Samaritans charity to premiere new suicide prevention film in Liverpool

The Samaritans charity will premiere a new suicide prevention film in Liverpool tonight, aimed at changing the language around suicide, and preventing further loss.

The project called 'Speak Up' has been a collaborative effort involving dancers, mental health advocates and creative artists, which aims to shed light on the subject of suicide through the power of movement and music.

It's been directed by dancer and mental health advocate Laura Macy, 24, who is hosting the event this evening: "Over the last six weeks, myself and the production team have been working really hard on producing a campaign that raises awareness for the work of the Samaritans and what they do to support people going through difficult times. The video is basically about connection and finding people around you who could support you through those difficult periods of your life."

Tonight, the charity will host an exclusive screening of the film to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day. The event at The Invisible Wind Factory on Regent Road in Liverpool is also a celebration of the work done by the cast and crew to create the film.

Laura continued: "All of the cast use art as a way of coping with our own personal struggles. It's a way that we can release how we're feeling and put it into our work. So I think it's so nice that we can then share that with other people. And I think as artists, we have a responsibility to produce work that can support people and remind people about what's important in life too.

"It's a video that a lot of people can connect to emotionally and hopefully realise that there is support out there and that there are people who can help if you are going through a rough period. The overall project is called 'Speak Up' so the aim is that we want people to be able to start having those conversations with people who can support them rather than making a decision to go the other way."

Rachel Howley, development manager for Samaritans Liverpool and Merseyside, said: "We are proud to be hosting this inspiring event encouraging people to speak up about their mental health. Our callers often tell us how much better they feel after talking about what is on their minds, but we are all too aware how difficult some people can find opening up about the things that are troubling them. That is why the message of speaking up is so important. At Samaritans, our trained listeners are on hand to speak to anyone who is going through a difficult time, and callers can talk to us in confidence and without judgement. We are always here."

In addition to the video premiere, the evening will feature live performances from the Liverpool Indie Choir, local soloists David Alexander, and Meg Hulse. The event will also feature a headline performance by acclaimed singer Martha Goddard, a passionate advocate of mental health support. The Samaritans hope the performances, each chosen to reflect the theme of hope and resilience, will offer attendees an opportunity to reflect, connect, and find comfort in shared experiences.

Doors open at 7.30pm, last entry is 8pm.

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, the Samaritans helpline is 116 123.