Born in Huddersfield Ruben Reuter I'd best known for his role as Finn Mclaine in CBBC'S "The dumping ground". In his spare time, Ruben enjoys swimming & trains with Down Syndrome Swimming GB and has competed in competitions across the country. When not filming he dances with the Northern Ballet’s Ability and works part-time in the local Leisure Centre. One of Finn's main dumping ground episodes "Heros" was nominated and won Best Drama Award at the RTS North East & Borders Awards. 
In honour of this years, World Down's syndrome Day (21st March) Ruben took part in a global communication campaign along with the air of his documentary for CBBC'S "My life" where he & his mum visit Moldova to find out want life is like there for young people living with down syndrome.
My life: "The real dumping ground"
highlighted the challenges faced by many young people living with downs syndrome living across Moldova
Starting from education, where too many students are denied the right to attend have a proper education & then assistance and opportunity of employment in regular workplaces or live independently as adults due to lack of government support.
In case you are not familiar with the Dumping ground or Ruben's character, I have put together a little synopsis of his storylines so far so you can get a feel for his experiences, life and overall character.
Little is known about Finn's backstory other than that he has down syndrome & was put into care the day he was born so has never met his parents or any member of his family.
We first meet Finn in series three episode nine "Long way home" When
after getting a strange text Ryan decides to check up on Harry in his new foster home, he soon discovers that Harry's foster family are not all they seem. Ryan rescues Harry & Finn & brings them back to the dumping ground where they explain to Mike & May li, that neither of them get on with the family, as they argue all the time & blame the two boys.
Finn settles down quickly, making many new friends. He enjoys numerous hobbies including swimming. Finn is very kind-hearted & is always looking out for ways to help or make others happy. So in the episode "Heros" despite knowing Alex doesn't want a party Finn jumps at the opportunity to plan one. Other than Charlie none of the dumping ground residents seem keen on the idea of helping plan, leaving Finn really upset & wondering why no one ever seems to listen to him.
Helping him through all this & his everyday life is his fictional dad football player (Billy )
Who he confides in about his fears for the future, this episode gives us an insight into how lonely & lost Finn has been feeling.
I hope to get Alex excited about his party, Finn creates a story about his dad taking him to Blackpool for one of his birthdays. After the realization, this was just a made-up story Finn is using to help him feel less alone. Charlie & Alex rope in the dumping ground residents to help plan a virtual trip to Blackpool within the house & its grounds.
Helping Finn to realize people really do care about him, enabling him to step out of his daydream & venture into the real world.
When times get tough we all makeup false realities, what we wish could happen or what we feel should be happening. Heros was such a powerful episode for me personally. It managed emotion really well in a way that felt very real but without being too over the top.
Whilst being able to showcase how far Ruben has come as an actor from his very first episode.
Later on in the series after becoming a young person's representative
Aaron Staffman who is running for mayor Finn has another opportunity to get fostered. Aaron has recently lost a child from illness & is helping build a new hospital whilst also running a campaign for mayor.
I found Aaron & Finn's relationship really sweet & it was obvious to see how much Finn meant to Aaron.
Having Aaron already had a sick child along with his plans to build a hospital puts together an idea in your head of who he really is as a person.
How kind & considerate he must be to want to take care of all these children. Furthermore, he possesses some idea of what it is like to have a disability meaning he is more understanding & willing to do whatever it would take to look after Finn. Despite this, it is decided that he should stay at the dumping ground to allow Aaron to work on his new hospital as well as his election campaign.
Ruben's mum was kind enough to let me speak to her about Ruben's time in the dumping ground as well as their trip to Moldova as part of a documentary for CBBC'S "my life"
Q1: What is your favourite storyline Ruben has had?
A: I actually loved his first-ever episode, because he seemed so vulnerable at the start and then after he was safe and sound we saw a glimpse of how his true character was going to be. Also, of course, loved the “Heroes” about his imaginary Dad.
Q2: Do you think children's shows like TDG that continuously play out various disabilities on television make other children more aware of the challenges faced by others?
A: I think characters on children's tv with disabilities of any kind educate young audiences, answer questions they might have about disability, teach empathy and help young audiences that difference is a positive thing.
Q4: How much has Ruben's confidence grown since first appearing on the dumping ground?
A: Ruben is a more confident actor. He has been on the show for 5 years so it has helped him grow into a young adult with good self-esteem
Q5: Did going to Moldova open your eyes to what life is like for other children around the world who have disabilities?
A: Visit to Moldova was indeed extremely eye-opening and moving. Positive as well as we witnessed amazing love and support amongst the children and young people despite the conditions they lived in.
No comments:
Post a Comment