Welcome to Manchester
Young unaccompanied asylum seekers create a DVD to help other asylum seekers settle into Manchester
Welcome to Manchester is a short film made by young asylum seekers working with artists Debbie Steer and Jonathon Addy. It is intended to support other newly arrived asylum seekers coming into contact with Manchester City Council’s Children’s Services for the first time.
Using the Alien Nation exhibition as a starting point, Welcome to Manchester was made by nine young people from five different countries. Most of them arrived in the UK within the last six months, leaving their home countries due to political unrest, violent events and traumatic experiences. Throughout the making of the film, the young people not only discovered Manchester as a city, but also explored their own abilities and skills. Some have since chosen to explore media as a future career.
"Our film is going to help other young people who are coming into the country to know what they are going to be facing. It’s good they should know the kind of care and the kind of life they will live in Manchester".
Valerie – Welcome to Manchester participant
Project partners: CAFRASS: Manchester City Council, Community Engagement Network : Manchester City Council, Community Arts North West.
Funding: Neighbourhood Renewal Fund, Co-operative Insurance Society, CAFRASS: Manchester City Council, Community Engagement Network : Manchester City Council, Community Arts North West.
Image © Marepe
