Powered by MTV Entertainment Group and Mental Health is Health, Mental Health Action Day has brought together more than 1000 organisations, non-profits, government agencies and cultural leaders to encourage people to take action against mental health for themselves or others.
The aim of Mental Health Action Day is to encourage people to take the first action to get mental health support for yourself, your loved ones or for all by advocating for systemic changes to remove the stigma around mental health.
South African non-govermental organization Community Keepers will be particpating and will see more than 1000 organizations from around the world coming together for the first-ever Mental Health Action Day to support anyone and everyone who needs help.Mental Health Action Day was planned by TaskForce, a cultural organizing agency that builds capacity for those taking on the most pressing challenges.
Reports have revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the rates of suicide, anxiety and depression, particularly among young adults, however, finding effective resources and knowing how to get help remains a challenge.
âThis is a critical moment to shift our culture from mental health awareness to mental health action and MTV is proud to come together with diverse cross-sector leaders on this inaugural day to encourage and empower people to take action for themselves, for their loved ones or for the systemic changes needed to improve our social and emotional wellbeing,âsaid Erika Soto Lamb, Vice President of Social Impact Strategy at MTV Entertainment Group.
Community Keepers will make sure that resources and tools are available for people to seek help in a myriad of ways from starting a meditation practice, learning how to support a friend, or advocating for change.âOur focus is on school communities.we partner with schools in under-resourced areas where we establish therapy rooms manned by professional counsellors on schoolsâ premises, removing barriers to access.In parallel we run resilience building workshops, working hand in hand with the school to build a culture of well-being where everyone can thrive,” said Community Keepers CEO, Gerrit Laning.
During lockdown, the NGO created a library of material in digital format.The material is being shared with other schools and organisations for free.It includes videos, animations, activity books, posters and infographics which are produced in English, Afrikaans and Xhosa.
âTaking care of your mental health is no different to taking care of your physical health â and we encourage everyone to find a safe space where they can share their own story without judgement that may be a therapist, a counsellor, a family member of someone in your community. Anyone who feel particularly vulnerable can also reach out to a crisis line where trained counsellors will be able to assist you.These numbers are posted on our website and social media pages,â concluded Laning.
