We break down barriers and dispel myths about ‘being in care’ by getting our voices heard through our TV production company – we ‘tell it like it is’
Who we are
22 young people
Where we're based
Dudley
When we started
Sep-07
How we started
We wanted to be able to support other looked after children and young people, and send a clear message to those who work in Children's Services. We came up with ideas that we discussed with the steering group we are part of. We decided to make a DVD highlighting issues relevant to looked after and birth children such as bullying, trust, emotional difficulties and misconceptions of fostering.
Our work
Six of us sourced funding to enable other young people to get involved in the project. In our weekly workshops we planned, researched, produced, scripted, acted, filmed and edited the entire DVD - the fictional, but potentially real, stories of four young people, 'Fostering Reality'. We also formed our own TV production company. We now use the DVD to encourage action from Children's Services to improve the lives of looked after children.
Future plans
Following the success of our DVD we are in the process of getting funding for our next project about domestic violence. We also want to tackle other issues that affect looked after children and young people. *Update* ChatBack were successful in getting funding for their next project, in spring 2010 see them busy filming with Josie Lawrence and working on producing their newest film 'Handle with Care'. See our news page to find out more.
Project website
http://chatbackproductions.wordpress.com/
At my school the film has been shown as part of a project. I was really nervous. When the first session had finished I knew that the film we made was only the beginning of the journey. For the first time in my school life appropriate and positive questions
Member of ChatBack Productions
