BBC Connect and Create
Connect and Create is an exciting new service in the BBC Training & Development portfolio that develops the skills of BBC staff while working in partnership with community organisations and charities across the UK.
The Foyer Federation are one of 15 partner organisations who the BBC work with, we were chosen in 2006 from a potential list of 300 nominated organisations all put forward by BBC staff.
We have completed three projects to date with BBC staff teams in Northern Ireland, Birmingham and London.
We have worked with BBC staff and Foyer staff and residents on projects including short films about life in a Foyer, documentary films exploring the ideas, views and opinions young people have about their local communities and a project on 'shooting and writing for the web'.
The projects have engaged 60 volunteers from BBC teams and Foyers across the UK, all of whom have learnt key DV skills, editing skills and web productions skills. Residents have also learnt key employability skills, transferable skills including written and verbal communication skills, leadership and team working experience and setting goals and working to deadlines.
The project contents and timetabling is tailored to suit the hectic schedules of the BBC employees and Foyer residents, with many workshops being run in early evening slots to fit in around existing work, college and training commitments.
The Foyer Federation have worked with the Connect and Create team to partner experienced professionals, trainees and mentors and beginners in a relaxed, informal training environment to ensure that the mix of skills, interests and abilities are brought together to generate exciting media projects and content.
Trident House Foyer's project focused on filming a series of short films exploring what it 
was like to live in a Foyer. The films ranged from humorous comedies to factual interviews, dramas and music videos. The film, entitled 'The Block', can be viewed here.
Focus E15 Foyer in Stratford are currently in the middle of their project with BBC staff and trainers entitled 'shooting and writing for the web'.
'Everyone's got a story' is an online project which gets residents to create their own webpage and design, film and write the content for them around this central theme, the pages will then be linked together in a web portfolio.
Come back soon to see the finished web pages!