Chapel-en-le-Frith teen directs anxiety film for schools

Jake Land, who has suffered from crippling anxiety since he was 11, is campaigning to raise awareness of the disorder.

The 19-year-old recorded the educational film last month in South Sefton College in Liverpool.

It will be broadcast online by Fixers, a website for young people to publish videos on issues important to them.

The former Buxton Community School pupil said: “I had a lot of fun filming and directing the film. We had a number of actors and extras who took part. I hope that it highlights the symptoms of anxiety felt by a sufferer.”

In February, Jake featured in a Fixers film on ITV Granada Reports, where he called for more help for youngsters with anxiety disorder.

The Ferodo worker, who has suffered panic attacks since childhood, said there was a stigma surrounding the condition and wants to help others to understand it better.

He said: “Since I contacted Fixers, I’ve felt very confident with what response my project has got. I’ve made it my aim to get this project as far as possible. Once this film has been edited and completed, I’m going to send it to MP Andrew Bingham and education secretary Michael Gove to see how far we can get this in schools across the country. I’d just like to thank everyone for their support!”

Jake has also written an article for Anxiety UK magazine, which will be out next month.