How Ōtautahi creatives are changing the narrative around mental health

It is important to notice and be kind to the people around us, as everyone has a story we may not see. This message is at the heart of Christchurch based organisation Mental Health Movement’s latest project, the short film NOTICE.

Exploring the feeling of being noticed and the impact of kindness, the film is part of the organisation’s wider use of creative expression to make mental health conversations more accessible to rangatahi.

Mental Health Movement aims to reframe negative social narratives surrounding mental health by normalising conversations within society.

Co-founder Bradley Mutch believes that change starts with young people, “as we grow, we can become the leaders that then pass it on to our next generations to have these beautiful conversations around mental health”.

Mutch says traditional mental health campaigns and foundations are important for providing vital services, but there are still barriers to reaching and connecting with young people.

“It’s not everyone's cup of tea, of course, but I think there's definitely different ways to be able to do it”. 
For the organisation, creativity is one way to bridge that gap. Providing an outlet for people to express themselves while creating spaces where conversations about mental health can feel more approachable.

Earlier this year, Mutch worked alongside local creative director and music producer Caleb McNicholl to create a song about mental health. This grew into a collaborative project, bringing together more than 20 Ōtautahi creatives, sharing their own perspectives on mental health and where to find support.

McNicholl says the process showed just how much can remain unseen in the people around us. His latest short film explores that very idea. 

“Everyone came up with ideas and ways to tell their story, which was really powerful and makes you realise you really don’t know what people may be going through unless you ask”.

The project went on to premiere at Youthline’s youth mental health summit at Parliament.

McNicholl says having mental health recognised in a space like this highlights the importance of creating different ways for people to engage with this kaupapa.

Rather than focusing only on the clinical or negative aspects of mental health, the project showed the many ways it could be understood and expressed.

For Mutch, those stories are also a reminder of why the organisation continues to advocate for change.

“You know there are stories, you know there are people, you have to remember why you’re doing it and who you’re doing it for”. 

While September brings a particular focus to suicide prevention, the organisation says the conversation should extend across the year. Its work aims to make wellbeing something people can prioritise and talk about in their everyday lives.

Mutch says, “The future that I want to see is a future where we don’t need a month anymore.”

He says that while New Zealand’s mental health system is made up of incredible services with people who are there to help, a lack of resources and funding means there is not enough focus on prevention. Too often, he says, people are not noticed until they have reached a point of crisis.

“In a perfect world, you should be going to counselling when you’re having the best time of your life as well.”

That message will continue with NOTICE being showcased at a community event on October 18. The proceeds will go towards mental health and back into the community. For the organisation, it is another opportunity to create space for people to share their stories, connect with others, and most importantly notice one another.