Watch Over Me

Watch Over Me is a personal safety soap opera for secondary schools based on real-life stories designed to help young people learn how to manage risk and stay safe. The films provoke discussion and allow teachers to introduce a wide range of challenging topics into the classroom.

The broadcast quality films have each been made following extensive research with groups of young people who suggest the subject matter and shape the storylines. Actors from the NYT play the main characters in the first three films.

With three series currently available free of charge to every school in England and Wales, we have just finished filming a fourth series to be released at the beginning of the 2010/11school year.

Watch Over Me IV has been made in memory of Jimmy Mizen. The film tackles issues around the prevention of extreme violence and the current threat of young people being radicalised by religious and political extremists. Kids Taskforce ambassador and Spurs and England striker Jermain Defoe makes his acting debut with a guest appearance.

Watch Over Me III is dedicated to Damilola Taylor, the 11 year old murdered in a racist attack on the way home from the library. This series examines issue around road safety, weapons, internet safety, diverting children away from crime through sport, extremism and community cohesion and self image.

Watch Over Me II was made in memory of George Atkinson, a young boy accidentally killed by an air rifle. Prisoners from the Thorn Cross Young Offenders Institute in Cheshire helped with the production. They created the theme music for the series and the episodes cover gun crime, peer pressure, domestic violence, forced marriage, bereavement, drugs and alcohol.

Watch Over Me I was funded by the Home Office and made in memory of murdered Surrey teenager Milly Dowler. Topics covered include the journey to school, domestic violence, the effects of alcohol, bullying, offensive weapons and street robbery.

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