A DUDLEY campaigner has written and directed his own film to raise awareness of the impact of mental health issues on daily life.

The Silent Pain is written by Shaz Saleem, the Mayor's Ambassador and chairman of the Dudley Private Hire and Taxi Association, and explores how easily mental health symptoms can go unnoticed.

The film asks the audience to take care of others by asking the question, 'are you ok?'

The Silent Pain premiered at Express Taxis in Halesowen on November 30 and will be launched on Shaz's Facebook page at noon on December 4.

Shaz explained: "It’s important we talk but it’s not all about let’s talk, it is also about let's listen.

"Sometimes we fail to pick up the signs that someone may be trying to talk they may be screaming for help. A change of behaviour, their silence, maybe marks or bruises are indications of cry for help.

"We all have a duty of care to one another, so it’s our responsibility as an individual to ask are you ok?”

The film stars local talent in the shape of actresses Rhianna Edwards and Millie Fereday and mental health campaigner and rapper Josh Smith, while the soundtrack was composed by Waqas Rizwan.

The Silent Pain marks the first project of the Saleem Foundation, a group set up by Shaz to support charities and tackle social issues in the Black Country.

The full film is available to watch on Mr Saleem's Facebook page.