Challenging depression through film

Wednesday 10 September 2014

Two ground-breaking local films premiered on the big screen last night as part of a campaign to challenge the shame and stigma surrounding mental illness.

The two eight-minute shorts premiered at Cineworld on the Waterfront and feature two Islanders sharing their experiences of coping with depression and anxiety.

One in four people in the UK will be affected by mental illness at some point in their lifetime but many people still find it hard to talk openly about and that’s something Mind Jersey – the charity that specially commissioned the films – wants to change.

Beth Moore and Stephen Le Quesne speak frankly and positively about their experiences and the charity will use both films in training sessions and educational programmes for employers, schools and other groups.

The charity’s Executive Director James Le Feuvre said: “The launch of these short films is another important step forward in our campaign to increase awareness and understanding about mental health issues and help address issues of stigma.

“One in four people experience mental illness and yet stigma and misunderstanding is still all too prevalent. We are delighted that Beth and Stephen have felt able to share their experiences and believe that their stories will bring encouragement to many others.”

The charity worked with local design, motion and film production company The Observatory to make the films which were shot at various locations including Durrell, National Trust land at Grantez and St Ouen and Samarès Manor.

For more information and to see the films go to www.mindjersey.org

Mind Jersey. Stephen's Story 2014 from The Observatory on Vimeo.