#CHOCOLATEFORTHEMIND
Great news! We raised over £1700
Why mental health awareness?
With the arrival of the global pandemic, we have been collectively launched into an unknown world of social isolation, closing of arts venues, community disruption and future uncertainty. As we battle to navigate the new landscape many of us have been struggling with increased stress and anxiety. If these words resonate with you, then you certainly aren’t alone.
My artistic perspectives have always been inspired by a belief in the importance of harnessing music and love (including food!) to connect with others. The artistic industries are suffering greatly throughout lockdown with venues closed and events canceled. Classrooms stand empty and theatre curtains remain drawn. During this time, we need one another more than ever.
Being a volunteer of the 'Time To Change' Initiative led by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness aimed at ending the stigma and discrimination, has allowed me to openly discuss my own experience with mental health through the TTC Champions volunteer program Previously funded by the Department of Health & Social care, Comic Relief & Lottery community fund, it was recently announced after 15 years the Time To Change campaign will close 31st March 2021 as the government has stated it’s not in a position to fund this campaign in the future.
Time to change since 2006 has helped 5.4 million people living with mental health problems. Research has shown the willingness to live, work and continue a relationship with those experiencing mental health issues has increased by 11.6%.
Why a chocolate bar…
Sadden by this news yet inspired by experiences during lockdown, when chocolate helped keep my mental health stable and creativity sharp, I’m now using my music and taste for chocolate to raise awareness and drive donations to Mind.
Everyone who donated got the pleasure of receiving a ‘Shojon Bar’. I was drawn toward chocolate as a means to spread awareness to Mental Health matters, having benefited from the antidepressant properties of the phenylethylamine in the cocoa during lockdown.
What People Are Saying
“I personally think Not enough is being done for a lot of peoples mental health during these troubling times and I’m glad to see people stepping up and doing what they can and using their platform to speak up for those who can’t. Peace and love”
— Nathan Edwards
“It is great to see money being raised towards a cause for mental health, as it is very much on the rise, being in emergency services I have first hand experience with supporting people with mental health problems. To learn that funding has been cut is ludicrous as there is currently already a lack of support and resources for somebody experiencing problems”
— Georgette
“Great cause. Raising awareness about Mental health awareness is extremely important especially now. Thank you.”
— Anthoinette Gates
“The talent of success is nothing more than doing what you can do well; and doing well whatever you do… A giver never lack💯 Way to go! Way to be. Way to work. Way to shine. Way to help. Well done. You inspire me, You amaze me!”
— Yohann Rambul)
Beyond the individual benefits of eating the delicious chocolate bar, the sale of each bar has gone on to raise over £1700( inc Gift Aid) across fundraising platforms. It was backed by celebrities GullyPabs and Kid Bookie. Their voices helped to raise the profile of not only the venture itself but the dire need for further support for those suffering with anxiety and depression during the pandemic.
We cannot know quite yet what lies ahead. We remain tucked away indoors without a clear idea of when ‘normal’ life will resume. For many, the social discontent and lack of human contact is difficult enough to cope with. For artists, the lack of opportunity to express themselves is an added wound of limitation within an already difficult situation.
“Creative concepts that benefit the community—such the Shojon chocolate bar—are a powerful answer back to the closed doors and lockdown limits we have been served. The sale of this delicious and anxiety-reducing bar of goodness has inspiringly proved that there is still potential for new ideas to take off and for artistic ventures to be seen and benefited from.”
— Helen Victoria
