Words by Smiley Team
May is Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States when campaigners educate the public and advocate for positive change around mental illness. Stepping up to support the event, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is using its tasty treats to promote good wellbeing among children.
The company introduced a new ice cream created especially to highlight mental health issues faced by children.
“It looks as muted grey as a rain cloud but tastes like a ray of sunshine," the company, founded by Jeni Britton Bauer, says. "A fun play on the mind and a pleasant reminder that things aren't always what they seem."
They will also help distribute ‘Kindness Kits’ to 30,000 school pupils around the country with a donation of $25,000. Inside each kit children will find resources and activities teaching them about practising kindness.
Jeni's is also encouraging its customers to make donations in support of On Our Sleeves, the group distributing the kits.
"Even before the pandemic, we were seeing alarming trends in children's mental health," said Dr Ariana Hoet, a pediatric psychologist at Nationwide Children's Hospital and clinical director of On Our Sleeves.
"This is why it's important to provide parents, caretakers and teachers with resources and information to better understand the children in their lives,” she added.
She hopes the resources will help build children’s understanding of mental health challenges and help them confront them.
“By having important conversations and building daily check-in habits, we're equipping kids with the resources they need to build their mental wellness and feel comfortable seeking help when they need it," she said.
DONATE: To support young people overcome mental health challenges, donate to On Our Sleeves.
