There was a touch of Hollywood glamour in Kilmarnock as a special film produced by young people had its premiere at the Odeon, followed by an Oscars-style award ceremony.
Produced by young people from Hurlford, the Happy Hurlford short film explores their plans to develop a new community service supporting young people aged 10 to 25 in the local area.
At the screening on Monday, January 29, a group of eager cinemagoers, including Provost Jim Todd, learned more about how the young people would like to turn their dreams into a reality.
The community-based project will become one of 20 services delivered across the UK thanks to an ambitious partnership between Barnardo’s and Co-op.
The partnership plans to raise £5 million across the UK and support 750,000 young people to access basic needs.
Before the screening, guests heard from young people who were inspired by the partnership and are eager to share their thoughts on the kind of service that would benefit Hurlford.
The young people are being supported by Barnardo’s East Ayrshire Families service, which is rooted in the community of Kilmarnock.
Barnardo’s and Co-op have supported the young people to develop plans for a food pantry called ‘Hurlford Helping Hands’, which would provide low-cost food to the community, and would be supported by local volunteers.
Alongside this, the young people would also like to see more tailored support to help manage their wellbeing and improve life chances, as well as community improvement projects like bulb planting, litter picking and graffiti removal.
Linda Nisbet, Children’s Service Manager for Barnardo's East Ayrshire, said: “We are immensely proud and privileged to have the opportunity to work alongside children and young people from Hurlford.
"It has been a pleasure to be a part of their journey as we work alongside the Co-op to bring communities together and make a difference to young people’s lives.
“Children and young people need support and investment to make their vision of a new community service, including a local food pantry, a reality.
"We hope our supporters in Ayrshire and across the UK will support our fundraising and find out more about the partnership.”
Provost Jim Todd said: “This innovative film just shows you what our young folk can do with the right influence and the right coaching.
"Our children really have a lot to give in our communities and I have every faith that they will be able to carry Hurlford through and into the future."
For more information on the Hurlford (East Ayrshire) Co-op Service, visit www.barnardos.org.uk/get-support/services/hurlford-east-ayrshire-co-op-service.
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