Don't T.R.A.S.H. 'R' Bill of Rights

Young people from TRASH Youth Council (Teenagers Rural Ards Shout Health), have spent the last couple of months working with a drama facilitator and filmmaker. They've been exploring current youth perspectives and attitudes on the contents of a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland.

This enabled them to shoot a short documentary and to hold a showcase event on the proposed NI Bill of Rights.

The film premiere was held in Portaferry Community Centre. The evening was a resounding success. A variety of educational dramatizations and lively audience participation workshops highlighted the important issues that a Bill of Rights might address. According to one participant "An excellent event, informative fun and thought provoking. Well done to the "Trashers" our future rests with you. Go for it."

Funded by Community Foundation NI, this challenging project was managed by a collaborative group of representatives from East Down Rural Community Network, South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, South Eastern Education & Library Board and Ards Arts.

The young people have submitted a report and their DVD documentary to the Bill of Rights Forum.

For groups or individuals interested in having your say on a Bill of Rights there is still time. The Human Rights Consortium is running a major advertising campaign encouraging the public to have their say on the content of an NI Bill of Rights. As part of the campaign members of the public can voice their view on a Bill of Rights by using the lobbying tool at www.billofrightsni.org

For further information or to receive a free copy of the DVD please contact: frances@eastdownrcn.com or Tel: 028 9182 8884.