‘Home or Homeless’ is a five-minute animated film aimed at youngsters under 16.
It is designed to show what sleeping rough and having no money is really like.
The film was premiered at Club Ice in Westbury recently before more than 50 local councillors, youth leaders and school heads.
Representatives from the national homeless charity, Shelter, were also in attendance.
The eight film makers, who have all experienced homelessness, spent four days over the summer at Chippenham College with animator Melvyn Ternan to bring their story to life.
They wrote the script, provided the voiceovers and helped produce the film which they hope will make young people think twice before leaving home.
The aim behind the project which was supported by Wiltshire Council, Wiltshire College, Sarsen Housing Association and BBC Blast, was to give young people the opportunity to develop and learn new skills.
‘Home or Homeless’ will be shown later this year to all children in Wiltshire schools as part of the Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) curriculum.
Involving Young People Group
The teenagers are part of the Involving Young People Group set up by Wiltshire Accommodation Support Scheme for Young People (WASS4YP) which supports 16 and 17-year-olds across Wiltshire who are homeless or living somewhere unsuitable.
The group was set up to give the youngsters a voice and the chance to have a say about services for young homeless people.
