CAMH: No one left behind

Camp Jefferson and Holiday Films teamed up to create a new campaign for Canada’s Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), titled No One Left Behind. The campaign sheds light on the lived experiences of individuals who have experienced mental illness and addiction. 

The docu-style spots highlight four personal stories of recovery (including one from the perspective of a registered nurse who works at CAMH) ultimately hoping to reduce the stigma that often prevents people from seeking help and to highlight the need for better mental health care.

The Camp Jefferson and CAMH team tapped Holiday Films director Darcy Hennessey to lead the project. Known for her narrative-driven style, Hennessey and the team worked closely with each participant to ensure they felt heard and empowered to share their stories. Hennessey’s direction, using intimate interviews and cinematic b-roll, captures small yet significant moments, like cycling or spending time in nature, to show each individual doing the everyday activities that make them human, and happy, aside from the struggles they may face.

By showcasing these recovery journeys, CAMH hopes to inspire more people to seek help, while continuing the work to destigmatise mental health issues in society and raising funds that will help to build better mental health care for everyone. 

Post-production for each story was done by Recess Post, both Holiday Films and Recess are part of Holiday United Group (HUG), which offers a curated selection of broadcast and online production, commercial photography, and post-production.

Their initiative, HUG for Good, prioritises working with client and agency partners to produce purpose-driven work and supports BIPOC talent in front of, and behind, the camera.