YOUNG Borderers with autism took to the red carpet last week as they celebrated the premier of their new film.
On Thursday (April 21) My Super Power & Me, a 20-minute film featuring interviews with young people with autism and health professionals premiered at Borders College with a red carpet event.
The film was created by and starred members of the Borders Additional Needs Group (BANG) and the Branching Out Youth Group over the last year with the help of Alchemy Film and Arts charity – which provided equipment and training to the young people.
"This was the young people's moment and their voices were heard," said Pauline Grigor, community autism coordinator at BANG.
My Super Power & Me helps to raise awareness of the positive aspects of autism and gave the young people involved the chance to help change people's perceptions of autism.
Pauline added: "I was overwhelmed at the response to the film, it was an amazing night and I couldn't wish for anything more.
"Our young people came up with an idea for the premiere with an Oscars theme, where there would be a red carpet and would be a real social event for them. This is what they wanted and I'm so delighted we could provide it for them because they deserve it.
"The film shines a light on not only the needs of autistic people but the positive aspects of autism. The young people want to change people's perceptions in the Borders around autism and this is the start of that journey. I am so proud of all of them."
The film, which is available to view on the BANG website, will now become part of Youth Borders' Autism Toolkit, allowing local schools to show pupils the film to promote a better understanding of autism.
The project was supported by SharedCare Scotland's Short Breaks Fund, Youth Borders and the National Lottery Community Fund.
Charlene Tait, deputy chief executive of Scottish Autism, said: "We've had an absolutely fantastic evening and it has been such a joy to watch this fantastic film the young people have produced using their voice and their lived experiences.
"It was really important for Scottish Autism to play a role in holding the event because what these young people are doing in making this film aligns with our values as a charity.
"We need societal change in order for autistic people to lead happy, healthy and fulfilling lives and these young people are leading the conversation here in the Borders in how we achieve that."
Schools or community groups which would like a copy of the film can contact Pauline at: Pauline@bordersadditionalneeds.org
For more information, visit: www.bordersadditionalneeds.org/
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