Young Chadderton filmmakers launch film to spark dialogue on town's future

A new short film created by Chadderton’s young residents has been released, aiming to ignite conversation about the town’s direction.

Film showcases Chadderton through young eyes

Titled "Our Pride, Our Place", the piece was produced under Fullcircle nw CIC’s Youth Voice programme and presents a montage of the neighbourhoods, people and landmarks that residents cherish. Fullcircle, a Chadderton-based community group, works with locals to develop opportunities and amplify their voices, and the Youth Voice scheme gave participants hands-on experience in planning, shooting and editing the film.

One of the contributors, twelve-year-old Rosie, explained that the project taught her practical skills such as camera handling, lighting and post-production editing. She added that hearing other perspectives helped her see Chadderton from new angles and expressed a desire to take part in further initiatives through the programme.

£20 million investment to shape the town's future

The film’s debut aligns with the launch of a new phase of community engagement linked to the Pride in Place programme, through which Chadderton will receive up to £20 million of government funding over the next decade. The money is earmarked for improvements to public spaces, youth facilities, heritage and cultural projects, community safety measures and support for local businesses. A core principle of the scheme is that decisions should be driven by the people who live, work and spend time in the area.

Neil Consterdine, Director of Communities at Oldham Council, welcomed the film as a vivid illustration of what makes Chadderton special and urged residents to contribute ideas, noting that the investment represents a significant milestone for the town. Rebecca Drake, director of Fullcircle and member of the Chadderton Neighbourhood Board, said the project gave young people a chance to tell the town’s story directly, highlighting the existing pride and encouraging a broader conversation about future aspirations.

The Neighbourhood Board is now seeking input from residents of all ages.