Council chiefs have welcomed the launch of a new film designed to help prevent young people from being seduced by extremism and radicalisation. Created by Tettenhall-based Dialogue Media thanks to funding from the Home Office and the Safer Wolverhampton Partnership, Turning Point seeks to tackle racism and promote tolerance. It depicts a 16-year-old who starts speaking to members of a right wing organisation online. He then plans to attend a meeting of like-minded individuals.
The film poses the dilemma of whether the teenager should attend the meeting or take a step back and walk away from the organisation. Jeremy Brown, of Dialogue Media, said: "Everyone is aware of what is going on around the world with international acts of terrorism in places like Paris and Brussels. "Turning Point investigates whether early intervention can help prevent people from making the decision to join a radical organisation, or tackle any views they hold which may be racist.
"It is important that we give young people the tools to deal with these types of issues." Turning Point had its premiere at the Slade Rooms on Tuesday (7 June, 2016) and will be shown in local secondary schools in the coming months.
Councillor Val Gibson, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: "This is a very important piece of work which will encourage students and teachers to be more aware of these issues. “This is in line with Ofsted expectations to promote British values of tolerance and respect and underlines Wolverhampton’s commitment to the national Prevent legislation introduced last year.”
