Short film on mental illness community wins award

A film showing the residents of a community for people living with mental illness has won the category of Best Organisation in Armadale at the inaugural Armadale Independent Film Festival (AIFF).

The short three minute film shows the people of Arnott Villas in Kelmscott whose lives were turned around by the ability to live independently. The villas are part of St Bartholomew’s House community supported housing accommodation and have been successful in promoting independence and reconnection with the local community. This outcome is St Bart’s primary concern.

St Bart’s Support Worker, Lilith Furlonger, entered the video in the competition after filming residents talking about the comfort and care of their community.

“Arnott Villas are an outstanding example of what community support can do for people whose lives have been in crisis,” St Bart’s CEO, Lynne Evans, said. “At this type of accommodation, St Bart’s works to equip people to have a good life through stable housing and by increasing their skills to live independently. People rebuild their lives in a supported environment with assistance from from our  skilled staff.

With only three minutes to get the message across, the video highlights the strength of the community connection for  the people of Arnott Villas, with residents enjoying a game of pool and harvesting produce from the garden.

“People need people to rebuild their lives, to develop the life skills, confidence and independence to reconnect with the community,” Lynne said. “We are thrilled the video won the AIFF Best Organisation film because it shows what people living with mental illness are capable of with some help and support.”

The award was announced at the AIFF evening community event and presented by the Mayor of Armadale, Henry Zelonies.