A video produced by Age UK Plymouth which highlights the challenges for today’s over 50s and gives voice to Plymouth’s older residents has been nominated for an award.
The charity is asking supporters to watch and vote for their video ‘Supporting Independence in Plymouth’ which has made it through to the public voting stage of the Charity Film Awards. The film, the first in a set of three shorts made in collaboration with local film-maker Simon Cohen, highlight the charity’s prestigious 81 year history of support for over 50s in the city through adaptive measures and continual evolution.
The charity are hoping that coverage from their nomination will help spread the work of Age UK Plymouth to new audiences. Previous winners include household names such as Macmillan, Teenage Cancer Trust, Asda, Barnardo’s, Action Aid International and the Harry Kane Foundation. In their category Age UK Plymouth find themselves nominated at the charity film awards amongst some stiff competition including 2022 winner Greenpeace UK.
Speaking about working with the charity, Simon said:
“I count myself very lucky to work with such a great team at Age UK Plymouth and their clients, filming this series of promotional films showcasing the great work that they do.
“Filming over two days at both the Mount Gould Plymstock branches, I was allowed in behind the scenes of Age UK Plymouth. Camera in hand, I walked straight into a well-oiled machine, immediately seeing first-hand what a talented, dedicated and relentless force there is, which makes up the Age UK Plymouth team.
“Driving enablement for every single client, constantly thinking of everything so clients don’t have to, and seeing such positive, and empowering results, literally unfold before the camera, not just for the clients but their families and loved ones too.
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“As a filmmaker, hearing the touching stories from the clients and seeing first hand, the work of the volunteers and the staff, it really hit home the importance of the vital support, organisations like Age UK Plymouth provide to us all in our later years, that we just come to rely on and so easily take for granted. They provide such a huge, diverse range of services, empowering seniors to lead fulfilling, independent lives.
“They really are a rock to so many, keeping our loved ones safe and sound. Honestly, hand on heart you have to ask, where would we all be without them? They are all superheroes, and if the backbone of Britain is anything, it is Age UK Plymouth.”
Bryony Rawson, head of communications at the charity and co-producer of the film said:
“Age UK Plymouth has been here for over eight decades but when people ask what we actually do, it’s difficult to answer in a way that does justice to the charity and it’s staff. It’s been a genuine privilege to produce these short films and give our clients, volunteers and supporters a platform and I feel very fortunate that the organisation are able to see the value in working on these awareness campaigns to bring our charity to increasingly larger audiences.
“Our thanks go out to everyone who was so open to letting us into their lives to share their stories, and to Simon for being as dedicated to this project as we were.
“ I’m delighted that the first film in the series ‘Supporting Independence in Plymouth’ has been nominated for the Smiley Charity Film Awards, to be included alongside some incredible pieces of heartfelt and compelling work is a genuine honour.”
The charity has found support in local leaders like Luke Pollard MP for Plymouth, Sutton & Devonport. He said:
“I think most people know that it’s a tough time at the moment, the cost of living crisis means that many people are struggling and the Information and Advice Team here at Age UK are very much like the caseworkers that I have in my office, people who are absolutely dedicated to helping others to dealing with this massive volume of requests for help.”
To vote for the film at the charity film awards and help Age UK Plymouth reach the next round of judging visit bit.ly/VoteForAgeUKPlymouth or follow links from Age UK Plymouth’s website or social media channels.
