BRADFORDIANS who have taken part in a “crucial” drug awareness project were rewarded after producing films tackling tough topics.

Participants in Project YouTurn, delivered by CNet, were recognised at an awards ceremony at the Enterprise Hub on Manningham Lane.

Filmmakers in several categories – Under 12s, Under 16s, Under 21s and Open Age – had their projects screened to the audience.

Programme manager Zafar Afsar said the project aims to change the way young people learn about drugs, arguing that the traditional methods are no longer effective.

“Drug awareness isn’t about sitting kids down and ramming loads of information down their throats – they’ve had that for years,” he said.

“Pupils and teachers should research drugs together, finding out how they’re harmful – to me that’s drug awareness.

“Kids need to sit down with parents and siblings and talk. There is still a massive stigma attached to sending people to rehab and getting support.

“You sometimes see families funding drug habits to keep it under the carpet, but we want to knock those barriers down.”

Winners in the Under 12s category were pupils from the Academy at St James in Allerton.

“I was very impressed with their film, considering their ages too,” said Zafar.

Subhan Choudry, 13, won in the Under 16s category, who Zafar said, “brought an Islamic perspective on drug awareness” and put a “unique spin on it, looking from outside the box”.

The Under 21s winner was Mustapha Zafar, 16, with his short film In a Heartbeat.

“His film was very good and impactful,” Zafar said.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Artwork on drug awareness made by studentsArtwork on drug awareness made by students

Mohammed Afzal, 34, won in the Open Age category with This is my Story – based on his own experience of seeing his older brother jailed for selling drugs.

“It was straight to the point – another very well-made film,” Zafar commented.

Zafar believes that drugs are a particular issue in Bradford.

“Walking with my kids - who are 10 and four - recently, I saw nearly 40 nitrous oxide bottles near a school,” he said.

“It’s happening regularly, it’s a disgrace.

“It’s so commonplace that people don’t bat an eyelid – it’s half become acceptable.

“Education is key – you’d be surprised how many don’t know how or who to call for support. People don’t know where to start.

“We are working closely with youth services, schools and mosques – there’s nothing like what Project YouTurn is doing right now.

“We’ve also held workshops on knife crime awareness, working closely with West Yorkshire Police.”