Bank of Ireland UK and Belfast-based film charity, Cinemagic, have joined forces once more to inspire and educate young people about financial wellbeing through the lens of the creative industries.
Over the last year the partnership has engaged with 200 teenagers in Belfast, Ballymena and Portstewart and the next stop was The Royal School Armagh for an innovative, educational outreach morning.
Over 100 pupils participated in the initiative and enjoyed workshops and insights with Adam Wilkinson, Film & TV sustainability consultant (NBC Universal, Warner Bros. Discovery, Netflix), award-winning hotelier Melanie Harrison (Harrison Chambers of Distinction) and highly acclaimed, award-winning businessman and three time All Ireland winner, Seán Cavanagh.
A Q&A delved into how pupils can develop financial wellbeing skills as they enter further education or employment and included a discussion on the vast range of creative industries roles that are on offer to young people.
The aim of the morning was to offer practical advice in a film industry Sustainability and Location Management workshop and the creative careers panel Q&A highlighted issues such as budgeting, problem solving, resilience and the significance of financial wellbeing on an individual’s personal and career development, no matter what career path they choose.
Joan Burney Keatings, MBE, Cinemagic Chief Executive commented “The partnership between Cinemagic and Bank of Ireland UK developed through a shared passion to educate, motivate and inspire young people, and to creatively demonstrate the importance of good financial wellbeing as students begin to think about their future.
“Cinemagic’s ethos is to inspire young people from all backgrounds through creative film opportunities, and collaborating with Bank of Ireland UK, on this innovative educational outreach programme is truly inspiring, allowing Armagh teenagers to find out about career opportunities in the screen industries whilst feeling empowered about their own financial wellbeing.”
William Thompson, Head of Consumer Banking NI at Bank of Ireland UK, commented “It’s not always easy to get young people talking about money management and financial literacy, but it’s really important that young people learn about finances and how to manage their money from an early age so they can build good financial habits for the long term.
Our Youth Account can help young people on the start of their financial journey, offering a safe way to introduce them to managing their money, online banking and using cards with all the assurance that comes from Bank of Ireland’s extensive consumer protections.”
“The Cinemagic team and panellists showed in a practical way how important financial planning is within the creative industries sector, from just getting started in the industry through to its role in supporting internationally acclaimed local businesses.”