Nine powerful new campaign films, from our Young People & Education programme grant holders, premiered at the BFI Southbank on 24 September, celebrating the creativity, resilience and ambition of children and young people. This marks our third year of working with Media Trust, a Funder Plus partnership that continues to amplify the voices of charities and the young people they support. 

From the guiding hand of youth mentors to the confidence sparked on stage in children’s theatre, each film shone a light on how charities help young people thrive. The stories captured everyday triumphs as well as hopes for the future. 

These films would not exist without the skill, generosity, and countless hours given by volunteer directors and crews, who went above and beyond to ensure young people’s voices were not just heard but celebrated on the big screen. After the screenings, audiences heard directly from charities and filmmakers about the creative process. They revealed the “invisible extras”, from co-creation and creative opportunities to leadership development, that gave the films such authenticity.

At a time when many charities are working harder than ever amid rising costs, volunteer shortages and growing demand, building communication skills has never been more critical. Supporting charities to tell their stories, is a valuable investment we can make through our Funder Plus initiative.

“We truly value our partnership with Media Trust. The opportunity for some of our charities to share their impactful work within their communities, told in their voices through creative and dynamic storytelling is both powerful and transformative, not only for the viewer but for the charities themselves.” 

Almaz Zainal, Grants Programme Manager (YP&E), The Mercers Company

The films

The nine films span themes from early years and literacy & oracy to mental health and transitions into adulthood. Each one brings to life the unique impact of its charity:

• African Community School (Mental Health & Wellbeing): A scripted story showing the journey of mentorship, ending with the line “Be the person you needed — become a mentor today.” Designed to recruit 30 new mentors.
• Auditory Verbal UK (Early Years): Fundraising film following a child who has undergone auditory verbal therapy as they prepare for their first day of school.
• Chickenshed Theatre (Early Years): Immersive film capturing the magic of the New Botanics project through the eyes of its early years audience, highlighting diversity, inclusion, and educational impact.
• Company Three (Literacy & Oracy): A fundraising film in a bold, commercial-style showing how theatre transforms young people from self-doubt to self-belief.
• Home-Start London (Early Years): A narrative of a struggling parent told through the eyes of their 5-year-old daughter, highlighting the vital role of a Home-Start volunteer.
• Read for Good (Literacy & Oracy):  A live action film combined with dynamic animation, showing how books and storytellers brighten the days of children in hospital and nurture a love of reading.
• Peeple (Early Years): A scripted story exploring parenting challenges facing a single parent and their two year old child, whilst weaving in voices from beneficiaries across 30 years of the charity’s work and impactful legacy.
• Write Back (Literacy & Oracy): A visually dynamic film co-created with young writers to showcase how creative writing and storytelling builds young people’s self-esteem and empowers them to find their voice through unlocking creativity.
• XLP (Transitions from Secondary Education): A commercial-style film challenging misconceptions and positioning XLP as a vital supporter of young people’s potential.

Our Young People & Education programme aims to help young people have a good start in life, strong mental health and opportunities beyond secondary school. Our funder plus capacity building initiative was funded through the Mercers' Charitable Foundation of which the Mercers’ Company are trustee. 

Read more about our Young People & Education programme here and funding approach here.