A moving film, On the Edge, depicting an interaction between two strangers on a cliff edge is due to be shown at Sunderland Shorts Film Festival on the 5th May 2017.
A suicide prevention workshop, organised in collaboration with Time To Change will also take place alongside the showing of the film.
The film is directed by Martin Freeth, and portrays the power that listening and engaging in conversation can have when supporting someone during some of their most darkest moments.
Director Freeth said: “So many people have been impacted by suicide or depression, the discussion that takes place in On The Edge reflects how literal life and death decisions can sometimes depend on how a conversation goes or on someone just reaching out to have a chat.”
Members of the public, mental health charities and professionals are invited to attend this one day suicide prevention workshop to learn strategies to support others.
According to mental health charity Mind, 1 in 4 of us will have a mental health condition at some time in our lives, and young men under 45 are at particular risk of suicide.
Sunderland Shorts organiser, Anne Tye said: “Every film that has been shortlisted for screening during the festival is important in its own way but On The Edge has the potential to actually save lives and shine a light on a subject that is something of a taboo area.
“Martin and his team have created something gripping and immersive that entertains while educating. It’s a film that people will enjoy but think about for a long time afterwards.”
To book a place on the suicide prevention workshop on Friday 5th May contact Averil Freeth on: Averil@mfreeth.com or by calling 07809 610200.
For more information about Sunderland Shorts Film Festival: http://sunderlandshorts.co.uk/workshops/time-to-change.php.