Stage Door Theatre Trust is a Youth Theatre group from Crosby. They are passionate about drama and want to use the Film as a platform to address the stigma surrounding teenage mental health issues. They have already produced a theatrical performance which runs alongside the film and was performed at The Lantern Theatre, Liverpool in December 2015.

“Some of us have witnessed friends go through depression and anxiety and have different experiences which we wanted to highlight in the film. There can be a lot of pressure put on teenagers. As individuals we found help by talking to each other and feel that we need to encourage others to look out for friends and family who may show symptoms of mental illness but may not know what to look for” (Young Actor). 

The Film is a didactic piece of drama which aims to show teenagers that they should talk about their mental health. There are two stories which interlink to show how easy these problems can escalate if not treated properly.

“We are tired of the stigma and press young people get in regards to Mental Health, our show aims to educate young people about these issues and ask to treat mental health the same as you would treat someone’s physical health.” (Young Actor). 

The young people feel there is not enough education or support towards Mental Health for their age group. The Film will aim to connect with other young people and demonstrate that they are not alone.

There are others going through similar situations which can lead to illnesses such as anxiety and depression. Their aim is to show that by talking openly about these issues then teenagers can get the support and help that they need.

“Following a sell out Theatre performance of “Baggage” at the Lantern Theatre all the proceeds the young people raised through ticket sales were donated to Wirral Mind.

We are also thrilled to have a representative from Wirral Mind come along to the film performance and support the young people’s work.” (Emma Vaudrey, Director).

The project has been funded by the Big Lottery Fund, Awards for All and all the proceeds to event will be donated to Wirral Mind.

Case Study: At any one time in the United Kingdom, 10% of children aged 5 – 16 experiences a mental health problem, the majority of which are emotional disorders such as depression or anxiety.(YoungMinds 2015). 1 in 10 children and young people aged 5 – 16 suffer from a diagnosable mental health disorder – that is around three children in every class. (YoungMinds 2015).

Film: Baggage (One In Ten)

Company: Stage Door Theatre Trust

Venue: PLAZA Community Cinema

Date: Monday 20th June 2016

Time: 7pm Tickets: FREE

Contact: Emma Vaudrey (Director)

07793755817

emmavaudrey@hotmail.com