Luton Sixth Form students launch short film about tackling radicalisation and extremism

Prevent cast

Prevent cast

SIXTH form students have joined forces with police to help young people in Bedfordshire and learn more about tackling radicalisation and extremism.

Students at Luton Sixth Form College were commissioned by Bedfordshire Police to produce a short film to promote the Government's counter-terrorism Prevent strategy specifically for a teenage audience.

The film was launched last week (Thursday, July 13) at a special screening held at the college, where invited guests were able to find out more from some of the students who produced the film.

Altaf Hussain, Vice Principal Students and Quality, said: "This educational film, created by young people, featuring young people and for young people, is really about safety and knowing what to do and who to talk to when something doesn't feel quite right.

"I'm really proud that, once again, our students have really excelled themselves and given their time, energy and thought into this important piece of work."

Steve Crayon, Course Manager for Drama and Theatre Studies and director of the film, said: "The intention of the film is to present a balanced and broad picture of what Prevent is, focusing on the safeguarding aspect.

"There is the scope for the film to be used as part of the college's safeguarding training and also by other schools and colleges."

And the police have voiced their thanks to the youngsters for taking on the challenge of producing the educational film – which can be watched on YouTube.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Woolner, from the Eastern Region Prevent team, said: "Schools and colleges provide a safe space in which children and young people can talk openly about the risks associated with extremism and radicalisation.

"We are committed to working with our partners in education and local authorities to equip young people with knowledge and skills around such topics, so that they can recognise the signs that they or someone they know may be vulnerable to being radicalised.

"Prevent is all about safeguarding, and we can only do this by working together and having open conversations with people of all ages and backgrounds.

"The work by Luton Sixth Form College to bring the conversation about Prevent to their peers in an informative and engaging way is commendable, and we look forward to working closely with them and other young people in the future."

Source: http://www.bedfordshire-news.co.uk/luton-sixth-form-students-launch-short-film-about-tackling-radicalisation-and-extremism/story-30449580-detail/story.html