As part of our ongoing two-year collaboration with the Community Safety Team at Havering Council, we have been working closely with local residents to better understand the community’s needs and concerns. Over the past few weeks, we have been actively filming and building a storyboard for our project, which is centered around documenting the thoughts and concerns of Romford residents, particularly young people. Our goal has been to gauge how safe they feel in the town and to explore their ideas on what improvements could be made to foster a stronger, more connected community.
By capturing the authentic voices of local people, especially those of young residents who are often misunderstood, we aim to gain a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the area. With limited recreational options available, young people frequently gather in the town center, and this has sometimes led to disturbances. Through this project, we seek to highlight these issues and explore solutions.
Key Objectives of Our Project
1. Capture Authentic Voices:
Through our filming efforts, we have recorded genuine reactions and stories from community members. These narratives provide a rich, in-depth perspective that goes beyond what surveys alone can capture, offering a more comprehensive view of the community’s sentiments and experiences.
2. Highlight Community Impact:
We are shedding light on the serious issue of youth violence and its impact on young people in the community. Our goal is to bring awareness to these challenges and work collaboratively to find effective solutions to create a safer environment.
3. Engage Diverse Demographics:
We have ensured that our project is inclusive of all age groups, with a special focus on incorporating the voices of young people while also respecting their privacy. This inclusive approach helps us to better understand the different needs and perspectives within the community.