06:00, 06 February 2025
Words by Abi Scaife, Staff Writer, London
Mental health is a topic that, while less taboo than a decade ago, still isn’t talked about nearly enough. That’s why promoting and uplifting mental health charities, and the vital work they do, is so important.
Today is Time to Talk Day, set up by the mental health charity Mind, to encourage people to come together and open up about how they are feeling.
In honour of Time to Talk Day, we have put together some brilliant entries into the Smiley Charity Film Awards, all from charities that work within mental health.
This film, by Buckinghamshire Mind, focuses on their incredible Befriending service. This service connects people who are struggling and in need of company with someone who can provide them with that.
Bob’s heartwarming story is a brilliant example of how these charities truly are changing people’s lives for the better.
Harmless is the national centre of excellence for self harm and suicide prevention, education people from all walks of life on how we can support those vulnerable to self harm and suicide.
Providing almost 500,000 minutes of support in 2023 alone, Harmless enables people to save lives, and step in to help those who need it the most.
Becoming A Samaritan tells the heartwarming story of Mark. Mark lost his sight fifteen years ago and it completely changed his life, but then he started volunteering with the Samaritans.
This incredible film shows how helping others with their mental health can also be of benefit to yourself.
Celebrating the launch of this charity on World Suicide Prevention Day 2024, this beautiful film demonstrates just how vulnerable to loneliness and mental health concerns the agricultural community can be.
Thanks to the work of The Rural Communities Mental Health Foundation, communities are being built up, helping to reduce the amount people who are losing their lives to suicide.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Campaign to End Loneliness. This charity campaigns to make sure that people most at risk of loneliness are reached and supported. Support them here.
Ripple Suicide Prevention. R;pple exists to ensure immediate mental health support is presented to individuals following a harmful online search. Learn more here.
Papyrus. This is the leading suicide prevention charity for young people, working with under 35s. Find out more.
This article aligns with the UN SDG Good Health and Wellbeing.
