A 13-YEAR-OLD boy from Sherborne is starring in a short film which brings attention to teenage mental health issues.

Jake Kemp, a pupil at The Gryphon School in Sherborne, is one of the main characters in ‘I Am Enough’ – a short film written by Lauren J Irwin who voices the hugely popular Peppa Pig audiobook series.

The film focuses on a group of young adults who try to navigate the overwhelming challenges of their mental health, each burdened by feelings of inadequacy.

The film features people struggling with bipolar disorder, self-harm, eating disorders, and other hidden battles.

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Jake, who has been acting since he was seven, plays the character Ryan who he describes as the “hard, cool kid”.

“He’s made to go to a counselling group for troubled teens, but he hates it at first,” he said.

Jake plays the character Ryan who is thought to be a drug dealer by his peers Picture: Wildraff Productions

“Everyone thinks he’s a drug dealer but it’s actually his brother making him do things and intimidating him, so although he acts hard he’s actually really scared and has a horrible home life.”

Jake said he hopes the film will help other young people who are struggling with their mental health.

“It’s so important [to be open about your mental health] but teens don’t as they feel embarrassed ,but in actual fact we all have our own issues and insecurities that we hide,” he said.

He added: “I’ve been acting since I was 7 and done several films and commercials but I’m most proud of this project.”

Filming took place in Liverpool in the summer, and Jake said the cast were allowed to help with other jobs on set to help boost their experience and knowledge.

“[The filming] was amazing, we filmed the whole thing over three days in Liverpool.

“It was really hard as had so much to fit in but it was great fun. We also got to do crew jobs like sound and boom,” he said.

Jakes mother, Jo, said she hopes the film will help other young people going through a similar situation.

“I am so proud of him,” she said.

“[The film] is so hard-hitting and I really think this will do some good and can be used to help teens.”

Jake just filmed another short film in Los Angeles where he also met with several casting directors.

I Am Enough has been submitted for short film festivals around the world.