen. I’ve made great friends, and it’s brought families together. Also, the staff are wonderful — very kind, helpful, and inspiring.”

 

RA, 12, said: “Every week, we check in about how we’re feeling, and that’s helped me build confidence and self-belief. The staff genuinely care and make us feel seen and valued.”

 

AB, 12, added: “I’ve always loved acting, but now I’ve learned about volunteering and how filmmaking can help others. I don’t want this project to ever end — it’s changed my life. Taz and the team are so kind and helpful. They inspire us, and most importantly, they listen and care about us.”

 

AM, 15, said: “Through the programme, I gained my first-ever employment opportunity, supporting as a junior assistant during the summer and Christmas holidays. I couldn’t believe I was given this life-changing opportunity. It’s helped improve my confidence, built on my skills and I’ve made lots of new friendships throughout the process.”

 

 

Looking Ahead

Many participants are now actively volunteering with C-Change West London, mentoring new joiners and gaining leadership experience. Several have started exploring creative educational pathways, including media studies and drama. A new film is already in the planning stages, this time exploring themes of belonging, youth mental health, and crime and safety awareness.

“We want to grow this model into a year-round social enterprise that empowers young people from underrepresented backgrounds to lead their own creative projects,” said Taz Virdee, CEO of C-Change West London. “This programme proves that when young people are trusted, nurtured, and given a platform, they not only grow — they lead. Our next step is to scale this programme into a youth-led social enterprise, with young people co-producing content, leading community campaigns, and creating inclusive, representative narratives that reflect their lived experience. This isn’t just about filmmaking — it’s about power, purpose, and pride.”

 

Social Value

This project has created far-reaching social value, aligning closely with C-Change West London’s vision to empower individuals and foster community wellbeing. The filmmaking sessions achieved the following:

• Reduced social isolation by creating inclusive and safe spaces for young people across different backgrounds.
• Strengthened mental health and resilience through creative expression and weekly check-ins.
• Inspired civic participation and youth leadership, with several young people now volunteering regularly.
• Improved family wellbeing and cohesion by engaging not only participants, but also parents and siblings in community events.

By blending creative arts, wellbeing, and social action — through LHC and Locality’s support — C-Change West London has cultivated a new generation of confident, socially aware young people who are now active contributors to a more cohesive and connected community.

 

For more information about C-Change West London, please visit: www.ccwl.org.uk