Press release: new anthem released by global artists for World Mental Health Day

10 OCTOBER 2020: LONDON A new anthem written and performed by artists from around the globe for World Mental Health Day (10th October) is released today as part of the #MoveforMentalHealth campaign. The track, called Move Together by Artists for Speak Your Mind and available to download on all major streaming platforms, will support mental health campaigners around the world.

Close to one billion people across the world have a mental disorder, the majority of whom do not have access to good quality services and care as a result of years of under investment. The #MoveforMentalHealth challenge is asking people around the world to film themselves moving in any way they like – a dance, a walk, riding a bike, painting a picture, reading a book, doing yoga or playing a sport – and posting the video on social media platforms using #MoveForMentalHealth.

The anthem, part of the Speak Your Mind mental health campaign, will feature on TikTok Sounds as part of their commitment to making this World Mental Health Day the biggest and best yet, and help kick start a bigger conversation about the importance of investing in mental health.

Move Together features vocal performances from Sharlene Taule (Dominican Republic), Ali Stone (Colombia), Martin Trevy (Colombia), Tamtam (Saudi Arabia), Korede Bello (Nigeria), Alex Ritchie (US), Jennifer Lee Snowden (US) and Monica Dogra (India). An accompanying dance has been choreographed by Morgan Choice, the Australian dancer who has worked with Taylor Swift, Britney Spears, Kylie Minogue, Ricky Martin, Jessie J and Flo Rida. Young dancers from the Dream Catchers Academy in Nigeria also feature in the video to the anthem which lets people join in, move and share.

Martin Trevy, a Colombian artist who participates on the anthem, said

“As a young man who has struggled with anxiety that left me feeling alone, I wanted to be a part of making this track because this World Mental Health Day everyone, everywhere should have tools available in support of their mental health”.

Jennifer Lee Snowden and Ali Stone were behind pulling the artists and track together.

“We  were so honoured to play a role in helping bring this song to life because so many of the challenges we deal with in our modern society are a direct result of the lack of investment in mental health care,” said Jennifer. “We hope that Move Together reminds listeners that they are not alone and that it’s ok to ask for help.  Because we all need support when facing life’s most tumultuous storms.”

The track is released in a week that new figures from the World Health Organization revealed that mental health services around the world have been disrupted or halted by COVID-19 in 93% of countries surveyed.

“The WHO report released this week demonstrates how mental health services all around the world are being disrupted, and not fit to respond to the growing global need,” said Elisha London, CEO and Founder of United for Global Mental Health. “However it also highlights the growing need and neglect in investment in mental health like never before. As we move together we are demonstrating the demand for greater investment – which must be met with tangible investment from governments, businesses, and funders – so that everyone, everywhere has someone to turn to when their mental health needs support.”

Contact: Claire Hoffman, claire@unitedgmh.org

NOTE TO EDITORS:

About Speak Your Mind

Speak Your Mind (SYM) – powered by United for Global Mental Health – is a nationally-led, globally-united campaign active in 19 countries that calls on governments around the world to invest, empower and educate for mental health for all. Speak Your Mind is about giving mental health a voice for action. We’re calling on leaders to provide quality mental health care for all. It’s time for them to invest, educate, and empower now, for the future we need.

About United for Global Mental Health 

United for Global Mental Health brings together the global mental health community with governments, funders and campaigners to help make sure everyone, everywhere has someone to turn to in support of their mental health. The not-for-profit organization was launched at the UN in September 2018. www.unitedgmh.org @UnitedGMH