Through Their Eyes features 8 – 11 year olds from Sefton talking about what family life means to them. We think it’s a very special film, involving a group of amazing children who gave up their time in their Easter holidays to take part. We hope you like it too.

The première

The Oscars may not have been real but the applause was genuine and heartfelt for the child stars at the première of Through Their Eyes.

The event, which marked the formal launch of Time4Families, was attended by an audience of more than 80 parents, guardians, family members and health and social care professionals who were moved to tears by the 10 minute film.

The children who took part in the film were presented during the ceremony with mock Oscar statuettes as well as Dune’s Splash World passes, courtesy of Active Sefton, Jean Massam, Children’s Trust Director, Sefton Council/NHS Sefton, said:

“Our aim is to ensure that young people in Sefton have the best possible chances in life and this campaign is so important because it recognises the crucial role family has in our children’s health and well-being.”

Dr Jaime Craig, Consultant Clinical Psychologist at Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, who co-presented the event with Pat Nicholl, Deputy Head of Health Promotion, NHS Sefton, commented:

“When the going gets tough, it’s our families on whom we rely for strength and support. I know from my work in Sefton that family relationships are the key factor in children’s emotional well-being. I should like to congratulate everyone involved in the campaign and the families here today for doing such a great job.”

Dr Craig is Tier 2 Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Lead Sefton (Brief Intervention and Consultation Service).

Following the screening of the film and a ‘meet the stars’ session refreshments, including healthy popcorn, were served by Not Just Cooking as guests visited a marketplace of stalls showcasing low cost or free family activities.

Foot stomping entertainment was provided by talented young musicians from Hillside High School’s Gospel 13 choir and Hillside Jazz Ensemble while ‘Magic Dave’ Alnwick amazed and delighted children and adults alike.