Worcestershire County Council’s Public Health Team have launched a new short film, We Are Westlands.
The film was produced to show the strength of the community by letting the residents tell their own story.
We Are Westlands is a celebration of Westlands Estate in the Droitwich West Ward on the far side of the town.
The film showcases Linda who runs the bio goes around litter picking, Lynn and Tony of the Westlands Residents Association and many others.
The film is an honest account of what is like to live in the estate, why people love living there, even the stories from those who moved away and then came back again!
People living in Westlands have a life expectancy that is 11 years lower than in the neighbouring Droitwich South-East Ward. As part of a wider community development project which includes funding from Public Health this film was produced. The aim of the project is to support the Droitwich Wellbeing Hub, which delivers support services directly to the community as well as supporting wellbeing projects, developed with the community.
The film is not only a great way to connect with local people, it also invites you into the world of the Westlands and celebrates the community and its strengths. In doing so the community is able to break down old preconceptions and through their own voices, assert their pride in their community.
Lisa McNally, Director of Public Health for Worcestershire, said: “It has been a real privilege being welcomed into the community and hearing the stories from the people who live there. This film is just one of the projects which shows just how strong the community of Westlands estate is and how a bit of investment can help make the residents shine.”
Members of the Westlands community, many of whom took part in the making of the film, were invited to their own Hollywood moment, at a screening of the film.
They joined representatives from Public Health in Worcestershire, Worcestershire County Council, Wychavon District Council, Droitwich Wellbeing Hub and Town Council.
You can view the film below, or on our Worcestershire County Council YouTube.