A film made by a group of Knowsley young people reminds us that it's tough growing up when you're trying to grow up tough.
'Out Cold' has been made by young people involved with Knowsley Youth and Play Service Interventions Team as part of a Silver Youth Achievement Award programme.
The group wrote, produced and starred in 'Out Cold' with direction from two professional film companies, Tabacula and Eek Films.
It will be used as part of a resource pack which has been produced for use in youth clubs and other projects that work with young people.
Out Cold stars Alex Crane, Daniel Ross and Becky Bowers
The story follows an eclectic group of young people as they travel on a mini bus returning from a sexual health awareness away day.
An argument causes the bus to crash, the driver is knocked unconscious and the group are left to fend for themselves in uninhabited countryside.
No food. No lighter and worst of all - no mobile signal.
They have to pull together but it emerges they have all played a part in a 'spiking' incident on a night out that had terrifying consequences for key character Julie.
The project was funded and supported by North Huyton New Deal for Communities and Knowsley Drug and Alcohol Action Team.
Seventeen year old Lyndsy Ledden who plays Nicky in the film is a wild member of the group who likes staying out late in bars and clubs.
Lyndsy said of her experience: "I was delighted to get the chance to do this and make a difference to the way young people behave and think".
"Knowing I might help someone else in the way they think about life and which path they want to take feels like such an achievement."
Cllr Graham Wright, Knowsley's Cabinet Member for Children's Services said: "Projects like this give young people themselves a chance to explain serious issues in a way that is accessible to everybody."
The DVD was launched in the Huyton Suite on Tuesday October 9; the event was attended by a range of professionals, agencies and young people. .
For more information about 'Out Cold' contact Ian Whiteside from Knowsley Youth and Play service on 0151 443 5323
Out Cold Stars (standing) Katie McIntyre, Shaun Roberts and Lyndsy Ledden (Sitting) Natalie Muir and Jake Acklam
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