Hollyoaks suicide story inspires Chloe Richardson John Junior film

Chloe Richardson, who graduated from Falmouth University in 2020, has teamed up with John Junior - a mental health activist and film director who was contemplating suicide until a popular TV soap storyline resonated and convinced them to reconsider.

The film, titled 'The Mood Is Temporary' is a semi-biographical account of John's experiences and is being made in the hopes that it will help others who find themselves in a similar position to speak up and find help rather than suffer in silence.

Chloe, whose brother took his own life in 2019, told the Packet: "During the first lockdown, John and I met each other on social media as I'd come across his mental health campaign after losing my brother in 2019.

John Junior and Chloe Richardson.

"I started a conversation with him through that and he was really reassuring, and then he gave me some information about wanting to do a film as part of his campaign.

"I thought that was really cool and wanted to help so I started to speak to him about what to do, and it got to the point where he didn't really know what to do and asked if I'd come on the project with him.

"So obviously I said yes, and that's how we got together.

"Normally when I take on projects it'll be the director or the screen writer that will come to me with the project, and I love working with people that are passionate about their story, and with John being passionate about his story and campaign, that instantly stood out to me.

"And it does obviously fit with me personally too."

Chloe and Charlie the Duck, John's mental health mascot.

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John Junior, who is originally from Wilmslow, told The Packet about their own experience and how they've directly influenced the film's inception and plot.

John said: "Last year I tried to take my own life, and a storyline I was watching on Hollyoaks saved my life.

"So the plot centres around a guy who's struggling with his mental health in lockdown, can't talk to his girlfriend or his friends, he's a typical guy that doesn't want to talk about how he feels.

"I'm hoping people will see it and go 'wow, I'm going to check in on my friend' or people that are struggling with their mental health will think that they don't need to feel in denial anymore, these feelings are real and to reach out for help.

"The thing is, a lot of people just shrug it off and think they're having a low day and don't talk about it, but really they do want to talk about it, or write it down, and I want people to feel they're able to get a pen and paper and write down how they feel.

John filming The Mood Is Temporary in Falmouth.

"Seeing it in front of you is more real, when I was watching the storyline that saved my life, seeing it played out got hold of me, and it made me change my ways.

"It can all be very overwhelming, but I really hopes it helps saves lives."

For more information on John and Chloe's film, as well as John's mental health campaigns, visit: www.johnandcharlie.co.uk

If you've been affected by suicide or are struggling with your own mental health, there is help available.

Papyrus Hopeline UK is a confidential support and advice service for children and young people under the age of 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide as well as anyone concerned that a young person could be thinking about suicide: Call: 0800 068 41 41, text: 07860 039 967, email: pat@papyrus-uk.org

Samaritans is a registered charity aimed at providing emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Call: 116123 or email: jo@samaritans.org.uk

SOS-Silence of Suicide is a national service for anyone who needs emotional support, understanding, compassion & kindness.

Call: 0300 1020 505 or email: support@sossilenceofsuicide.org