Bamara presents Reach Out, Seek Help; it can be life changing. A short film about mental health and wellbeing

“Reach Out, Seek Help; It can be life-changing” is a community project bought together by Bamara DHUB.

This local collaboration aims to normalise the conversations around mental health and wellbeing challenges within our communities. 

Filmed on location on the outskirts of Dubbo, “Reach Out, Seek Help; It can be life-changing features nine local members, including four Traditional Owners and three local Aboriginal Youth who all played a significant role in the planning and development of this production. 

This film aims to encourage Aboriginal youth to reach out and speak about their mental health concerns to seek support.  

Providing guidance and support throughout the production of this film were community organisations such as Bila Muuji Aboriginal Corporation Health Service, Tubba-Gah (Maing) Wiradjuri Aboriginal Corporation, and The Enemy Within. 

The use of these services ensured that we demonstrated respect by accessing local Elders and members of the community for the film, which highlighted their cultural role on the day, providing an intangible but significant benefit to the community. 

Local Elders and Traditional Owners recognise that suicide prevention requires a partnership with the community – young people, their families, schools, community groups and non-government services.  

Importantly, they share their own stories of struggle and hardship and remind young people they are there for them and that it is ok to reach out, speak about their fears and the mental stress they are experiencing, and have the courage to seek support. 

Joe Williams, the founder of The Enemy Within, plays a prominent role in facilitating this production. Although forging a successful professional sporting career, Joe battled the majority of his life with suicidal ideation and Bi-Polar Disorder.

After a suicide attempt in 2012, Joe felt his purpose was to help people who struggle with mental illness. 

He relays his own personal dealing with adversities, struggles, resilience, addiction, connection, emotional wellbeing & healing trauma. 

“This is a brilliant clip pulled together to encourage a broader conversation.  

“It is great to see the community come together to highlight the importance of such a touching conversation. Everyone involved in this production was perfect in articulating thoughts and emotion around the topic.” 

Joe Williams
Founder, The Enemy Within

Throughout this production, the messages are strong and connected. Aboriginal Youth need to feel connected, know and strengthen their cultural identity, build resilience and mindfulness and know that it is ok to speak up and seek help. 

Bamara DHUB thanks Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) for the funding opportunity to produce this film, allowing us to create a powerful but readily accessible resource for numerous contexts to start the conversations around mental health and well–being with Aboriginal Youth. 

This film is made possible with the support from

Bamara DHUB
Brandhood Media
Bila Muuji Aboriginal Corporation Health Service
Tubba-Gah (Maing) Wiradjuri Aboriginal Corporation
The Enemy Within
Western NSW Primary Health Network