Hidden Links, a short dramatic film made by young people for young people about the effects of  Chlamdydia, had its premier last week at Colchester Arts Centre to rave reviews. 

With help from local arts group Signals Media, the group of 6 young people (pictured right) researched, developed, scripted, directed, acted in, filmed and edited the powerful film which looks at the facts about Chlamydia and possible impact on young peoples' lives.

Watch 'Hidden Links' film on YouTube

A powerful tool for health professionals

Their involvement in the six month project made a big impression on the young people who took part - they radiated confidence as they gave a talk about their experiences before the film was shown. They all said they felt much more confident, had made new friends, learnt about team work and were happy to talk to their friends and others about sexually transmitted diseases and the importance of getting tested and not being emarrassed to talk about it.

The film will also be a powerful tool for health professionals and was seen by representatives from Essex County Council and a local Councillor who all said they hoped the DVD could be shown in schools across Essex.
The project was managed by Family Mosaic's Jane Graham-Watson who said after the premier "I chatted to lots of people.  A sexual health nurse said she felt it was a very powerful story and is hoping that more young people will see the film.  A Teenage Pregnancy Midwife really enjoyed the film and said that it was going to have a powerful impact in the community."

Our local Teenage Pregnancy Link Worker, Fiona Gooch, has asked for permission to show the DVD to the young families she works with.
The project was funded by Essex PCT via Supporting People and provided the young people with film making basics via workshops, a visit to a Chlamydia testing lab, a trip to the Cambridge Film Festival and London Movieum where they made a short film.