An two-part SBS documentary featuring a young South Coast man is set to air on August 10.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Filmed over ten months, Pandemicland explores what it's like to come of age during COVID. The documentary gets intimate and personal access into the lives of four diverse young Australian navigating a different world to the one they expected.
Cooper Roberts, an 18-year-old up-and-coming rugby start from Gerringong stars in the documentary. The teenager tragically lost two friends to suicide last year and is grappling with ideas of masculinity following the tragedies.
Co-producer Alice Matthews said the documentary reveals incredible strength.
"Living through your teens and early 20s is scary at the best of times but it's even harder during lockdowns, border closures and forced isolation," Alice said.
"We filmed over the course of 10 months, and I think Pandemicland is a testament to the strength and resilience of a generation that will shape the post-COVID world".
The Feed: Pandemicland aired on Tuesday, August 3 and the second part will follow on August 10 at 10pm. The documentary will be available to stream on SBS On Demand.
If this has raised concern for you, or anyone you know experiencing a crisis, help is available at any time.
- Lifeline 13 11 14
- Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
- NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511
- StandBy Support After Suicide 1300 727 247 (bereavement support)
- eheadspace provides free online and telephone support and counselling to young people 12-25 and their families and friends.
Local support for young people:
- Kiama SENTRAL including drop in pizza and firepit on Thursday's 3-8pm and Fridays at SENTRAL 3-6pm.
Local support for people experiencing suicidal distress:
- Illawarra Shoalhaven Safe Haven - a welcoming and supportive place open to anyone who is distressed by suicidal thoughts, feelings, or actions. Located at 55 Urunga Pde, Wollongong. Open Wed to Sat, 2-10pm. Still operating during lockdown.
- Illawarra Shoalhaven SPOT (Suicide Prevention Outreach Team) - outreach service for people in Nowra and surrounds. Access by calling NSW Mental health line 1800 011 511.
- Shelter Group Wollongong - peer support group that meets via zoom fortnightly on Thursdays 6-7:30pm
- Local hospital ED or call 000
