Students Win National Award for Mental Health Awareness Video

A team of students known as ‘Team 142’, who completed the Prince’s Trust Programme at Newham College in 2015 have won a high profile award for filming and producing a gritty mental health awareness video designed to raise money and awareness of young people’s mental health struggles and the help that is available.

Their film is being used by volunteers who deliver mental health workshops within the local community, including Newham College and local schools. The team of 9 youngsters worked alongside local branches of MIND in Newham and Tower Hamlets and they raised funds in excess of £1500 for the charity.

Team member, Faisal Khan explained that the team’s fundraising activities gave them all the chance to give back to the community. The 21-year-old said:

“Some of the team members have gone through mental health issues and there are so many people out there that suffer because of it. We wanted to do something that would raise awareness and help the community”.

“The people in our film talk about their own experiences and tell their personal stories. It’s something that lots of people can relate to and now it’s being shown across schools and different organisations in the borough”.

Team leader, Kim Chapman said:
“My colleagues and I are so impressed by the impact of this team’s efforts. They really have achieved a lot and we are delighted with their success in winning the Community Impact Award.”

The video project was also well received by HRH Princess, Kate who is championing mental health in young people. She said, “I am impressed to hear about the fundraising efforts and am delighted to learn that this was donated to MIND in Newham/Tower Hamlets”.

The team are waiting to find out if they will get short listed for the national awards next year which are usually hosted by Ant and Dec and attended by a host of celebrities.