This project aims to show the unfiltered perspective of people with lived experience of mental illness. Co-production was an integral part and Professor Stephen Coleman describes this as an ‘exemplary’ co-productive project.

The people involved wanted to tell their own stories, and be listened to. They give direct advice to people being trained to work in mental health services from the perspective of having lived experience of mental illness and going through the health system. We hope this helps workers and those in training to better understand and listen to the people they support.

West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership, Forum Central, University of Leeds, Health Education England (HEE) and eight VCSE organisations from across West Yorkshire contributed to producing the films.

There are six films, and a preview. There is more footage than was used in the final edits. We are open to discussing additional uses for the footage.

Warning: the films and links on this page contain themes of mental health, suicide and self harm.

“I don’t think people realise how difficult it is for people to contribute to films like these. And that’s what this was about. Those people who gave their voices feel like they’re in a trusted space because they know us and that’s why they’re happy to open up … I think these videos will be really powerful.”

Bridget Gill from Spectrum People

“People with lived experience were clearly respected and given opportunities to contribute their own voices.”

Professor Stephen Coleman

Project Report and Evaluation

To accompany the films, an insightful and evaluative report has been written by Professor Stephen Coleman, University of Leeds: The Living with Lived Experience Co-produced Film Project Evaluation (pdf)

In the report Professor Coleman discusses the films and explores key themes. The films feature people sharing their experiences of unwanted journeys into mental illness. Professor Coleman identifies four stages of people’s journey, and the overarching themes:

1. Recognising the need for help
   People often struggle to describe their feelings and seek help only when their mental health deteriorates. Labels like “craziness” and “madness” are stigmatising, and making sense of available information can be challenging.
2. Accessing help and support
   Seeking help is courageous, but individuals in the films express frustration with unresponsive services. Inequality and discrimination in accessing professional help worsen the situation.
3. Establishing trust in help
   Trust is crucial for effective support. Active listening emerges as the primary factor in building trust and healing relationships, allowing individuals to feel heard and understood.
4. Coping
   Coping differs from cure and involves managing life despite ongoing challenges. The films showcase stories of people learning to cope, serving as inspirational examples along the journey.

Communication is a central theme across these stages

Effective communication involves expressing personal experiences, articulating needs, receiving respectful hearing, and finding practical coping strategies. The report highlights that poor communication leads to negative outcomes throughout the mental health journey. The films aim to shed light on both harmful and compassionate communication instances.