A GROUP of Northside teenagers have created a short film to raise awareness of men’s mental health and body image.
Fingal’s Comhairle na nÓg’s film, which is titled ‘Perfect Imperfections’, will be launched on October 9 in the Atrium in Swords.
It will be distributed across Fingal and promoted at the national Comhairle showcase event in November.
The topic of mental health and male body image was identified as being significant among young men at the 2016 Comhairle AGM.
The Fingal Comhairle has been working on developing the project over the past 18 months.
By carrying out research and conducting group workshops and discussions with Jigsaw D15 (youth mental health support organisation) and Bodywhys (the Eating Disorder Association of Ireland), Fingal Comhairle na nÓg has discovered the need for the issues to be highlighted.
The group worked with filmmaker Gerard Walsh and producer Liz Kenny over the past few months to produce this piece of work which was filmed on location in Fingal.
Chairperson of Fingal Comhairle na nÓg, Vlad Andriesii, said: “Our comhairle has embraced their perfect imperfections with a short film on male body image and acceptance as we feel that it is important to raise awareness of these important issues affecting young people in Fingal.”
As well as being distributed to schools and youth organisations across Fingal, it will be available to the 30 other Comhairlí across the country.
Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Anthony Lavin, said: “I’m delighted to see young people of Fingal proactively highlighting the issue of mental health among young men.
“I would also like to commend them in their leadership and creativity in doing so through the creation of such an important film.”
Chief executive of Fingal County Council, Paul Reid, also welcomed the initiative.
He said: “Given we have the youngest and fastest growing population in the country, initiatives that highlight and support the issue of mental health and body image among young men are essential to supporting the wellbeing of our residents.
“I look forward to seeing this short film and would also like to congratulate Fingal’s Comhairle na nÓg for their valuable efforts in raising awareness of this issue.”