Encouraging Conversations Around Mental Health

PROJECT REPORT "Missing Numbers" - A Suicide Awareness Video An Initiative by SEED FOUNDATION & Fr. SAM MATHEW Reaching Out, Before It's Too Late Program Title: "Missing Numbers" - Suicide Awareness Video Date of Release: 18th July 2018 Venue: St. John's College of Arts and Science, Ammandivilai Organized by: SEED FOUNDATION & Fr. SAM MATHEW Target Group: College and School Students Report Prepared on: 21st July 2018 1. Introduction Mental health challenges among young people, including feelings of isolation and hopelessness, are a growing concern in student communities. Many students who are struggling remain silent due to stigma, fear of judgment, or simply not knowing how to reach out for help. Creative, relatable media can play a powerful role in opening up this conversation and encouraging students to seek support before a crisis develops. With this understanding, SEED FOUNDATION, in association with Fr. SAM MATHEW, produced a short awareness video titled "Missing Numbers", focused on suicide awareness and prevention among college and school students. The video was released and screened at St. John's College of Arts and Science, Ammandivilai, on 18th July 2018, as part of an effort to encourage open conversation about mental health, help students recognize warning signs in themselves and their peers, and remind them that support is always available. 2. Objectives of the Program - To raise awareness among college and school students about mental health struggles and the importance of seeking help early. - To use narrative film as a relatable medium to communicate a sensitive subject in a way that resonates with young audiences. - To reduce the stigma surrounding conversations about mental health and suicide among students. - To encourage students to stay connected with friends, family, and support systems, and to reach out when struggling. - To equip students and educators with a shared reference point for starting conversations about mental wellbeing on campus. 3. Organizing Details Organized By: SEED FOUNDATION & Fr. SAM MATHEW Program Name: "Missing Numbers" - Suicide Awareness Video Date of Release: 18th July 2018 Venue: St. John's College of Arts and Science, Ammandivilai Participants: College and school students Mode of Conduct: Video production followed by an on-campus screening and program The initiative was jointly organized by the SEED FOUNDATION team and Fr. SAM MATHEW, who oversaw the production of the awareness video from scripting and recording through to its final release. The video was screened as part of a formal program held at St. John's College of Arts and Science, Ammandivilai, where it was presented to an audience of students and faculty. 4. Participants The program engaged college and school students as its primary audience, along with faculty members and guests present at St. John's College of Arts and Science during the screening. As the intended viewers of the awareness video, their presence and engagement were central to the success of this initiative in reaching young people directly with its message. 5. Activities Conducted 5.1 Production of the Awareness Video The SEED FOUNDATION team conducted script narration, voice recording, and audio mixing sessions in a professional studio to produce "Missing Numbers", a short film centered on the theme of suicide awareness. The production process involved careful attention to presenting the subject with sensitivity, aiming to inform and support rather than alarm its young audience. 5.2 Screening and Program at the College The completed video was formally released and screened at St. John's College of Arts and Science, Ammandivilai, on 18th July 2018. The screening was accompanied by a brief program, including opening remarks and a felicitation segment honoring individuals who contributed to the initiative, providing an opportunity for students and faculty to engage with the message of the film in a structured setting. 6. Outcomes and Achievements - The awareness video "Missing Numbers" was successfully produced and released to a student audience at St. John's College of Arts and Science. - Students were introduced to an important but often avoided topic through a relatable and thoughtfully produced short film. - The screening created an opportunity for open dialogue about mental health and suicide awareness within the college community. - The initiative contributed to reducing stigma and encouraging students to view seeking help as a sign of strength rather than weakness. - The program strengthened SEED FOUNDATION's ongoing engagement with educational institutions on student mental health and wellbeing. 7. Event Photographs A glimpse of the production process and the screening program at St. John's College of Arts and Science. 8. Event Poster The official poster released for the "Missing Numbers" awareness video. 9. Feedback The response from students and faculty at St. John's College of Arts and Science was thoughtful and appreciative. Many viewers noted that the film addressed a subject rarely discussed openly on campus, and that its sensitive, narrative approach made the message easier to absorb and reflect upon. Faculty members present at the screening expressed support for continuing such initiatives as part of student wellbeing efforts, and several students shared that the program encouraged them to think more seriously about checking in on their peers. 10. Conclusion The "Missing Numbers" suicide awareness video initiative, released at St. John's College of Arts and Science, Ammandivilai, on 18th July 2018, successfully brought a critical but often overlooked issue into open conversation among students. Through thoughtful production and a well-organized screening program, SEED FOUNDATION and Fr. SAM MATHEW were able to reach young audiences with a message of hope, connection, and the importance of seeking help. This initiative reflects SEED FOUNDATION's continued commitment to student mental health and wellbeing, and reaffirms the value of creative media as a tool for awareness and prevention. SEED FOUNDATION looks forward to extending this initiative to more educational institutions in the future. 11. Acknowledgement SEED FOUNDATION extends its sincere gratitude to Fr. SAM MATHEW for his valuable support and collaboration in producing and releasing this initiative, and to the management, faculty, and students of St. John's College of Arts and Science, Ammandivilai, for hosting the screening and program. Special thanks to all team members and contributors who dedicated their time and effort towards the production of "Missing Numbers".