Film Cuts Club has been running since 2013 providing the benefits of creativity and filmmaking to young people aged 8+ with an additional need or in challenging circumstances.  In the past we have been supported by BBC Children in Need and the National Lottery Awards for All.  From September our People's Project grant will fund a term of Saturdays, but this much loved club will close in the next year, unless the community can come together to support us!

What is Film Cuts Club? 

A Saturday full day club teaching the full range of film production as teams of young people give support to make each others’ creative ideas.  We are looking for funding to run 10 weeks a term for 3 terms a year from September 2023, including national Arts Award accreditation (Entry Level 3 to Level 3), and public celebratory events, such as filmscreenings, so young people’s achievements can be appreciated by friends, family and the wider community.

Members get so much from the club, but don't take it from us!  A parent writes:  "When Charlie first started at Film Cuts Club he said it was the only place he could go where he could be himself.  They have been instrumental in his development to the stage he is now their Youth Leader and he is studying Level 3 Btec in Creative Media at Clarendon Sixth College, which he loves!  Without the amazing team Charlie would have struggled with his career development."

Who do we work with?

Young people are often referred to Film Cuts Club by schools or other services.  We work with participants with a range of needs; some with speech and language problems, Downs Syndrome, many on the autistic spectrum and individual needs like short term memory loss or physical impairments such as cerebral palsy. We are reaching a high proportion of neurodivergent young people and also those care experienced, coping with parental bereavement or other emotional issues.For all these young people, these difficulties impact all areas of their lives, limiting their opportunities to interact and have confidence in making friends; to develop interests and skills; to feel valued and make positive and creative contributions. Feedback from previous delivery of both group work and creative mentoring has shown that young people need support with “creative thinking… processing thoughts correctly” or “feeling like an outsider... after trying other typical clubs like dancing, and coming home feeling worse”.
We see the work with every young person, especially those with additional needs or other vulnerabilities, as a stepping stone to them fulfilling their potential.

Does it work?

Yes!  We have a track record that includes participants going on to post-16 and university media courses, improved mental health, confidence and entry into the work place.   Members love the club so much many long-term participants return to volunteer after they turn 18.

100% of parents report their child being more confident socially. Workers’ observations show >85% of regular attenders increase their confidence and actions are put in place for those who are not progressing, e.g. signposting into mentoring or trialling new activities.  

One parent said “I would recommend to anyone to help their children with social development”.  Some parents noted improved wellbeing specifically, with comments such as “he doesn’t feel down all the time” and “happier coming home and all round positive”.  Our skilled workers know how to balance progressing skills with supporting mental health, recognising that sometimes it is “youth work before film”.

This club is also a stepping stone into open, mainstream activity which High Peak Community Arts provides in the school holidays.