In form Tottenham and England football star Jermain Defoe called in at an Abbey Wood school this week to help spur on the next generation of film-makers in south east London.
The talented striker visited Saint Paul’s Academy to talk to students - whose work was backed by Oxleas NHS Foundation trust - who made a film about mental health and wellbeing for the Happy Soul Youth Awards.
The Happy Soul Festival is a celebration of Black and Minority Ethnic film and arts exploring wellbeing. It commissioned youth communities to make their own short films in the boroughs of Wandsworth, Richmond, Sutton, Merton and Greenwich. These new films explore young people’s experiences and awareness of mental health. The films were screened and judged by a panel of industry professionals and community representatives for the Happy Soul Youth Awards.
Nineteen students Saint Paul's students took part in the project which was initiated and supported by Oxleas. It took one day to film and explored young peoples' experiences and awareness of mental health.
After presenting the students with autographed copies of the film ‘Reality Check’, Jermain took part in a question and answer session from students in Year 11, followed by a tour of the school and its sports facilities and lunch in the school restaurant.
Jermain said: Being mentally strong isn’t easy and it’s really important to have support at home to help you become strong. When I play football, I am completely focussed and that helps my mental wellbeing. It’s great to have a passion for something like that. It doesn’t have to be football, it can be anything. These kids have done a great job making this film.
Principal, Pat Winston, said: We were delighted to be associated with the project and we welcomed Jermain Defoe to our school. Sport plays a pivotal role in helping raise achievements for both boys and girls in the school. This is very much reflected in the performance of our Year 11 students in our recent GCSE results
