AN animation about a young person’s desperate struggle with life has been released to help spread a powerful message of hope.
The short film, entitled Sinking Feeling has been created to mark World Suicide Prevention Day today.
It tackles the heart-breaking reality that many children and young people are suffering in silence without the vital help and support they need, according to the charity, Prevention of Young Suicide (PAPYRUS), which has a base in Belfast.
The charity hopes the film, created by Bafta- winning Blue Zoo Animation Studio, will encourage more people to spot the signs and reach-in to guide young people away from thoughts of suicide.
More than 60 artists volunteered to help on the project which took four months to complete.
The animation signposts to the charity and its 'HopelineUK' service, which offers confidential help and support to young people,
Ged Flynn from Papyrus said: "This remarkable animation captures the overwhelming struggle of a young person who is literally sinking below the surface, weighed down, unable to function normally, incapable of keeping up and close to giving up on life.
"Sadly, in real life that’s exactly what many young people are experiencing right now.
"The film challenges me to reach-in when a young person might be distressed, ask how they are, to really hear them, to offer help and to assist life itself."
Director Mark Spokes said: "The film's message is one that is close to my heart and I'm proud to be part of something that could save lives".
Tom Box from Blue Zoo said: "We couldn’t be prouder of how the team came together to produce a film that does that so beautifully".
The animation can be watched here: https://youtu.be/dKU1OLrvOn4
