A FILMMAKER whose script aims to raise awareness of the reality of living with mental health issues has raised £30,000 through a community campaign.

Jack Angerstein, 23, of Crescent Road, Billericay, has written the script for a film The Power of One Coin, which focuses on how small acts of kindness can help people who are suffering depression and mental health struggles.

To gain funding for the film to be made, Jack created a Kickstarter campaign for people to pledge money in support, which has now hit its funding target of £30,000.

Jack, a former pupil at Mayflower High School, in Stock Road, said: “The idea stood out to me as something unique, that had real potential.

“As soon as I read it, I started formulating ideas. I knew it was something I wanted to be involved in.

“I think you would have a tough time finding someone who hadn’t been affected by these issues.

“That’s what makes it such an important issue and an important film. We hope that making the film will contribute towards the ongoing dialogue that’s opened up surrounding mental health.”

The short film focuses on five strangers suffering with mental health. On a normal day in their lives, they each have chance meetings because of a £1 coin.

As a result, they manage to make a positive impact on each other’s lives and in a way that seems unimportant, have a huge positive impact on themselves and those around them.

The £30,000 budget will be used to produce the film. Jack hopes that the project can help to encourage more people to speak out about mental health.

He said: “Things have got better in recent years, people are becoming more open, but there’s still a stigma attached and a reluctance to be open about suffering with mental health issues.

“So if we can make even one person suffering with depression, for example, feel a little less alone and more able to talk openly, it will have been worth it.”

Jack said that he has been amazed by the support that the project has had from across the world.

Donations have come in from people living in Italy, Germany, Spain, United States, France, Sweden, Belgium, Canada and even New Zealand.

With 300 backers donating their own money, Jack was so proud that the project had received so much.

He said: “It feels amazing to know so many people have seen the project and want it to come to fruition as much as us.

“Relying on friends and family won’t raise you £30,000. Knowing so many total strangers donated because they believed in the project is fantastic.”

Dates have not been set for production to start on the project.

Jack feels that with an award-winning team of producers and director behind the project, his script is going to be a huge success on screen.