A group of young people from participation group Off the Record have made an award-winning film aimed at breaking some of the taboos surrounding mental health.

The five-minute film entitled Not Just A Diagnosis tells the story of a young woman facing up to life after being diagnosed with mental health problems. Around thirty teenagers were involved in making the film with professional production company Ideal films.

When the powerful film won the ‘Best Film By Over 13s’ category at the 2013 First Light Awards (a ceremony that celebrates the work of young talent throughout the UK), both the production company and the young film-makers were understandably delighted.

Attending the star-studded event at London’s Leicester Square Odeon cinema (where guests included Simon Pegg, Rafe Spall and Joely Richardson) Rachel Hughes, who came up with the initial idea for the story, said:  “For young people with mental health issues it’s so hard to get points across and the film was a perfect way for us to get those messages out there. The whole day was amazing and to find out that we won was brilliant. I really enjoyed watching all of the films made by the other young people.  It was a great experience.  It was great to hear such nice things from the judges about the film.”

You can watch the film here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8iPRettD38

Members of the young people’s participation group, Off the Record