Teenagers in Richmond have the chance to win £1000 this summer by producing their own film for a charity.

WAVE Trust, a UK early years charity, are encouraging 16-18 years olds, to take part in it's first 70/30 short film contest, by creating their own video, to raise awareness about child abuse, before September 22.

The competition forms part of the charity's overall 70/30 campaign, which aims to reduce child abuse and neglect, by 70 per cent, by 2030, by stopping the damage before it happens and supporting vulnerable parents.

Daphne Cotton, a 70/30 group co-ordinator for Richmond, said: " Seeing one of our bright young filmmakers in Richmond coming up with a prize winning formula would be fantastic.

"I was drawn to this campaign specifically because it is tackling root causes of violence and dysfunction rather than alleviating symptoms."

Students can plan, design and produce their own film, up to three minutes, to share the 70/30 message in a creative way, showing the public what needs to be done to help this cause.

In addition to the winning entry receiving £1000, the participant will receive £750 for their school and the opportunity to choosing another prize from a list for the runners up, which include a tandem skydive and a European travel pass.

"One in five children in the UK suffer significant abuse or neglect during their lifetime and 90 per cent of these children receive no help at all - this is a shocking statistic - what is even more shocking is that child maltreatment can lead to a lifetime of suffering for the victim," added Ms Cotton.

"It is the leading preventable cause of major mental health illnesses and it is strongly associated with drug and alcohol abuse, aggression and violence, poor educational outcomes, unemployment and suicide."

Via the campaign, the charity have drawn up a long term action plan, called Pioneer Communities, promoting intensive support to parents during pregnancy and up to age 2, to prevent damage to babies and children during this critical period of brain development.

The Richmond co-ordinator said:"Prevention will save money in the long term - child maltreatment is estimated to cost the UK £15billion a year to treat the ever-recurring symptoms and consequences of abuse."

Everyone, including those who choose not to enter the contest, is encouraged to vote for their favourite short film by visiting the entry gallery online athttp://shortfilmcontest.70-30.org.uk/entries/20085

To enter the contest or read about WAVE’s 70/30 Campaign visit www.70-30.org.uk