A group of West Belfast teenagers have produced a short film encouraging young people to reach out if they feel their mental health has declined during lockdown.
The young people, in their teens, have been working with Kids in Control -KIC - a local, professional youth theatre company who have a working partnership alongside Suicide Awareness and Support Group.
As the full effects of lockdown on mental health are not yet known, their most recent video encourages anyone struggling to seek help, and signposts their peers to the appropriate mental health support.
Their TBH 'To Be Honest' project, supported by BBC Children in Need has focused on social media and its affects on mental health but also how it can be a tool especially during the pandemic, to spread awareness about mental health.
For some in this group, they say this project has been a lifeline for them during the pandemic and the only interaction with other teenagers that they have had.
They met twice a week online and when restrictions started to be lifted they were able to socially distance in their local park.
'Into the light' was recorded mainly by the young people themselves in their own homes but parts were able to be recorded when restrictions started to ease.
Project Director, Jade Quinn told Belfast Live: "It was important for the group to get positive messages out to their peers to say they knew how hard it was isolating during lockdown but the efforts of everyone, including the younger generation has helped to save lives.
"I am extremely proud of the group for working continuously throughout and beyond lockdown, in the most challenging of times in order to support other young people. They are great ambassadors for our youth, reaching out to others and breaking down the stigma of mental health. It was a pleasure working with them."
KIC is core funded by Belfast City Council and the Arts Council NI. The ACNI has also supported KIC to develop projects focused on teen mental health through its partnership programme ARTiculate delivered with the Public health Agency.
And you can get involved using the hashtags #reachingoutisastrength and #itsoknottobeok
If you are in need support please see the following helplines:
LIFELINE is available 24/7 - 0808 808 8000
Childline – 0800 1111
Suicide Awareness & Support Group – 02890 239 967
