Aidem Digital was commissioned to produce a unique, effective and powerful video film for My Time CIC. The aim of the video was to capture and produce real messages from real service users talking about mental health and how services provided by My Time address their needs. The services, in particular, are related to those provided for men from different cultures and backgrounds, a specialist area managed by My Time.

The media team from Aidem Digital worked closely with My Time and a number of service user men to conduct filmed interviews about their experiences of mental health problems, how they cope, and what My Time services mean for them.

The service users found engaging in the activity of being filmed and being featured in the film a very rewarding and unique experience.

The interviews were then edited into the short film to give viewers a real insight into what kinds of mental health problems, traumas and issues the men face and how My Time supports the men at an individual and service user forum level.

The film was first shown at a My Time public event in October 2010. The film was very well received and triggered a lot of positive discussion and feedback. To the point that it is going to be used as a training video by Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust to raise awareness of how to manage service users who are gender-specific and culturally diverse.

Michael Lilley, the founder of My Time said: “The Voices for Change film brought all the voices of the organisation together and provided a showcase of our values and work. It has been widely shown and received a good reaction. We are also using it as a training film on mental health awareness. It is an excellent tool.”

Amra Dautovic, the CEO of My Time was very pleased with the film and definitely feels it has dramatically assisted the My Time brand for what it stands for which is to publicise a service user-led organisation which is making changes in people’s lives.

The film has elevated My Time into a new direction with more film projects to be produced, including, a women service users film and focus on individual service users who wish to share their individual experience of mental health care and problems.

A YouTube video channel has been specially created to allow everyone to see the fine work of My Time via video films which will be documenting their work on many future projects. You can see the channel via this URL link: http://www.youtube.com/user/MyTimeCIC.

This social enterprise project shows how My Time CIC worked closely with Aidem Digital CIC, to utilise our special skills and experience to develop a ground-breaking media experience both for the service users and My Time services.