Silver Lining Animation worked with Teesside Mind to create an animated explainer video highlighting the range of mental health support services available across the organisation, with a particular focus on the Recovery College and the positive impact it can have on people’s lives. The animation was built around the real experiences of a Teesside Mind service user, ensuring the story remained authentic and relatable. Before script development began, we attended focus groups with service users to better understand their experiences and perspectives. These conversations helped shape both the narrative and creative approach, resulting in a film that reflects the realities of living with depression while remaining sensitive and respectful. A key challenge was balancing honest discussion of mental health struggles with a hopeful message that did not make unrealistic promises about recovery. To achieve this, the animation combines grounded character scenes with more abstract visual sequences, creating a contrast that reflects how depression can leave people feeling isolated, and disconnected from the world around them. The finished animation helps Teesside Mind communicate the value of its services through authentic storytelling, encouraging people to seek support while promoting a realistic and compassionate understanding of mental health recovery.