Young people create powerful video to raise suicide awareness
Young people from a mental health participation group have created a short film to raise suicide awareness and offer guidance on how to support someone struggling with suicidal thoughts.
The film was created by members of Particip8!, a young people’s participant group run by Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT). It coincides with Time to Talk Day on February 6 – a day that encourages us all to open up about our mental health and talk about how we really feel.
Commissioned by Suffolk County Council, the professionally filmed video features young people reading out quotes from others who have experienced mental ill health. They then use their personal experiences to discuss coping with suicidal thoughts and advice on how to support others who may be going through the same.
The powerful video will be used as an official resource by both the authority and NSFT, and it will be available to other organisations in Norfolk, Suffolk and beyond that could benefit from it.
Sophie Davies, people participation lead for children and young people at NSFT, explained that the idea for the video was sparked in 2022 after several young members of Particip8! shared their concerns about the lack of open conversation surrounding suicide.
“This project really grew out of the young people’s own desire to address an issue that affects so many, but is often too difficult to talk about. They were really keen to use their experience to support others,” Sophie said.
“I am incredibly proud of how this video has come together. It’s a testament to the courage and honesty of everyone involved and I feel privileged to be able to be part of this.”
A total of 14 young people took part in the project, with teenage cousins Kitty and Ellie Foss playing a key role in the group hiring Eastern Angles Centre. The pair fundraised more than £1,200 by completing a 55-mile walk from North Walsham to Stowmarket.
Kyra Howells, aged 23, from Ipswich, has been a part of Particip8! for a year, and was motivated to take part in the video due to her own experiences.
A mum-of-one, Kyra said: “I’ve been there before, I know how it feels to have suicidal thoughts. It’s a lonely place to be and the more people can empathise with others’ feelings the more we can come together.”
James Dudman, from Brantham, was one of the four first members at Particip8! four years ago. Now the group has more than 250 members, and James is preparing to start his role as a NSFT governor in February.
“It’s given me that place where I can openly talk about my mental health and really feel supported,” the 28-year-old said. “This project is a nice way to develop our thoughts on our own experiences. For me, I’m happy to give my experience to help people, it’s important people get that support.”
One of the young participants added: “It’s really difficult to talk about suicidal ideations and thoughts but it’s really important to help young people to realise they’re not alone and they’re not the only ones going through that.
“We’re in a privileged position to share our experiences. It normalises these feelings and hopefully it will do a little something to reduce the stigma around suicide.”
Molly, who has been a member of Particip8! since 2020, joined the trust in 2023 as a participation champion and has started a new role of inclusion coordinator. She said: “I look forward to seeing how it comes out. It’s a topic that’s often not talked about, but hopefully this will make it really clear how important it is.”
Cath Byford, NSFT deputy CEO and chief patient experience officer, said: "Through this project, young people have drawn on their lived experience to drive improvements in how mental health is spoken about in society. It's paramount that our young service users are given a voice as we continue making our organisation safer, kinder and better. We're delighted to have received support from Suffolk County Council on this innovative young person-led resource that will benefit so many."
Councillor Steve Wiles, cabinet member for public heath and public protection at Suffolk County Council, said: “This powerful video is a testament to the courage of the young people involved and their commitment to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. We are proud to support this initiative, which will provide invaluable guidance and support to those struggling with suicidal thoughts.”
The video is planned for released in March 2025.
For more information on Particip8! and other people participant groups at NSFT, please visit: https://www.nsft.nhs.uk/participation/
Photos: Participation suicide awareness story photos.zip [zip] 6MB