Filmmaker to explore vital work of Samaritans in Weymouth

James Corbin, 32, will be tackling a 30-mile run from Weymouth to Cerne Abbas then back down to the coast at Swyre before heading east and finishing at Ferry Bridge.

He has started an online fundraiser with all money raised going towards Weymouth's branch of the Samaritans. 

This journey will be captured on film by James' tight knit production company for a new YouTube documentary highlighting the vital work the branch does for the seaside town. 

James said this is a cause close to his heart having previously used the services during a period of mental stress. 

He said: “I used the service a few years ago when I was in a much less mentally and physically fortunate position than I am in now. I think what they do is incredibly important.

Weymouth branch of the Samaritans on King Street (Image: Google Maps) "It’s a vital service in Weymouth and across the country. Weymouth’s branch is one of the few that are self-supported. I found it more important to raise money for them specifically."

Having grown up on Portland, with family dotted around the Weymouth area, James has a strong love for the area and hopes his project will give the area a boost during the quieter winter months. 

He added: "Weymouth is a beautiful town and it has a popular notoriety in the summer but there’s generally a lack of excitement in the winter.

”I think in the colder months there’s a distinct difference in the mental wellbeing of everyone, especially younger people in Weymouth. In summer it’s beautiful but winter is a quieter time.

"There’s a lot to be said about seasonal depression and anxiety being higher in a seaside town.

"We want to bring something to the town to give it that boost in the winter months."

James works as a support worker for Dimensions - an organisation which provides personalised social care services for people with learning disabilities.

He currently lives in Dorchester with his son and daughter. His partner Kirsty is from Portland and also has a son and a daughter from a previous relationship.

James with his partner Kirsty (Image: James Corbin) Before finding his passion for filmmaking, James was an avid skateboarder. He is a keen traveller and began making shortform videos of his trips away. While on a backpacking trip, he began to expand his filmmaking projects, creating a documentary style video for YouTube. 

On his latest creative venture, James is combining his love of filmmaking and the local area to highlight the support services available in Weymouth. 

“The plan all along has been to shed some light on the services that are provided in our local town alongside the fundraiser.

James Corbin, 32, does filmmaking as a hobby and works as a support worker for Dimensions (Image: James Corbin) "I plan to interview volunteers from the Samaritans in Weymouth to understand what they do in the community.

"It’s important to show how much is going on in Weymouth through the winter months. You have to look harder but it is there."

James plans to release the documentary on YouTube as well as submitting it to film festivals.