All about the Voice of My Own (VOMO) Project

VOMO began in April 2004 and had a successful first year led by Ronnie Johnston. Currently, VOMO has a project manager, Helen Trew, and Ronnie still works with the project as a freelancer.

We have equipment available through FILMBANK (10 cameras, 4 editing laptops, screening facilities). VOMO has trained youth workers (the VOMO Champions) across the Borders in film production, in order to support film-making with young people in their areas.

VOMO runs key projects with different groups of young people focusing on particular issues. For example: Teen Mums; young people at risk of offending; young people who are interested in making a film about a community issue - eg lack of a local Skate Park. Sometimes the films are very personal - for example, Losing It is about self-harm.

We also have projects like the International Youth Media Project (IYMP) which is a brilliant opportunity to learn more film skills and work with young people in other areas of Scotland and Sweden. We have an annual Film Festival every year to show work from the project, which is always a hot ticket!

Currently there are VOMO cameras and/or trained youth workers in:

• Duns Youth Project
• Ishuze, Peebles
• CO2, Jedburgh
• Escape Café, Hawick
• Hawick High School
• Dialogue Youth (Galashiels and Hawick based)
• Burnfoot Community School, Hawick
• Kelso Dry Bar

VOMO can also offer work placements and careers advice for young people with an interest in pursuing a career in the media.