Create a safe, supportive space where community members share personal stories, poetry, and songs to break mental health stigma and remind everyone they're not alone in their struggles.
The #NotAlone Open Mic concept stems from the #NotAlone Challenge, described as "the largest mental health campaign and movement in history" created by singer-songwriter Jewel Kilcher and the Inspiring Children Foundation. For over 25 years, The Inspiring Children Foundation has been a pioneer and created a best-in-class model helping teens & adults with suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety and other mental health challenges.
The foundation serves hundreds of youth in-person and millions online through a 10-step program with over 40 tools and 100 activations to help our youth find their best selves. This open mic format leverages creative expression as a therapeutic tool, drawing on research showing that artistic expression can significantly improve mental health outcomes.
Each event can incorporate elements from the foundation's mental fitness tools, including breathing exercises, mindfulness techniques, and self-compassion practices. The initiative emphasises that the challenge's goal is to save lives by reminding people that they are not alone. Events should always include crisis support information: If you are in crisis please call the mental health hotline and dial 988. You can also text 'HERO' to 741741.
For additional inspiration, organisers can access Jewel's Mental Health & Inspiration Playlist on Spotify
and explore partnerships with local mental health professionals to enhance the support offered at events. Visit this link: https://www.inspiringchildren.org/notalone-inspiration
How to get involved
Time:
4-6 hours monthly for planning, hosting, and follow-up activities.
Links