WE NEED TO TALK

WE NEED TO TALK

On Monday 7^th May we were invited to celebrate the much anticipated launch of the novel ‘We Need to Talk’ the novel was adapted and created from the multi-international award winning short film, by director David M Raynor who wrote the original film script, the novel was then adapted and written by Sally-Anne Ward.

Photography by Fiona Hamilton

The launch was held at restaurant and bar, ‘Two Wrongs’ in Melbourne’s South Yarra. Adam Samuel was MC for the evening of presentations and gave us a glimpse into the importance of raising awareness into mental health issues amongst our youth and the high rate of suicides taking place.

David Raynor spoke about where his inspiration came from for writing the short film. It was on Christmas Day David’s sister received a phone call from the school that she taught at, he asked her why she was receiving a work call on Christmas Day. His sister told him that they have six students on suicide watch. David who was also the victim of immense school bullying was now empowered to do something that would have an impact on the importance of raising awareness amongst our youth, so then wrote the film script which was then directed by him into a multi award winning feature film.

Photography by Toby Sullivan

Sally –Anne spoke of her friendship with David and how she asked to write the novel as the subject of school bullying was one she could also relate too.

Photography by Toby Sullivan

School teacher Jenny from Melbourne’s South East discussed the issue of bulling at her school and programs they were implementing into finding resolutions into school bullying.

Actress Sophie Thurling played the part of Bree in the short film and described the emotional impact it took on her personally from playing the role.

Photography by Fiona Hamilton

About the novel

The novel is aimed at those coming into adult hood and the importance of communication and the need to talk to one another more openly.

In this book we follow the story of Bree a teenager who seems to have the world at her feet, but little do we know she is the victim of bullying that burdens her deeply with anxiety and depression.

Bree sadly takes her own life and we turn to look at how deeply this has affected loved ones who are left behind to face this inevitable grief.

The novel is raw and can be very emotional to read, however I believe this book gives an insight into just how important it is to communicate effectively to each other, to be open and venerable and ask for help and assistance when we are in need.

David Raynor, who directed and produced the award winning short film of the same title and Sally-Anne Ward who adapted the novel have handled the topic of bullying and mental awareness with nothing but respect, they have thoroughly researched its effects on our youth and the need for open communication, having experienced firsthand with loved ones who have fought, are fighting mental health issues.

“Our motto in WE NEED TO TALK is that we need to love and take care of each other. Let’s do that, share our love and care with those around us” It takes nothing to be Kind!

Photography by Fiona Hamilton

The facts

In Australia suicide rates for 15-24 year olds are at the highest in 10 years. A third of these deaths are young males. 41,000 young people aged 12-17 have made a suicide attempt.

Lifeline Australia

Lifeline is for all ages providing Australians with crisis support and suicide prevention. I urge you to always seek advice from professionals who can direct you and support you to helping yourself and make necessary changes to creating a happier life.

Phone 13 11 14

TWO WRONGS

The event took place at ‘Two Wrongs’ The Olsen Chapel street South Yarra. This casual dining bar is somehow sophisticated and yet grungy at the same time.

Photography by Toby Sullivan

Thank you to Helen Reizer from HRPR for inviting us to this very important launch and helping to raise more awareness into youth suicide and mental health issues.

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