Spon End: making a change

'Spon End – making a change' is a short thought-provoking documentary aimed at exploring the lives and experiences of people who live in Spon End, a designated High Priority Neighbourhood in Coventry, ranked amongst one of the 5% most deprived communities in England. Over the course of 5 months, Chris Bradley worked with a group of 12 – 15 year olds in the area to produce a film which strove to make Spon End a more thriving, prosperous and vibrant estate. Through open, frank and honest interviews with people living on the estate, juxtaposed with filming in and around many of Spon End’s ageing tower blocks, the young people produced a film which took a sensitive and articulate look at the needs and expectations of this long since neglected part of Coventry’s post-war past.

'Spon End – making a change' went on to have a huge impact within Coventry City. Not only did it galvanise community support from local residents and organisations but as a direct result of the public screenings of the film, Whitefriars Housing Association pledged £1million pounds towards the refurbishment of the estates post-war housing stock.

21 minutes 46 seconds

Commissioned by: Groundwork. 2008
Partners: Coventry Youth Service
Funded by: Screen WM, UK Film Council, Awards For All, Coventry Partnership