Growing Up Poor

Filmed over one summer, this documentary follows three very different teenage girls all on the cusp of adulthood and dealing with the pressures of growing up with one similarity - they are all surviving on under a tenner a day. For Bridie, her hopes of joining the army hinge on her staying out of trouble with the police, but when they patrol your area and things are always kicking off, this is easier said than done. Amber is 16 and pregnant. She's fortunate that her mum is there to support her, but nonetheless scraping money together for all that she needs is a daunting task, quite apart from the prospect of motherhood. Like so many British teenagers affected by the recession Shelby was on jobseeker's allowance, but she's determined to find a job. Currently completing a work placement, she desperately hopes it will develop into a real job. Each of the girls lets us into their world and we witness them trying to make their dreams come true.

Filmed over one summer, this documentary follows three very different teenage boys all on the cusp of adulthood and dealing with the pressures of growing up with one similarity - they are all surviving on under a tenner a day. Craig doesn't want to leave home but his mum has lost her job and cannot keep the house, leaving him unsure of where to go or what to do. After growing up with no father figure, Wes is determined to be part of his son's life - but being there and financially supporting him are two different things, so finding work is a priority in a city where jobs are scarce. Life on the streets means the smallest mistake can affect your entire future, as Frankie knows only too well. He is a changed person now and has a plan, but in a recession just getting a chance is hard enough. Each of the guys lets us into their world and we witness them trying to make their dreams come true.