Epping Forest Youth Council rolled out the red carpet for the premieres of their new films on safety for young people.

The district’s youngest council members produced five short films as part of their latest project, We R Safe on Monday, July 9.

Each film offers support and guidance for young people to build confidence and resilience around their personal safety covering the five Rs – Realise, Run, Report, Resist, Resilience.

Council chairman Richard Bassett praised the Youth Council for their insight and hard work in delivering the project.

“Being a young person is not easy any more,” he said. “Phones, the internet, social pressures and groups trying to exploit young people mean they need support and the Youth Council is doing an absolutely amazing job.”

The evening kicked off with a red carpet route to a reception at the council’s civic offices.

The black and tie event was held at the Civic Offices on High Street where a variety of guest speakers were in attendance.

Guests included High Sherriff of Essex, Dr James Bettley, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Michael Chapman, Chief Constable Benjamin-Julien Harrington, deputy Fire Police and Crime commissioner, Jane Gardner and two former High Sheriffs of Essex.

Councillor Nigel Bedford, cabinet member for community and partnerships, said: “We cannot stop our children being exposed to challenging situations.

“We hope that increasing awareness of the risks and problems that can occur will help our young people to make better decisions, and as a result achieve better outcomes.”

Inspiration of the film project was came after holding a consultation with 80 secondary school pupils at the 2017 youth conference.

The initiative is closely linked to a previous project on drugs awareness and some of its findings.

The High Sheriff Dr James Bettley presented a certificate of recognition on the night as a token of appreciation for their contribution to the life of the community.

Click here to watch all five We R Safe films

www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRVwMmn5itpZOXDN4TeB3qqKgb_W3YrEK