Through Young Eyes Launches

The film explores the perceptions and lived experiences of child poverty, through the eyes of children and young people in the region.

The event, hosted for professionals working with children and young people, provided a platform for crucial conversations around poverty-related issues in Dumfries and Galloway. The screening was followed by a Q and A session where the audience had the opportunity to engage with a panel, discussing what is currently being done to tackle child poverty and how much more can be achieved in the future.

The Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council's Tackling Poverty, Inequalities and Housing Sub Committee, Councillor Richard Brodie described the film as:

"An unflinching, hard-hitting portrayal of the real impact poverty has on our young people's lives. It serves as a stark reminder of the challenges we must confront as a community. This film has the potential to inspire meaningful action from professionals and decision-makers across the region."

Another highlight of the event was the recognition of the young people themselves. Councillor Maureen Johnstone, Dumfries and Galloway Council's Chair of the Education, Skills and Community Wellbeing Committee commended their work, saying:

"The young people behind 'Through Young Eyes' have done an outstanding job. Their courage in sharing their stories and perspectives is truly remarkable, and they've created something that will undoubtedly make a lasting impact on how we approach child poverty moving forward."

The steering group of young people responsible for the film urged the audience to share the film widely and continue the conversations about poverty in the region. "We made this film to help people understand what it's really like to grow up in poverty. We want this to be more than just a screening—please share it, talk about it, and keep the conversation going. That's the only way we're going to see real change."

The events served as a powerful reminder that addressing child poverty requires collective effort, and the voices of young people themselves are vital in shaping solutions.

The Through Young Eyes Steering Group was supported by Dumfries and Galloway Council's Youth Work Service, and the film was produced with Urbancroft Films.

Catch the film on You Tube: Youth Work Dumfries and Galloway | Poverty (youtube.com)