Solent University’s creative arm, SolentCreatives, has joined forces with the charity Step by Step to give voice to care leavers across the south of England. The result is a short film, 18 Isn’t Cheaper, that captures first‑hand stories from young people who have moved from the care system into independent adulthood. The project not only highlights an urgent policy need but also demonstrates how a student experience can lead to real‑world change.
Why Care Leaver Support Matters in Southampton
When a young person turns 18, the financial support that keeps them afloat after leaving care ends. For many, the transition to full independence is uncharted territory – the gap between welfare allowances and living costs can trigger instability, homelessness or stalled education. In Southampton and wider UK communities, care leavers face higher rates of unemployment, lower educational attainment, and a greater risk of mental health challenges.
The 18 Isn’t Cheaper campaign brings these figures into focus by pairing quantitative research with qualitative human stories. It stresses that the cost of living crisis does not affect all groups equally and, for care leavers, the policy gap can be life‑altering.
SolentCreatives: Bridging Student Experience with Real‑World Change
SolentCreatives is a student‑powered creative agency that gives undergraduate students a platform for paid work outside the classroom. By tackling the step‑by‑step project, students like BA (Hons) Television Production student Teo Smith applied production techniques—shooting, interviewing, editing—to a socially relevant narrative.
The agency’s model fits into Solent University’s civic mission: students create content that serves public goals, builds professional networks, and enhances portfolios. In this case, the student journey extended from learning scripts and camera angles to engaging with care leavers, community representatives, and policymakers.
Learning through Advocacy: Real‑World Insight
Teo and his team visited Winchester, Aldershot, London, and Westminster. These trips added a layer of authenticity: students faced real people, heard complex struggles, and then translated those conversations into compelling visual storytelling.
Through interviews with a Labour MP and policy advocates, students gained a clearer understanding of how public opinion and evidence translate into legislative proposals on Universal Credit rates for 18‑to‑24‑year‑olds.
Meet the Care Leavers: Voices that Drive Policy
What sets this film apart is the focus on lived experience. Each interviewee shares how the end of state benefits impacted housing, education, and mental health. The emotional honesty presented in the documentary pushes beyond statistics, turning abstract policy debates into personal narratives that policymakers can’t ignore.
Step by Step’s Nic Goom, Head of Strategic Marketing and External Affairs, praised the project: “Having young creatives help tell a story shaped by lived experience has made the final piece stronger, more honest, and more impactful. We’re incredibly grateful for the passion and professionalism the student team brought to this project.”
Student Roles in Advocacy: Practical Skills You Gain
Students who partner with charities like Step by Step acquire several high‑value skills:
- Communication – Learning to ask open‑ended questions and handle sensitive topics with respect.
- Project Management – Coordinating shoots, deadlines, and stakeholder expectations.
- Cross‑Sector Networking – Building relationships with local MPs, advocacy groups, and community leaders.
- Ethical Storytelling – Balancing narrative impact with the dignity of participants.
These competencies are not just résumé fillers; they demonstrate readiness for roles in media, social research, policy analysis, and community development.
How Solent University Enhances Career and Community Engagement
Solent University’s curriculum in Television Production includes modules that encourage students to apply technical training to social issues. The university offers:
- Industry‑partner internships that expose students to real broadcasting environments.
- Work‑study projects where students collaborate with NGOs on campaigns.
- Professional development workshops focused on policy communication and human‑rights advocacy.
By integrating community‑engaged projects into degree pathways, Solent demonstrates that higher education can be a catalyst for social progress, aligning student learning with civic responsibility.
Action Steps for Students and Community Members
Students seeking to replicate Solent’s experience can:
- Investigate university‑led agencies like SolentCreatives for paid projects.
- Volunteer with care‑leaver charities to learn about their needs and priorities.
- Collaborate on research or media initiatives that inform policy discussions.
Community advocates can:
- Offer venues or support for student‑led storytelling events.
- Provide mentorship on the policy‑making process and how public campaigns affect legislation.
- Help amplify student projects through local media outlets and social platforms.
Next Steps for Interested Readers
If you’re a student looking to combine creative work with social impact, consider applying to Solent University’s BA (Hons) Television Production programme. The curriculum is designed to launch you into professional media roles while empowering you to tell stories that matter.
Explore Solent University programmes and see how you can build a career that supports community change.
Ready to apply? Submit your application today and take the first step towards a future where creativity meets advocacy.
Need more information or would like to discuss potential projects? Schedule a free consultation with Solent’s admissions team.
For additional insights on how student projects influence policy, explore our related articles and stay informed about the social impact of media production.
