A group of Moyne Shire teens want to encourage people to seek help in a film showing the real life impacts of suicide.
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Witnessing the devastating pain and guilt experienced by friends following recent youth suicides, they want reduce stigma around mental health.
Moyne Shire Youth Council members Caillin Moore and Emily Duncan, both 16, are leading the project.
They will produce a film about mental health, encouraging young people to access help. They also want to show the devastating effects suicide has on the loved ones left behind.
“We decided to hone in on suicide and mental health because we’ve all been affected by someone who had gone through depression or suicide,” Caillin said.
Emily said it was an issue that resounded with them and the 14 youth councillors because they knew teenagers who had taken their own lives.
“It really hits home a lot, imagining families and how they’ve been coping,” Caillin said.
The group will speak to a range of people with their own experiences.
“We really want to reinforce the idea that everyone is here, you have a massive network of people who can help and support you,” Caillin said.
“We want to have that uplifting aspect to show people who have come though the other side (of depression), that there is a way out and you’re not alone."
They said the film would focus on local people, families, schools and sporting clubs, making it more meaningful for south-west youth.
Moyne Shire mayor Colin Ryan said it was an important social issue in the region and council supported the project.
“I think it’s a wonderful initiative. These teenagers recognise the importance of mental health and the effect it has on the community and want to assist in suicide prevention,” Cr Ryan said.
The group will work with mental health agencies and the film will be completed by mid next year.
Anyone wishing to share their story can contact Moyne Shire’s Geraldine Edar-Ralph on 5568 0524.
- If you, or someone you know, needs help, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14.