A film by NHS video production specialists Deadline Digital has been shortlisted for an industry award.
Jake’s Story is a front runner in the Best Documentary Style Video category in Communicate Magazine’s 2025 Lens Awards alongside multinational organisations such as Amazon and Zurich Insurance PLC.
Barnsley-based Deadline Digital, together with Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, created the documentary style film earlier this year to highlight the CONNECT Eating Disorders Service. It follows the powerful story of 25 year-old Jake from Northern Ireland, and their recovery from anorexia nervosa.
Tom Johnstone, Head of Content for Deadline Digital, said:
“I’m really proud of the work we have produced with Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. The team at Deadline Digital worked incredibly hard on Jake’s Story and have created an inspiring piece of work. However we wouldn’t have been able to bring the film to life without Jake’s bravery in telling their story. Being shortlisted for the award a great feeling for the team.”
Tom Johnstone
The film has been used extensively on the website and various social media platforms for CONNECT, which provides community and inpatient treatment for adults with eating disorders living in West Yorkshire.
Jake’s Story was designed to build trust and connection between the service and its potential service users by offering a real, relatable account of recovery with the intention of reducing stigma around seeking help, demystifying the recovery process, and providing a sense of reassurance that recovery is possible.
Beth Gripton, CONNECT Clinical Lead, Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust said:
“We are incredibly proud that Jake’s Story has been shortlisted for Best Documentary Style Video at the Lens Awards. This recognition highlights the powerful impact of Jake’s journey and reflects the dedication and compassion of the CONNECT team. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this film possible, especially Tom, Chloe and Sam for their invaluable ideas and support during the filming. The positive feedback we’ve received about the video affirms the meaningful difference that stories like Jake’s can make, to instil hope and inspiration around eating disorder recovery being possible.”
Beth Gripton
The Trust measured the campaign’s success by engaging with its service users online. The responses to the film via Instagram and Survey Monkey where overwhelmingly positive, indicating that the film was successful in achieving its aims. Positive comments from past and current CONNECT service users include:
“Excellent capture of the basic struggles of anorexia and definitely would encourage me to seek help if I hadn’t already but actually reminds me that it is a journey and it’s not linear and it’s not a quick fix and that’s ok but little by little you can have a better relationship with yourself /body and food with the right support.”
Service User 1
“I really like this video and resonate with it a lot. Thank you for doing this and raising awareness.”
Service User 2
“Hello! I just wanted to message about that amazing video you have posted. I am speechless honestly. It is so powerful and emotive and real. I love that the video has moved away from the stereotype that it’s only women and girls who have eating disorders. Just honestly amazing. I think it is great how the story shows recovery is possible but also that it’s a journey and takes work. Amazing. Thank you.”
Service User 3
Sam Johnston, Videographer for Deadline Digital said:
“I’m really pleased to hear the positive reactions to the CONNECT film. My goal was to bring Jake’s story to life and I’m glad we were able to achieve that and now to see this work being recognised by a wider audience.”
Sam Johnston
The Lens Awards aim to celebrate organisations that have created films and videos via collaboration and communication. These videos contain a diverse range of formats from animation, to documentaries.
The Lens Awards are set to take place on 5 February 2025 at The Brewery, London. The panel of judges consists of industry experts from organisations such as Buzzfeed UK and Microsoft.
