Suicide is something many of us find difficult to talk about and it is often misunderstood, Yet in Britain 400 people attempt suicide each day and sadly 15 people die – more than those killed in road traffic accidents.
Freefall: Understanding Suicidal Crisis is narrated by Dr Tanya Byron and tells the personal stories of real people who have been brave enough to share their experiences and discuss openly what drove them to attempt suicide – and then how they were able to move on in life.
Their stories are supported by leading experts in suicide and depression research who offer positive and practical steps to help reverse the downward spiral of negative thinking. The film also offers specific guidance to those supporting vulnerable people. Contributors from charities like the Samaritans and Papyrus share their own – sometimes suicidal – experiences and their compelling reasons for setting up or working in organisations that help others.
The Freefall project is the brain child of one individual, Simone Pickrell. As a teenager she twice attempted suicide and remained vulnerable for a number of years – thankfully she is still very much alive. Utterly convinced of the importance of a film about suicide, Simone inspired others to contribute, donate and sponsor the making of this vitally important film.
The production costs came from individual donations and loans. It is being sold now firstly to get Freefall seen by as wide an audience as possible and secondly to pay back the private loans. Our ultimate goal is to repay all loans and then donate money from sales to organisations providing counselling and support for people in suicidal crisis.
