The 40-minute documentary competed against more than 80 other entries to become a winner of the ‘Positive Images Awards’. This national scheme celebrates projects which show young people in fair and balanced way.

Young people aged 16 to 25 were trained and supported by national charity the British Youth Council (BYC) to make ‘Some Truth About Youth’, which has scooped the accolade of ‘Best broadcast created by young people’ and was funded by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) under their Young Roots programme.

Produced to celebrate the 60 anniversary of BYC, the documentary highlights the achievements of young campaigners over the last 60 years. The filmmakers spoke to MPs and activists about how they held past leaders to account and asked them what young people can do today to improve society.

BYC Chair, Alex Delaney, aged 26 says: “I am delighted that the hard work of the young film-makers has been recognised in this way. ‘Some Truth About Youth’ highlights the impact that young people have made to society over the last 60 years. This award shows young people trying to make a difference right now that when we work together, we can get our voices heard - and others will listen.”

The documentary can be viewed on the British Youth Council website.  It is also being shown on the Community Channel (Freeview channel 87) next Thursday (22 July) and Sunday (25 July). 

Screenings of the documentary have taken place at the British Film Institute and at BAFTA in London. Youth groups, schools and others who would like to arrange a screening of the film can request a DVD copy from the British Youth Council by emailing communications@byc.org.uk.

Nadia, aged 23, from London and one of the team of filmmakers, says: “This documentary magnifies our triumphs and empowers youths to continue achieving impeccable things regardless of how we are stereotyped.”

Kate Rowley, a young member of the judging panel, says: “Some Truth About Youth has a very broad involvement and a total focus on positive images of young people through the past 60 years.”

Sue Bowers, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund for London, said: “To win this award is fantastic news for the young people involved in making this film and an inspiration to others. Young Roots is a grant programme just for young people to explore and discover what heritage means to them, and for those budding project leaders out there with the ideas but not the funds we are waiting to hear from you!”

To contact the Heritage Lottery Fund to discuss project ideas and potential applications please call 020 7591 6151 or email london@hlf.org.uk

Notes to editors

The British Youth Council (BYC) is a youth-led organisation for young people aged 25 and under across the UK. BYC links up with our community of member organisations and network of local youth councils to empower young people to have their say and be heard on the issues they care about. www.byc.org.uk

‘Some Truth About Youth’ is a documentary produced by the British Youth Council in partnership with the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) under the Young Roots programme. It will be shown on the Community Channel on Thursday 22 July at 11am and 5pm and on Sunday 25 July at 3pm.

The Positive Images Awards are run by Children & Young People Now magazine. They recognise and reward the efforts of young people and media organisations that portray young people in a positive, but fair, light. The Positive Images Awards were judged by a panel comprising young people as well as youth sector experts.

The HLF Young Roots programme offers grants between £3000 to 25,000 and is designed to engage young people aged 13-25 with their heritage. Young Roots projects stem directly from the interest and ideas of young people, who are supported by youth and heritage organisations to develop skills, build confidence, and connect with their local communities.

Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. HLF has supported 33,900 projects, allocating £4.4billion across the UK, including £865million to projects in London alone.

Further information

Cathy Thornhill, British Youth Council Press Office on 020 7785 6463 or cathy.thornhill@byc.org.uk or out of hours mobile: 07809 507 359.