Creative agency, Don’t Panic, has created a hero film ‘Things Guys Don’t Talk About’ for Childline, as part of its #ToughToTalk campaign, which aims to empower boys to seek support for suicidal feelings.
The film was created using case-studies from boys that suffer from suicidal thoughts and feelings which to highlight the signs of suicidal behaviour.
Figures reveal that boys are six times less likely than girls to talk to counsellors about suicidal thoughts.
Childline is urging boys to speak out about suicidal feelings as figures reveal they are six times less likely than girls to talk to counsellors about thoughts of ending their lives.
The film was created using real accounts from boys over suicidal thoughts and feelings which are subtly referenced throughout the film to indicate to the viewer the signs that someone might be experiencing suicidal thoughts.
The film utilises the listical theme popularised by sites like Buzzfeed but subverts it to tell the story of our main character, Jake. The film begins with humorous scenes that play into the stereotypes associated with teenage boys but as it continues we reveal that Jake is struggling with his feelings, displaying signs of suicidal thoughts. Despite the start scenes towards the end the film ends positively as Jake reaches out to Childline to talk.
The film was directed by Somesuch, duo Luke Seomore and Joseph Bull who worked alongside Don’t Panic in order to bring the creative to life, excellently portraying Jake’s struggle.
The campaign involves content aggregator Ladbible who are supporting across their channels and all media has been managed by OMD UK.
Joe Wade MD of Don’t Panic, said: “The rates of suicide among boys and young men represents an urgent crisis in the UK and one of the elements that makes it so tragic is that some of these deaths were preventable, if young men had only reached out and discussed their feelings. It was a rewarding challenge helping Childline publicise how their service is there to help guys who are struggling, in a way we feel would draw in the biggest possible audience and speak to them in a relatable way.”
NSPCC CEO Peter Wanless said: “We hope that by putting the spotlight on male suicide we can help boys see that they are not alone. If they can’t talk to friends or parents then Childline is here to listen to them, whenever they need us.”
Dame Esther Rantzen, President of Childline said: “Suicide is one of the leading causes of death for boys and young men. We need to draw attention to this growing problem, and make sure all our desperate children know that Childline is there for them, day and night.”
