New film explores self harm 

The film has been launched by koko, the Girls' Brigade Ministries' multi-award winning blog for teenage girls in collaboration with selfharmUK

The documentary-style film, called koko explores: self-harm, looks at what self-harm is, what you can do to support a friend who self-harms, and features real-life stories from former self-harmers. It was made in collaboration with selfharmUK, a project dedicated to supporting young people impacted by self-harm.

‘We’ve been hearing lots about self-harm recently,' said koko Project Co-ordinator Meg Cannon, 'from teenage girls, on social media and in the news and so we decided to go out and ask some questions.

'Our aim was to shine a spotlight on the very delicate subject of self-harm and create a film that offers hope and encouragement.’

The film launched at the summer conference for Girls’ Brigade (GB) leaders on Saturday (11 July 2015) as part of a special session focusing on cultivating self-worth in young women – led by Rachel Gardner, National President of GB and founder of the Romance Academy.

The short film was produced in collaboration with selfharmUK - a project dedicated to supporting young people impacted by self-harm, providing a safe space to talk, ask questions and be honest about what's going on in their lives.

Project Director Rachel Welch said ‘I hope that those who see the film will be reminded that they’re so much more than “just” self-harm and that the journey is best travelled with company – so please take a risk and tell someone.’

The film can be seen on the koko website or via YouTube.



Everything on the innovative koko site, a mission initiative from Girls’ Brigade Ministries, is created with teenage girls firmly in mind to help them explore life together – inspiring, challenging and encouraging them – and looking at tough issues.
 

The previous koko film, on friendship, called I’ve Got Your Back has been viewed by around 6,000 people since it launched in March 2015.

koko stands for Keep On Keeping On and you’ll find it at www.thekokostory.com, as well as on Twitter (@thekokostory) and Facebook (facebook.com/thekokostory)