A YOUNG woman from Kingsbridge is one of the finalists in a national video web logging, or ‘vlogging’ competition.

Eleanor Callard, aged 22, was shortlisted after creating several vlogs with a focus on beauty and mental health for the ‘Vlogstar Challenge’ competition.

Eleanor found out about the initiative through the Young Women’s Trust, a charity that supports and represents women aged 16 to 30 who are struggling to live on low or no pay.

Eleanor is a member of the charity’s 30-strong advisory panel, helping to shape activities ranging from service delivery to campaigns.

Eleanor began to vlog after attending an initial training day in February this year.

Her vlog was then chosen to be put forward to the semi-finals.

Eleanor then had to attend a professional vlogging workshop at YouTube and put into practice all she had learnt by creating another vlog for submission, all in a few hours.

As a result of this entry, Eleanor was selected for the final which will take place at the home of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts in London.

Ms Callard made her first video at the age of 14, but stopped shortly afterwards while studying for her GCSEs.

Only last year did Eleanor begin to vlog again, this time more consistently, as a means to manage her depression and to improve her mental health.

Eleanor said: ‘When I was feeling bad about myself, it was great to have something to do. Vlogging helped me deal with the depression as it gave me something to do and helped to keep my brain more active. It has given more life more purpose.’

She said the experience was, at times, stressful as she had to learn to edit a video quickly - often in just a few hours - but that, overall, it was a very positive and enriching experience.

Eleanor continued: ‘It’s nice to be with people who enjoy video making, making good content and storytelling. It was also really good to have a platform to share my views and talk about the Young Women’s Trust - as they have helped me so much.

The whole experience has been incredible.’

Lydia Morgan, participation manager at Young Women’s Trust said: ‘Eleanor is an exceptionally talented young woman who comes across really well on camera. As well as being a talented beauty vlogger, she also speaks candidly about her experiences of dealing with depression in such a refreshing way which is nothing short of inspirational.

‘We are pleased that she has made it this far in the competition and wish her all the best in the finals!’

For further information on the Young Women’s Trust, visit the website www.youngwomenstrust.org.