Ridley Scott joins forces with youth homelessness charities for new film

Ridley Scott and Black Dog Films have teamed up with End Youth Homelessness (EYH) to release a powerful new film which highlights the struggles of young people in vulnerable housing during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The 1 minute 25-second short film aims to raise awareness and funds for the organisation’s work supporting young people out of homelessness.

We are excited to reveal our new film made by @BlackDogFilms.

The film highlights the worrying impact of #COVID19 on homeless young people and visualises the importance of the EYH network in providing vital support.

Watch the film and find out more ????https://t.co/0Bkmo0sQFV pic.twitter.com/tolIkkxsgo

— EndYouthHomelessness (@EYH_UK) November 12, 2020

During the clip, young people discuss the challenges they have encountered throughout the pandemic.

“Dad’s had to move house for his health, and me and my new born girl don’t have anywhere to go,” one young person can be heard saying. 

“We’re too far away from friends, family, and my daughters school. I hate it, I’ve got nothing. No furniture, no fridge, or washing machine,” another adds.

This could be the worst homelessness crisis in our 50-year history, with 23,000 young lives at risk.

You can make sure a young person isn’t just a statistic this Christmas, by giving a young homeless person a safe warm room to live in.https://t.co/aJwclrSBfN pic.twitter.com/ytSVVDk4FK

— Centrepoint (@centrepointuk) November 11, 2020

According to Centrepoint, the charity that supports homeless young people, those aged 16 to 25 will be the worst-hit group financially as a result of the pandemic. 

Calls to the charity’s helpline have increased by almost 50 per cent since the beginning of lockdown. 

Nick Connolly, managing director of End Youth Homelessness, said the number of young people facing homelessness had “skyrocketed” during the pandemic. 

Connolly said: “Our work at End Youth Homelessness has never been more crucial. All EYH member charities provide young people with the support they need to gain security and independence. If we act now, we can give young people the future they deserve.”

Young people are being hit hard by the recession. Ren, in Liverpool, shared her story of Covid-19 redundancy with us. “Finding a job in this climate is almost impossible,” she said.https://t.co/xY0a4108EK

— The Big Issue (@BigIssue) October 22, 2020

In addition to the online launch, the film will be screened in select train stations over the Christmas period. EYH has also released a limited edition clothing line so that people can support the appeal. 

Ridley Scott said Black Dog Films was “proud” to be working alongside the network. 

Scott said: “We’re proud to continue supporting End Youth Homelessness and the outstanding work of their partner charities. We hope that our film will help raise awareness of the vulnerability of young people during this difficult time.” 

Tom Dream, the director of the short film, added: “It was important for me that real accounts of young people were heard during this time, and that we were able to put a human face to the overwhelming data of over 110,000 young people currently facing homelessness in the UK.” 

You can watch the End Youth Homelessness X Black Dog Films #COVID19 Appeal Film on YouTube.