Peterborough youths star in new Covid prevention film

The film, launched this week, is commissioned by Peterborough City Council working with Peterborough Council for Voluntary Services’ Youth Inspired project. It brings together a range of creative local talents from different communities, including acting and music, to share their important message.

It deals with a number of challenges that young people have faced during the pandemic, including missing normal day-to-day social contact with friends but understanding the need to stick to the rules to help protect loved ones, friends and their communities.

Shot entirely on location in Peterborough, the six strong cast are all local teenagers aged between 12 and 19. The script also had input from local youth forums to ensure it reflected their concerns.

The soundtrack created for this film has been provided by Trvvon, an up-and-coming singer, songwriter, producer and audio engineer based in Peterborough.

As well as being released on social media platforms, the film will be made available to schools and colleges across Peterborough as they re-open, along with a toolkit of educational resources devised in association with teachers.

Keelan Bunn, aged 16, took part in the filming and said: “I make the decision every day to stick to Covid guidelines as I know the possible devastating outcomes of not doing so.

“As a healthy teenager I might be okay, but I make these decisions to keep my loved ones at risk safe, which is why I am proud to spread awareness to people my age about the importance of following Covid restrictions.”

Trvvon added: “What inspired me to make this soundtrack was the impact the global pandemic is having on mental health. Being isolated from friends and families can have a negative effect on some people’s mental state and creating music is how I deal it.

“So being a part of this and being able to provide a soundtrack for my hometown feels great.”

Dr Liz Robin, director of public Hhealth for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, said: ‘It’s important that we hear young people’s views on the pandemic and recognise that they also have been affected. It is heartening to hear their message regarding being part of the solution.

“It really does depend on all of us sticking to the rules if we are to return to a more normal way of life.

“I am confident that our resilient and determined young people will continue to face this challenge head on to protect themselves, their friends and their families from the virus.”

Cllr Wayne Fitzgerald, deputy leader at Peterborough City Council, said: “What an amazing video produced with the help of young people from Peterborough. Their core message is one people of all ages and backgrounds should listen to and act upon.

“If people follow the rules we can really can stop Covid in its tracks, reduce pressure on our NHS and save lives.”

There are many vital support services operating across Peterborough during the pandemic.

Young people and parents can find information on activities, support and guidance through Youth Inspired:

. [email protected]

. Facebook: @YouthInspiredPeterborough

. Instagram: @youthinspired_peterborough.

Peterborough City Council worked on the film with production company Alter Ego Creative Solutions.

The film can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09Ri180-Qg0.