NEW COLUMNIST Claudine Hope

ENTERTAINMENT Welcoming Lifestyle columnist and Liverpool Live Radio presenter CLAUDINE HOPE bringing you the latest entertainment news

Local budding actors and crew who are looking for their big break could be one step closer with producer Michelle Billington and Writer/ Actress Kerry Williams.

In October 2020 Michelle and Kerry brought home a top Award Winning “Best of Festival” at the LGBTQ Un-boarded International Film Festival for Fall 2020: presented to an outstanding entry from amongst the Best of Show winners, for their most recent independent film “Out of Time” recently released on Amazon Prime Video and Directed by Leon Lopez. They both worked on the film The Be All and End All, which won seven awards, starring Leanne Best, Josh Bolt and Eugene Byrne who also won Best Newcomer in Monte Carlo. Michelle and Kerry who have 33 years of experience in the Film, TV and Theatre industry have created a platform so that we can see and develop home grown stories and locally produced films which can then be screened annually at major film festivals. We are dedicated and proud to be able to give people with potential talent from all backgrounds a platform to grow. We have seen a rapid decline in independent film productions so changes need to be implemented to protect the sector. The traditional model and financing methods do not work for the UK independent film industry so sourcing funds for independent productions is extremely difficult. We want to bring focus back to the fading industry of independent films. If we can’t help with the change will it continue to create a bigger divide? To avoid the latter, we need to ensure local people have access to employment in the film industry. People are constantly being overlooked solely due to lack of experience. Our productions create copious local employment opportunities, reinvigorating communities and those involved in such a positive way. Creativity flows through the cities and surrounding areas, yet there is nowhere to channel it to earn a living. We see people constantly struggling to navigate and thrive in such a competitive industry and we want to put an end to this struggle.

We aim to lower employment rates and allow creativity to be more than just a hobby.

Michelle and Kerry have witnessed first-hand how challenging it is to break into the industry and now they are leading the way for change.

NEWS SUPPORT SERVICE FOR THOSE BEREAVED BY SUICIDE AVAILABLE IN LIVERPOOL

A service is available in Liverpool for people who have been affected by suicide. Amparo is offering a suicide liaison service, thanks to funding received from NHS England to scale up suicide bereavement support In Liverpool there are approximately 41 deaths by suicide each year. Estimates vary on how many people are affected by each suicide – ranging from ten deeply affected to 135 people exposed to a suicide death. This equates to between 410 to 5,535 people affected each year in Liverpool. Amparo aims to reduce the risk for those affected by suicide by offering timely advice and support with the practicalities surrounding a sudden bereavement. The service offers one to one support from an Amparo liaison worker, who will help with practical support dealing with the police and other agencies, support at inquest, help with media enquiries, support overcoming feelings of isolation and signposting to other services where necessary. Since the commencement of the Amparo service in other areas of England no beneficiaries have gone on to take their own life according to a coroner office audit, which is a known risk for people who have been affected by suicide. Cllr Paul Brant, Liverpool City Council’s cabinet member for social care and health, said: “I am really pleased we are now able to offer the Amparo suicide bereavement service to the people of Liverpool. This will ensure that those who have suffered from the shock and sadness of the sudden loss of a loved one are able to get the help that they need in the weeks and months that follow.” Richard Brown, CEO of Amparo said: “People bereaved by suicide are at greater risk of attempting to or taking their own lives by up to 300%. This is why the service that we offer through Amparo is so vital for the people of Liverpool. The loss of someone by suicide is tragic and life changing and we offer the necessary emotional and practical support to help anyone going through this following the death.” Amparo is free of charge and does not have a waiting list. To refer a person who has been affected by suicide, please contact Amparo directly via the following channels:

Phone: 0300 088 9255 Email: amparo.service@ listening-ear.co.uk

If you are struggling right now and require immediate help there are a number of services you can contact.

Local

Mersey Care mental health crisis line. Open 24 hrs a day - Call 0151 296 7200 Adults 16 +

Alder Hey mental health crisis line. Open 24 hrs a day - Children & Young People - call 0151 293 3577 James’ Place Liverpool James’ Place offer men experiencing a suicidal crisis a proven, intensive, therapeutic intervention in a safe environment. Open Monday – Friday 9.30am – 5.30pm Not bank holidays. Telephone: 0151 303 5757 E-mail: info@jamesplace.org.uk For immediate help: Text JP to 85258, our Crisis Line. www. jamesplace.org.uk Paul’s Place Offer free therapy for those bereaved by suicide. 0151 226 0696 or email: paulsplace@ beaconcounsellingtrust.co.uk https://beaconcounsellingtrust. co.uk/pauls-place-2/