Flash....The story so far

Flash are a group of  young Affinity Sutton residents aged between 12 and 17 from Plymouth who first came together 18 months ago to look at what they liked and disliked on their estate by using digital cameras.

The initial project culminated in a photographic exhibition at which the young people presented their findings along with their ideas for transforming some of the dislikes into likes to guests of their choice from the local business community, schools, Affinity Sutton, police, families and other prominent members within their communities including the then Deputy Housing Minister Alison Seabeck MP, who said ‘‘Really impressive photos and young people – can’t wait to see their next project. This should happen in other areas too.’

The exhibition also included a short presentation from each of the young people on their experiences through involvement with the project.

Following the success of this initial project Affinity Sutton committed a sum of money for the group to bring to fruition some of the improvements that they had identified.

To this end the group have now delivered 2 local clean up days, took part in a community arts project which featured in the British arts festival and been involved in a project with chocolate films which saw them produce a short documentary entitled Community Roots in which they interviewed local residents on issues effecting them and the community.

Adrian Hall, Neighbourhood Housing Officer with Affinity Sutton said ‘I have been very impressed by the 'can do' attitude shown by Flash. It is refreshing that, in a time when many people have disparaging views regarding young people, that they have put themselves forward to try to improve the environment in which they live. They have shown that if you engage in local partnerships you can all come together to clean up an areas rubbish or highlight the dilapidation of a local park. I hope that Flash continue to work alongside Affinity Sutton Homes and partners to improve the lives of local people.’