The Samaritans sent us some amazing feedback this week on the Freefall Film. The Film was motivated by a desire to help people understand the complex nature of suicidal crisis and encourage discussion about a sensitive subject. These open and honest comments have been captured from the volunteers who have watched the film and are using it as a training resource within their branch. To receive such positive feedback is extremely gratifying and clarifies why we do what we do and we would like to share it…

‘That this film, on the most sensitive of issues, ever came to be produced is testimony to the makers Halo Films and the participants. This is no sensationalised account of suicide; it is no media ‘scoop’ or silver screen hype. It is rather an incredibly moving account of survivors of the ultimate life crisis – suicide. Selected through various helping organisations, each case study takes us on a journey we might otherwise never get to take. What would normally be deeply personal life experiences are revealed in intimate detail – life stories of despair, on through contact with caring voluntary groups, to eventually regain a desire for life – these survivors give reality to our highest hopes within Samaritans, that there will be fewer deaths through suicide. Freefall should be mandatory viewing for the nation.

In a shortened introductory form, it would serve as an incredible training video at every stage of the voluntary listeners’ journey – recruitment, SIT and on-going training’.

Tom, Northumbria branch

‘There have been other films made about suicide, but none has managed so deftly to interweave the stories of those who have been touched by suicide with the evidence and insights of scientists attempting to understand it’.

Jason, Derby branch

‘In my opinion, just one of the strengths of “Freefall” is that it draws the viewer in so that you come to care about the outcomes for the individuals that it features. They have been selected with care for the variety of human situations that they exemplify and for some people it could make unsettling viewing since we see lives go wrong in such ordinary, mundane ways.

I think the film makes a valuable contribution for the general public towards understanding suicide’.

Peter, Samaritans volunteer