Storytelling company KOJO’s director, Nick Carlton, has delivered a powerful four minute film for beyondblue as part of a guide to help parents and other family members reach out to young people at risk of suicide and to reduce Australia’s tragic youth suicide rate.

Suicide is the biggest killer of young people in Australia, with around 350 people aged between 15 and 24 dying by suicide in 2013, the latest year for which data is available. This is around one death a day, double the number killed in car accidents.

The free guide, includes a four-minute video featuring young people talking to the camera about how a young person might act if they are experiencing suicidal thoughts, and what works and what doesn’t work when it comes to youth suicide prevention.

beyondblue CEO Georgie Harman said: “This Family Guide contains potentially life-saving information, along with other practical tips and evidence-based advice to help family members support at-risk young people and steer them through adolescence and beyond. If you’re concerned about a young person in your life, then you should read this guide. It may be exactly what’s needed to help you save a life or change one for the better.”

KOJO worked closely with beyondblue throughout the production process and all involved in the project were extremely dedicated in the making of this important film that touches on such a challenging subject matter.

The cast were an exceptional group of talented young people and Carlton was able to extract the perfect performance from each individual.

Executive producer Jessica Norton said: “This is a film in which KOJO is immensely proud to have been involved & Nick has done an outstanding job. Within 24hrs of the spot going live on beyondblue’s facebook it had over 50,000 views, it’s a fantastic response.”

The film was directed and edited by Nick Carlton, EP/ Producer Jessica Norton, DP Shyam Ediriweera, music by Dmitri Golovko, Casting by 2Divas Casting, grade by CJ Dobson.