CHARITY LAUNCHES VIRAL TO KEEP YOUNG PEOPLE SAFE AT FESTIVALS

YouthNet, the charity that runs online guide to life for 16 to 24-year-olds TheSite.org, has this week launched a series of viral films to promote a new online guide to help young people survive the festival season.

YouthNet, the charity that runs online guide to life for 16 to 24-year-olds TheSite.org, has this week launched a series of viral films to promote a new online guide to help young people survive the festival season. www.TheSite.org/travelandfreetime/freetime/festivals The films, which include young festival goers sharing their tales of mud-filled madness, dream line-ups and disaster stories, are being distributed on social networking and video sharing sites, including YouTube and Facebook, to drive more young people to TheSite.org festival guide. Glass, the leading digital communications agency, produced the films on a pro bono basis for the charity. Ben Hart, Partner at Glass says: “Peer opinion is one of the enduring legacies of the Web 2.0 explosion and video based content is perhaps the most credible way of communicating an authoritative opinion. Glass's recent expansion into the AV sector has led to a full provision of digital filming and editing services, and as such we put ourselves forward to work again with YouthNet. We have previously worked with YouthNet on the Community section of TheSite.org and were mightily impressed with their grounded approach to doing great work guiding and informing young people.” Rick Lippiett, Creative Director of Glass, adds: ”We had a lot of fun making the videos, from the good humour, experiences and bonhomie of the people we filmed - to the slightly less genial interruptions from the changeable weather, flights of jumbo jets and even flocks of camera-hogging geese! We think that the excitement and good-humour come across in the video pieces and as well as being informative and useful, we hope that everyone finds them entertaining too!” YouthNet Chief Executive, Fiona Dawe says: “Although the information on TheSite.org is straight-talking and honest, there’s nothing like hearing first hand advice from other young people. We couldn’t have scripted it better! These films provide us with a way of reaching thousands more young people with the essential advice and guidance TheSite.org offers, helping us get support to them, where they’re at.” To view the films visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU93xE7yF3A