09 October 2020: TikTok, the leading destination for short-form mobile videos, has launched the “Move for Mental Health: Let’s Invest” challenge, working together with the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) and United for Global Mental Health (UnitedGMH).
The challenge aims to bring global awareness to the need to invest in mental health, a need made all the more acute by the COVID-19 pandemic and will take place in Kenya from 9 October using the hashtag #MoveforMentalHealth.
With billions lacking access to appropriate mental health support, the WHO, WFMH, and UnitedGMH have come together to create the first truly global movement calling for greater investment in mental health. The TikTok community in Kenya is encouraged to play sport, dance, go for a walk or come up with their own ways to move this World Mental Health Day and film themselves moving for mental health in any way they would like.
“Globally there is not enough movement on mental health, despite the fact that close to one billion people across the world have a mental disorder,” said United for Global Mental Health’s CEO and Founder, Elisha London. “Having faced years of chronic underinvestment, this World Mental Health Day we are coming together to #MoveforMentalHealth with TikTok’s support because now more than ever it’s time to invest so that everyone, everywhere has someone to turn to.”
Global hitmaker, DJ Marshmello, as well as other creators including the Neffati Brothers, Ana Gum, official_itsjustfay_ and sialoqueen, have all joined the challenge to encourage Kenyans to do the same.
Dévora Kestel, Director of the Mental Health and Substance Use Department at the World Health Organization said: “At WHO, we are delighted to see the commitment of TikTok to encouraging conversations and movement on mental health. Mobilization on a global scale can help drive the decisions that ultimately will lead to better mental health services when and where we need them.”
To wrap up the campaign, WHO’s Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, will be joined by world leaders, celebrities and mental health experts via a live stream on Saturday, October 10 at 17:00 hrs KE time, on TikTok about how the community can help make sure that quality mental health care is available to everyone who needs it.
The live stream will feature short videos showcasing how WHO and partners are working to improve people’s mental health around the world, celebrity testimonies, Q&As and performances, and statements of commitment from heads of state and government.
Boniswa Sidwaba, TikTok Content Operations Manager, Africa, says that TikTok prides itself on being a place that inspires creativity and brings joy to its users, especially considering the challenging year we have all had. “This World Mental Health Day, it’s important, now more than ever, that we increase awareness about mental health challenges and provide a platform where we can promote the safety and mental wellbeing of our users.”
TikTok has long been committed to fostering an environment that promotes good mental health. With features such as Screen Time Management and Restricted Mode, users are empowered to focus on their digital wellbeing. Additionally, TikTok’s comprehensive Privacy and Safety settings allow users to decide who can follow them, send them messages or reactions, and set their account private to avoid any unwanted solicitation.
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