Zoom is a registered charity helping children and young people from disadvantaged communities in the South Wales Valleys to overcome the obstacles of social and economic disadvantage. Zoom works with children and young people aged 8 to 18 and provides them with access to a year-round programme of film and digital media activities, services, and pathways to training, education and employment.

Zoom brokers and develops creative collaborations between communities, education and the film and media industry. Zoom is a social enterprise in the form of a company limited by guarantee. We are also a registered charity.

Each year, Zoom delivers a programme of film and media activities including participatory workshops (film-making, editing), an international young people's film festival, peer-led forums and advocacy and signposting services to industry training and education opportunities.

Most importantly, our work is about building relationships with children and young people to develop confidence, commitment and skills, encouraging resourcefulness and constructive risk-taking. In doing this we are actively encouraging young people to develop their creative talents and interests. This might result in further education, training or employment, or simply a lifelong passion for film and media as a recreational activity. In other words, we are committed to making a difference to communities and to lives in real need.

Established in September 2006, the project has proven worth in communities where it operates. Our aim is to grow to meet the growing demand for media and film development opportunities. We would like to work with new people and reach more communities who we feel would benefit from Zoom’s expertise in the delivery of workshops and activities. There is scope and interest for the annual Zoom film festival to expand into new communities and areas in Wales; to enhance film literacy, promote collaborations and bolster the confidence of many local young people who may feel isolated in their communities; and to grow into an event of true national significance as a bridge between aspiring young talent who may lack the resources to develop their skills and the professional world of the media.

Zoom has 3 paid members of staff, around 20 volunteers and is supported by a Board of Trustees with 8 members.

Zoom has a Young People's Film Council. This is a consultative forum with a core representation of young people from the local communities. They provide innovative ways of engaging and involving their peers, ensuring that our project beneficiaries are placed at the heart of our decision-making processes and are able to influence and shape the programme.

Our three years experience of working in disadvantaged communities has shown that the Zoom initiative is successful in building self-confidence and self-esteem in young people and helping them to develop their social and technical skills through our engaging opportunities and experiences.