The “Combating Stigma” Series
The Brief
The NHS asked Humanoid to record a series of sensitive interviews about mental health issues and the surrounding stigma. The accounts from service users would be accompanied by empathic dramatisations, with actors playing the key roles.
The Solution
We used a small crew to minimise stress for the interviewees and protected the identity of one speaker with low-key lighting. Actors were cast carefully and we provided enough background information to ensure they could deliver an authentic performance.
The Result
The videos were a notable highlight of the conference where they premièred. Many NHS staff commented on the powerful impact of the storytelling, the subjects found them deeply moving, and the series launched a continuing conversation about attitudes to mental health.
Humanoid has recently created a series of sensitive documentary videos for South Staffordshire & Shropshire NHS Foundation Trust.
“Combating Stigma Within Mental Health” is the Trust’s campaign to end prejudice against people with mental health issues. Humanoid conducted interviews with current and former service users, all of whom had experienced stigmatisation. A series of reconstructions illustrate these harrowing events.
The documentaries were screened to Trust affiliates at their annual assembly. Several audience members remarked how moving they found the service users’ stories. Humanoid are optimistic that the perspective gained from these interviews will prompt a lasting improvement to the Trust’s services.
The videos will be available on the South Staffordshire & Shropshire NHS Foundation Trust website.
Click the links below to watch videos from the “Combating Stigma” Series.
