Animation aid for child mental health

A scene from the short film about mental health

Young people in Barnsley have created an animation to help their peers cope with mental and social pressures.

Set in a school, the short film follows a pupil who is suffering with stress and shows them getting help which improves their outlook on life.

The project has come about through a partnership between Barnsley Council's Public Health Children and Young People team and Barnsley College’s game design department.

A group of young people, aged between 13 and 18, met regularly over a six-month period to share ideas for the production and the content.

Common issues faced by pupils are reflected in the film, and include being bullied, the effects of social media, family relationships and depression.

The film, called Beyond Reflection #We'reInThisTogether, illustrates the effects of modern life on young people and that getting and giving support to each other can help.

It was developed as part of a piece of work being undertaken by Barnsley Council's Public Health Children and Young People team and South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, looking at the available services for emotional wellbeing and mental health.

The difference made by asking for help is a key theme in the film

Teresa Brocklehurst, Children and Young People’s emotional health and wellbeing lead, headed up the project and said she thought it would be a "creative way of demonstrating some of the issues children and young people face".

“It gives a clear message that it’s good for young people to share and support each other," she said.

"As well as showing the range of issues a young person may face, it also suggests some coping mechanisms, to illustrate that there are a range of methods to build emotional and mental health resilience.”