Star of Home and Away Jacqui Purvis is starting a very significant and personal endeavour in the coming weeks, and it’s obvious how enthusiastic she is about it.
In an effort to dispel “taboos” and stigmas associated with the subjects, the actress wrote the short film Voicemails Last Forever, which examines themes of “mental health, loss, and suicide.”
Speaking to Yahoo Lifestyle, Jacqui talked about how the Home and Away family has helped her, why she’s so desperate to use her platform for good, and what she hopes to achieve.
‘Affected me’
Three years ago, after having an uncomfortable talk with one of her close friends, Bradley, the celebrity began creating her short film.
Although Jacqui has never had “suicidal thoughts,” she claimed that the conversation “really affected her” and made her want to take action.
“I actually put everything in writing because that’s how I process information.
She recalls, “And then Covid happened, and so many things happened, and especially going through Covid — I think a lot of people really suffered from [mental health concerns].”
The celebrity hopes to create a discussion on these taboo or challenging subjects.
She explains that sometimes it’s the individuals you least anticipate that are going through something in their lives that they need to talk about or get it off their chest.
‘Extremely grateful’
While Home and Away is on break in July, Jacqui intends to film her documentary. To that end, she has been online fundraising with 10% of the money going to the mental health organisation Beyond Blue.
She was propelled to popularity and given a wide platform to exploit by her role in Australia’s top domestic drama.
“I felt like I had to take advantage of this chance since I do have it. If I didn’t, I’d be kicking myself, she says truly.
“I was able to set up a GoFundMe page and receive funds from it, and now we can film it. And then maybe, after we’ve finished filming it, I can upload it to the internet and, once more, use my platform to encourage viewers.
I’m incredibly grateful, she says.
‘Supported me’
Home and Away has been described as a workplace that feels more like family, and Jacqui says the team have been a huge support for her.
“I have folks here who have undoubtedly assisted me in producing it and bringing it to its current state. Even on the crew, there are guys like cameramen, and I’m continually approaching them and asking, “What lens are we on?” What shot are we doing? and perhaps I should use this.
She acknowledges that working on Home and Away and attempting to do this is a lot. “They’re continually teaching me, and then I’ve got my co-stars who have totally helped and supported me throughout this whole thing,” she says.
‘We need to communicate’
As part of their mid-season finale push, Home and Away only gets two weeks off, and Jacqui confesses that she’s utilising one of those precious weeks to film her project, in which she also stars.
While she won’t receive as much rest and leisure as the other cast members, she quips that she’ll just have to make the most of any free time over the weekends.
Jacqui believes “we need to communicate” more because she didn’t want to wait around for someone else to finish the task.
She says with a strong voice, “I was like, let’s hustle, let’s do this, let’s actually get something made and try and get awareness out there, [to] genuinely help those who are in need.
If there is one thing she hopes will happen after the movie is released, it is that people will ask one straightforward question.
“I would love for people to stop and just ask everyone if they’re okay, not just those they believe to be in pain or going through a difficult time. All of their family and friends are there.
And just make sure you’re in touch with your loved ones.
Home and Away: Star reveals Britney Spears in casting conversation
Home and Away spoilers: New doctor Bree takes Summer Bay by storm but not everything is as it seems
Former Home & Away star reveals Britney Spears was almost in Australian soap
10 big moments coming up: huge Home and Away spoilers for next week
‘It’s like a gladiator match’: why Home & Away beat Neighbours in the battle of the Aussie soaps
Home and Away’s Tane Parata makes a surprising offer to Felicity Newman
Home and Away: Christie Hayes reveals pop singer Britney Spears was set to appear in Summer Bay
