Always on
This project successfully funded on 30th April 2025, you can still support them with a donation.
The White Elephant in the Room (DOCUMENTARY)
Cardiff, United Kingdom
Aim: We're creating a cutting-edge documentary exposing the hidden truths and real risk of cocaine & alcohol come-downs that can lead to suicide.
https://youtu.be/eS-miljXTnE
We believe cocaethylene (cocaine & alcohol) is a MAJOR factor in sudden-onset SUICIDE in people (predominantly young men) who don’t show as having any previous mental health issues.
We're going to show why this is such a complex issue and show why we are frustrated that there isn't more being done about it in public health and other services. We talk directly to people who share their experiences including loving families whose lives have been ripped apart by the devastation of these deaths.
By sharing real stories from people in our communities, we want to raise more awareness to help people and their families know what to do to reduce this real risk of sudden death, WHICH IS TOTALLY PREVENTABLE.
Cocaine use is widespread—in pubs, clubs, house parties—it’s seen as part of a “good night out.” But the come-down can be devastating. That fleeting euphoria is replaced by anxiety, guilt, and, in some cases, a sudden and overwhelming urge to end one’s own life.
These aren’t people struggling with addiction or diagnosed mental health conditions. They are our children, siblings, husbands, mums, friends, colleagues, gym buddies, all deeply loved and valued—men and women with bright futures.
And yet, we are losing them?!
We’ve already captured shocking footage exposing how cocaine is dealt and used right on our doorstep. The documentary—hosted by Cullan Mais (Central Club Podcast, BBC's "Drugs Map of Britain")—features conversations with:
✔️ People with lived experience of cocaine and alcohol use
✔️ Bereaved families devastated by unexpected loss
✔️ Experts in mental health, drug services, and public health
Since filming in December 2024, at least FOUR more men have died in Cardiff alone.
This is happening right now all over the UK.
Initially we had a £7,000 budget (funded by Moondance Foundation) to make a shorter film but we believe there's still more important views to bring to it and want to extend filming to include the final important additions and we need your support to do that. We also hope to attract match funding which means for every £1 raised, it becomes £2, meaning we have more in the pot. Any excess raised goes into the charity that the Co-alc Alliance is currently registering as, so we can support more people.
🚨 Donate today and be entered into a draw for a FREE VIP Ticket to the premiere! 🚨
Your support helps cover:
📍 4 more filming days
🎬 Post-production (editing, graphics, sound design, final cut)
🖥️ Illustrated explainer section to break down the science simply
The Co-alc Alliance is an independent group formed by Nicola Abraham of the Jacob Abraham Foundation, Nicola Smerdon of 4Tom, Mandy Naylor and Nadine Taylor of the Gingerheart Foundation and Clare Sturman of the Sammy Sized Gap, and two other brave mothers. Each of them have tragically lost their young adult sons due to the devastating link between cocaethylene and sudden-onset suicide.
Together, we are fighting for awareness, accountability, and action.
Production includes:
Presenting by Cullan Mais (Voice Through Adversity Campaigner)
Lead by Super8Productions in partnership with Yellow Lens Productions
Once the film is complete, we aim to submit to festivals, market to distribution platforms, and push for mainstream broadcasting (Netflix is our dream!).
This is YOUR chance to be part of something that could change—and save—lives.
🔗 Donate today and help us finish this vital film:
💡 Small actions = big impact. Together, we can make this happen.