Prior's Court's emotional short film - "The Long Road; Stories of love, hope and autistic young people with complex needs” - has been named as a finalist in the 2026 Smiley Charity Film Awards.

The short film, which explores the challenges, perseverance and love that shape the lives of autistic young people with complex needs at Prior's Court, has been named a finalist in the "Longform Over £5 Million" category (categories in the awards are split by annual turnover of the charity). 

The film will now go forward to be judged by an expert panel. The panel of expert judges will select the bronze, silver and gold winners from each category and announce a winner in April. There is also the chance to win a ‘People’s Choice’ award based on the highest number of votes cast during the public vote stage earlier this year – with bronze, silver, and gold awarded.

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A massive thank you to everyone who voted for "The Long Road; Stories of love, hope and autistic young people with complex needs” in the public vote stage of the Smiley Charity Film Awards and for sharing the stories of Zac, Jenny and Peter.

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What is The Long Road film about?

“The Long Road; Stories of love, hope and autistic young people with complex needs” features current Prior’s Court young person Zac, and Prior’s Court ‘alumni’ Peter and Jenny, and their families.

The focus is on the struggles autistic young people with complex needs and their families go through before a child comes to Prior’s Court, but also how there are lifelong worries for parents about what happens in adulthood for these young people.

Jenny and Peter’s families talk about how their children’s lives were transformed in their time at Prior’s Court, setting them up for fulfilling and happy adulthoods – but also presenting a nuanced picture that SEN families still must fight for their children throughout their entire lives.

Learn about other family's experiences