Several mental health organizations in Singapore have collaborated with MullenLowe Singapore, a marketing communications company, to launch an initiative aimed at highlighting the profound impact of youth suicide. Youthline, a charity offering youth mental health services, and PleaseStay Movement, a nonprofit suicide advocacy group, have joined forces for this project.
The initiative, titled ‘The Rooms That Remain’, features a public exhibit at Singapore’s Wisma Atria shopping mall from June 24 to June 30. It recreates the bedrooms of three young Singaporeans who tragically lost their lives to suicide. These intimate spaces, filled with personal memories from their families, provide a poignant glimpse into the lives and legacies of these individuals.
In addition to the physical exhibit, a microsite has been launched to complement the initiative. The microsite allows online visitors to explore virtual replicas of the rooms and delve into the personal stories of the individuals they represent. It also serves as an educational platform, providing information on mental health resources and how to seek help through Youthline’s services, including a live mental health helpline and pro-bono counseling.
Valerie Lim, co-founder of PleaseStay Movement, emphasized the importance of ‘The Rooms That Remain’ as a safe and accessible way to discuss suicide. “Through these living spaces, we are invited to appreciate the lives of youths who had sadly succumbed to suicide,” she explained. “Here, we can ponder or discover how mental health affects us all and that, ultimately, we have a shared responsibility to look out for each other.”
Marc Khoo, Chairman of Youthline, underscored the urgent need for such initiatives in Singapore, given the rising rates of youth suicide and distress. “Our goal is to provide a listening ear and effective support to young people who are struggling, as early as possible,” Khoo stated. “By creating a safe, non-judgmental space for youths to address their struggles, we hope to rein in mental health challenges before they become acute and inch closer to a future where no youth feels alone.”
Supported by partners like The Merry Men Works and New Charis Movers, ‘The Rooms That Remain’ aims to spark essential conversations about mental health and suicide prevention within the community. Through this collaborative effort, the organizers strive to foster greater awareness, support, and dialogue surrounding these critical issues impacting Singaporean youth.
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