Philip Lawrence Award winners ChatBack Productions are in the news again with their latest project – a film called ‘Handle with Care’. Local comedian and soap star Josie Lawrence has joined the group of young people to star in the film which is currently being filmed in Dudley.

The film covers the gritty topic of domestic violence, and the group, aged between 11 to 18, have been involved in all aspects of its production from devising and writing through to acting and editing.

They funded their project with a grant of £20000 from Mediabox, who offer funding to groups of disadvantaged teenagers for youth-led media projects.

ChatBack Productions, set up by fostered teenagers and foster carers’ birth children, won a Philip Lawrence Award in 2008 for their DVD ‘Fostering Reality’, which is now being seen in schools and Children’s Services, encouraging action to improve the lives of looked after children.

We think they are a brilliant example of young people using their skills and creativity to make a difference, and we’re delighted to see they have gone on to further success.