A NEW film exploring life on Droitwich’s Westlands has been launched by the county council.
We Are Westlands, produced by Worcestershire County Council’s Public Health Team, was created to show the strength of the community through the stories of local residents.
The county council say the documentary is a celeberation of the Westlands Estate, which is in Droitwich’s West ward on the far side of the town.
The film (which can be viewed below) is an honest account of what it’s like to live in the estate, why people love living there, and even tells the stories of those who moved away before coming back again.
During the film, viewers will hear from Linda who runs the bingo, Jo who goes around litter picking, Lynn and Tony of the Westlands Residents Association and many others.
People living in Westlands have a life expectancy 11 years lower than in the neighbouring Droitwich South-East Ward.
These shocking statistics come as a wider community development project, which includes funding from Public Health, is being launched.
As part of the project, Droitwich Wellbeing Hub will be aided in delivering support services directly to the community.
There are also some wellbeing projects, developed together with the community.
Dubbed a ‘great way to connect with local people’, the council hopes the film will break down preconceptions of Westlands and its residents by giving locals a voice to show pride for their community.
Lisa McNally, Director of Public Health for Worcestershire, said: “It has been a real privilege being welcomed into the community and hearing the stories from the people who live there.
“This film is just one of the projects which shows just how strong the community of Westlands estate is and how a bit of investment can help make the residents shine.”
Members of the Westlands community, many of whom took part in the making of the film, were invited to their own Hollywood moment, at a screening of the film.
They joined representatives from Public Health in Worcestershire, Worcestershire County Council, Wychavon District Council, Droitwich Wellbeing Hub and Town Council.
