What is the Draw My Life project?

Over the past couple of months, Platfform4yp had the opportunity to create a series of videos with some of our incredible young people. It allowed these young people to develop videos about topics that they feel strongly about.

Why?

We wanted young people to have their voices heard and encourage others like them to get involved with sending the message of support, inspiration and empowerment.

It allows other young people to listen to the experiences of young people like them and learn about topics that are either generally misunderstood or under-represented in general media.

Challenges of Being Blind 

It all started with our first video called “Challenges of Being Blind” which is very close to the heart of one of our young people who are blind. She wanted to spread awareness about her disability and make it more of a comfortable conversation surrounding the disability. 

Challenges of Being Blind Video – https://vimeo.com/498272078 

Q&A with creator of Challenges of Being Blind

What do you think are the stigmas surrounding being blind?

There are quite a few stigmas that people have. One of these is that people think that being blind or having a disability is a bad thing which it isn’t. Another stigma is that people think that to be blind, you have to look and act blind. Lastly, people think that just because I’m blind, I am unable to complete tasks and activities.  

What do you want to achieve in the future?

I’ve been told that this is quite hard to get a job in but I would like to be a braille translator. However, at the moment, I am currently in college doing help and social care just so I can have a back up plan. This is because I am trying to find things that I am good at and one of those things is helping others. Also, I would like to help with integrating disabilities within jobs so companies can be more diverse.  

What change do you want to see happen in the future with your topic?

I would like to see more education done within schools and with parenting to make things like disabilities and mental health normal for people to talk about. I feel like using tips and trick videos would help people understand how to approach topics like these better. Lastly, I would like to achieve a more positive outcome to the way people reach people with disabilities and mental so that people can see people for who they are.

How do you look after your own mental health and well-being?

One of the things I like doing to look after my own mental health is to draw. This may sound surprising as I am blind but I find it really therapeutic. I also like to listen to music, play games and talk to my family members as I am a people person.

We Can’t Be Stopped

Next up was a video about hidden disabilities, called “We Can’t Be Stopped”. This young person created this idea based around her experience with hidden disabilities. She hopes that this video will help contribute to breaking the stigma around hidden disabilities. As well as making people understand that they are just the same as them.  

We Can’t Be Stopped Video – https://vimeo.com/500793570 

Q&A with creator of We Can’t Be Stopped 

What do you want people to get out of watching your video?

I want people to get more of an understanding about the ability of people with hidden disabilities and disabilities in general. Also, to show people that, just because you can’t see a disability does not mean that a person doesn’t have one.

If you can tell other young people something that you have learnt from this experience, what would it be? 

From the side of being the organizer and leader of this group I would say I’ve learnt that making videos takes a lot more time than I thought. However, from the side of making my own script, I’ve learnt that just take the chance as initially I didn’t want to share the script. I’m glad I did now as I can now share information about the topic I’ve done. So I would say, don’t be scared. 

How do you look after your own mental health and well-being?

One of the ways I look after my mental health is to play sports or go for a walk which makes myself feel more fresh, especially when I go outside. Also, I eat healthy and listen to my body to know what I need food wise and when. For example, chocolate makes me feel happier. 

 If you had the chance to do this project again, would you and why? 

I would love to take part in another project like this because it gives young people the opportunity to have their voices heard and educate others as well which I think is important.  

My Journey 

Our third Draw My Life video is about the journey of one of our young people with their mental health and their journey through State of Mind. This young person wanted to share her experience with others to empower them and make others comfortable with the topic of mental health. It allows people who are struggling with mental health to see that getting help isn’t that scary at all. 

My Journey Video – https://vimeo.com/503427865 

Q&A with creator of My Journey 

What one piece of advice would you give to other young people?

Have a go at things, even if you don’t think you’re good at them. Especially if you’re alone in your room, there’s only yourself watching you! Notice those self-critical thoughts that might stop you from crafting, singing, playing an instrument, dancing, drawing, writing stories, gaming, etc., and say to them “Doesn’t matter if I’m good or bad at them, I’m going to enjoy them anyway”.

What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?

I get up at 7am, have my cup of tea and do some home exercises. Usually after that my cat is meowing to come inside, so I feed the fluff ball and have my own breakfast. I like this routine and I know that each day bring something new when working with Platfform. The people I speak to and work with are all so unique and I am definitely the happiest I’ve ever been. That’s what motivates me.

What do you think about Flip the Script? (This Q&A)

It is nice to think about these questions and to be heard by others. I think it’s a great opportunity for people to learn some behind-the-scenes for the video they have watched.

What is your favourite genre of music?

I was very emo as a teenager, but now I’m 22, I have heard a lot more tuuuuuunes. So I have a larger range of things I enjoy… but if I had to choose a favourite, it would be the type of music that combines rock, rap and electronics together in one. I don’t know if there’s a name for that. Like pop rock or electronic rock? Some music head out there can let me know for sure.

Hair

Our last video was created by one of our young people who wants to talk about the experience of having afro hair. She shares how other people perceive her and the effects it has on people with afro hair. She hopes that from this video, people will think before they speak and do. 

Hair Video –  https://vimeo.com/505995695 

Q&A with creator of Hair

What is your advice for people who are curious but want to be respectful?

I feel like you have to ask yourself why you want to touch their hair? Is it for the experience? What is it about their hair, really, that makes you want to touch it? What do you expect it to be? It may be that you want Afro hairstyle tips and advice for your or someone else’s hair, which is fair enough. but if not, is it that important to you to touch it? Regardless of your intentions, always ask permission. It really creeps out people when people touch someone’s hair without asking, especially if you don’t know them. You can also say that they can say no to the request if they want to. You can ask them permission to ask questions about their hair, to be honest I’m not an expert on the wrong questions, but definitely don’t say anything about their hair being ‘wild’ or ‘calm’ or ‘surprisingly clean/soft’ or if it’s ‘dirty’…that’s a bit odd. Treat the other person with respect. It is likely that they won’t be interested in another person touching their hair to be honest.

Are there any misconceptions in the topic you’re talking about?

I guess the misconception can people possibly view afro hair as negative or not normal, when it’s positively normal! I guess it’s also people not understanding that the majority of people don’t want their hair touched so much…

I also learned from the interview that there’s an odd thing about adults touching children’s afro hair????? As if the child is happy with a grown adult touching their hair?? EW??? STOP??? Unless they give permission, don’t do that, especially if you don’t know them, it looks very creepy generally.

If you can tell other young people something that you have learnt from this experience, what would it be?

Sometimes telling the best stories comes from an experience that you can personally relate to, or a subject you are passionate about. This can be anything you want it to be, as long as you feel comfortable and happy. Let your voice be heard!

What change do you want to see happen in the future?

Hopefully pressing issues like climate change and transgender rights in the UK are taken more seriously by the government. I hope the government helps people who will be severely affected/traumatised by the COVID Pandemic. I also hope that some individuals become less prejudiced overtime of how others may look, and that more people are taken accountability for their actions, such as police officers or rich business people who abuse their power and get away with it.

In a less serious manner, I have lots of personal goals, such as baking more and becoming more independent.

Overall, this has been a great project for young people to get involved with. They have had the chance to share their stories and empower one another. We hope you have enjoyed watching these videos and have learnt something from them. 

If you want to find out more about our projects, please get in contact us at youngpeople@platfform4yp.Send over any content you have to our Chief editor Tom at Tom.platfform4yp@gmail.com or out assistant editor Lucy at Lucy.platfform4yp@gmail.com