A HARD-HITTING community-made film has been screened as a Bradford project aims to turn young people away from drugs and crime.

Project YouTurn, delivered by CNet, showcased Long Story Short at Bradford’s Alhambra Theatre.

The piece discusses the impact of drug use and drug dealing in Bradford.

Local councillors, police, NHS representatives and the Lord Mayor of Bradford Councillor Martin Love were among those who attended the screening.

Meena Jeewa, Programme Manager at Project YouTurn, said: “The film takes away the money, cars and glamour to shine a light on the realities.

“Months of research was done, and we intend to work with schools and the police to continue our sessions for people of all ages.”

The film was written and directed by Bradford filmmaker Hafsah Naib.

A date for a public release is yet to be confirmed, but programme manager Zafar Afsar said the film can help to change the ways important issues in Bradford are tackled.

“A lot of support services do great work, but they seem very reactive. At Project YouTurn, we have a mentality that prevention is better than cure,” he said.

“We’re trying to teach kids the dangers of drugs, crime and child exploitation – because they all go hand in hand – before they end up being exposed to them.

“People get involved in drug dealing for financial reasons, to have a better lifestyle, to live the dream – but they’re looking for shortcuts. They see success as a lifestyle they can only have by going down certain roads.

“Criminal exploitation can start small, then it grows and becomes a vicious cycle.

“There needs to be more support from the top down. Those who make the big decisions need to engage better with grassroots organisations.”

Zafar added that Project YouTurn also wants to raise more awareness of grooming and abuse for young women.

“We want to teach them about the tell-tale signs now, rather than let them potentially fall into those traps later,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of working collaboratively.

“We’ve worked with Bradford Youth Service, Bradford Council, West Yorkshire Police and local mosques, amongst others, and that has enabled us to deliver so much with so little resources,” he said.

“We’ve delivered 50 workshops this financial year, which have been attended by more than 2,000 people.

“We have innovative ideas to help combat the issue of drugs in Bradford, but we can only deliver these with the help of others.”

To watch the trailer for Long Story Short, click here.