Girls on The Edge documentary shortlisted in prestigious Mind Media Awards

We’re proud to announce that the Girls on The Edge documentary, which featured three teenage girls who were cared for within our Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, has been shortlisted in the Mind Media Awards 2018.

The awards recognise broadcast, print and digital media portrayals on mental health issues, and recognise responsible reporting. Girls on The Edge, which was made by TV production company Dragonfly and broadcast on BBC Two earlier this year, looked at the impact being sectioned indefinitely under the Mental Health Act had on the girls, their parents and siblings.

Told in their own words with directness and raw honesty, the film aimed to remove shame and stigma surrounding mental illness as well explore some of the pressures on young people growing up.

Lisa Cairns, Service Director at St Andrew’s, is pleased with the nomination. She explained: “Taking part in the documentary wasn't something we took lightly; there was a rigorous three-step consent process for our patients, and we worked closely with Dragonfly to ensure both our patients and staff felt comfortable and confident being part of it.

“Each of the girls had similar reasons for taking part in the programme, and all felt that by sharing their stories they could help other young people who are struggling with their mental health. We’re proud that the finished programme helped to de-stigmatise mental illness, demystify what secure mental healthcare involves, and gives our young people a voice.”

Kirsty Cunningham from Dragonfly, explained: “By bravely allowing us in and supporting us to then film in a way that was respectful, sensitive and kind to the young people and their families we were able to make a film which now has been recognised as deepening everyone’s understanding of what is really going on for young people struggling with their mental health.”

Paul Farmer, chief executive of Mind, believes the judges will face a difficult decision picking winners this year. He told Happiful magazine: “When we first launched the Mind Media Awards it was with the intention of increasing coverage of mental health. Entries have doubled in the past five years showing that mental health is now firmly on the agenda.

“I would like to say thank you to all those who submitted material and to congratulate those who made it to the shortlist. It’s going to be an extremely tough decision for our judges this year.”

Girls on the Edge is among those shortlisted in the Documentary of the Year category. The Mind Media Awards will be available to watch via live stream from Queen Elizabeth Hall at London’s Southbank on Thursday, November 29.

For more info about the awards and to read about the other nominations, visit the Mind website.