Joe Williams has very kindly given us permission to share this inspiring video with you. It is a raw and honest account about his experience with depression and suicide.
In a bid to raise awareness about mental health issues in the Riverina, local business woman Simone Dowding from The Blessed Bean has teamed up with Alexis and Steve from Mayfly Media to create a short film about a local sportsman and his battles with depression and suicide.
“The Enemy Within” is inspired by Wagga’s world champion boxer and ex rugby league player Joe Williams, who has, despite his achievements and success, fought his greatest battles with depression and suicide.
The film takes a documentary style approach to exploring Joe’s experiences and it is peppered with inspiring and hopeful messages designed to reach out to young sports fans.
Ms Dowding said she wanted to do something to try to stem the tragedy and suffering caused by depression and other mental health problems in the Riverina.
“More than six people commit suicide every day in Australia and a further 30 attempt to take their own life,” she said.
Mayfly Media has volunteered time, equipment and other resources to manage the production of the film, which was written and conceived by Ms Dowding. Joe Williams is also a volunteer as the major subject of the documentary style production.
We hope to inspire and challenge our community with a story of choice and hope.
Written and directed by Simone Dowding – jason@theblessedbean.com.au 0416 263 554
theblessedbean.com.au/make-a-difference/
theblessedbean.com.au/make-a-difference/
Produced by Mayfly Media – info@mayflymedia.com.au 0417 484 976
mayflymedia.com.au
mayflymedia.com.au
Joe Williams – williamsj7@ww.catholic.edu.au 0406 308 093
joewilliamsboxing.com.au
joewilliamsboxing.com.au
Apart from being involved with professional sport for over 15 years, Joe spends his time working to inspire youth through motivational speaking workshops. He has worked with disengaged youth in primary and secondary schools, drug and alcohol rehabilitation centres and gaols. Joe has also mentored both youth and adults.
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