Young people who participated in a film and media project run by City of York Council have been rewarded for their efforts with an AQA (Assessment and Qualifications Alliance) award for the way that they participated in discussions.

A group of five young people collaborated on a piece of drama about the views and experiences of vulnerable young people in the education system. Entitled, 'I bruise easily', their film will premiere at City Screen on 13 August and will help to feed messages back to local schools, education and youth services about how they can further help all young people to succeed.

Kerry Gregory, a support worker in the council's children's services directorate, ran the project in conjunction with Stef Bricklebank and Angela Browne of the youth service's Basement Project.

Kerry explained: “It is important to recognise that these young people have shown an excellent commitment to each other to participate in a 13-week project dealing with issues in a sensitive and productive manner.

"The aim of the project was to promote the five outcomes of the government’s Every Child Matters agenda, which are to enjoy and achieve; stay safe; be healthy; achieve economic well being and make a positive contribution. The process that they have gone through in producing the film and achieving their AQA Awards reflects just how well the young people have participated to achieve all five outcomes.”

The Basement Project is for 11 to 17 year olds and runs in the basement of the City Screen Cinema, Coney Street, York. On Monday evenings there is a 'film night' and on Saturdays young people can visit a ‘drop-in’ session where they can use the internet for free; play games and play stations; and have a chat or read magazines with support from specialist youth workers.