Goodtrees Neighbourhood Centre celebrate young people's achievements at film premier

Goodtrees Neighbourhood Centre have released a film through Reel Youth Media that showcases the outstanding work of young people in south east Edinburgh in supporting the most vulnerable in their community.

A handful of award winners and speakers from the night

GameFace: A community in Lockdown, opened with a premier at the Odeon in Wester Hailes on October 28.

The film is now available online thanks to Reel Youth Media and Creative communities capturing the project over the Summer.

Goodtrees galvanised their resources and rallied rivalling youths in their community to come together.

John Beatson: The man with the plan

John Beatson, programme manager at Goodtrees, said: “I am incredibly proud of the work of my team, our partners and the selfless efforts of the young people.

“They were volunteering seven days a week and working flat out to offer a lifeline to many families and elderly and all with a smile on their face. Even now months down the line they continue to support our efforts running a pantry service for 80 families per week, delivering essentials to the elderly and providing food and activities to combat hunger in school holidays.”

The premiere coincided with the Goodtrees annual awards ceremony, with young people, organisers, third sector agencies as well as key stakeholders being recognised for their outstanding work during the pandemic.

Brandon Bonner, 13, won a community champion award along with peers for his work and has campaigned vociferously for the community centre to be re-opened so that they can build on what they have already achieved.He said: “First of all I want to say I’m proud of everyone. It’s a privilege to look at the film and to see myself in it and my pals. Then to get an award on the night - it was a great achievement for me to have “community champion” and gives me courage and pride. When I wake up in the morning I look at it and it gives me motivation.”

Summer Osborne at the premiere with her family

Councillor Alison Dickie, vice convener for Education, children and families said: “At a time of great need, these inspiring young people chose to act and to shower their community with kindness. And they did this without their youth work home.

“In return, we need to open their indoor space, and the youth work spaces across the city. They have been closed for too long.”

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