Teresa Pearce has this week expressed her support for the vInspired cashpoint initiative, which will give young people the chance to bring their ideas for community action and social change to life.

The project, which opened on 16 April 2012, will offer grants of up to £500 to 14 – 25-year-olds, so that they are able to promote change in their local areas. Over the last five years the scheme has been hugely popular, with more than 800 grants awarded. Young people have used their funding in a variety of different ways, developing projects including stand-up comedy sessions to improve the confidence of young people; cycling lessons to give young women from Bangladeshi communities independence; and a community ‘earth ship’ to inform locals about the importance of eco-friendly living.

In addition to benefiting local communities, successful applicants will develop invaluable skills to add to their CVs, gained through hours of volunteering and officially recorded as part of their work towards their vInspired Awards.  Applications will be accepted until August 2013.  Grants will be awarded for not-for-profit projects that show a clear positive benefit to a community, group or the planet.

Teresa said:

 “Through the vInspired cashpoint initiative the ambitions of young people can be harnessed for the benefit of local people, which will no doubt promote a strong sense of community pride. Young people have so much to offer their local areas, and it is great that this has been recognised and there is funding in place to help them achieve their goals. 

 

“I would like to encourage young people across Erith and Thamesmead to apply for funding through the vInspired cashpoint initiative, not only because I am positive that there is a lot of unrealised talent across the constituency, but also because this will give them the experience and skills needed to work towards their future goals in a very competitive job-market.”

Teresa has called for local amateur film makers to enter FILM THE HOUSE, a national competition that celebrates up-and-coming amateur film producers, directors and script writers across the UK.

Film lovers of all ages in Erith and Thamesmead are urged to submit their amateur films to FILM THE HOUSE. Teresa will then nominate her top film from the area for the national competition, which aims to promote the wealth and variety of film in the UK and raise awareness of the importance of intellectual property rights, film and the creative industries.

Categories include drama, thriller, action, comedy, music video, documentary, as well as a separate category for under 18s which can be any genre. Competition entrants will have the chance to win a screening of their film to film industry executives at the House of Commons.

Teresa said:

“FILM THE HOUSE is a great opportunity for aspiring film makers of any age looking to find a way into the industry. I am excited to see the films that the people of Erith and Thamesmead can come up with, and hope to see as many submissions from the constituency as possible.”

The closing date for nominations is 30th June and the winners will be announced on the 30th October at a special reception and screening of the winning film at the House of Parliament. For more information on how to apply visit www.filmthehouse.com.