Yes, we know; almost any day is a day of friendship. Friendship is also something we don't talk a lot about, whether we're feeling isolated and seeking it, or when we spend time with our friends.
30th July is the International Day of Friendship, a specific day each year for people to make a public gesture to recognise the bonds between people in their personal communities. |
The purpose of making a public gesture is to celebrate and cherish our friendships, and the friendships that others have; to help foster a sense of belonging.
Perhaps it'll be a small personal gesture, or a random act of kindness for a friend. Perhaps it's making a bit more effort to spend time with one another, or perhaps even organising an event for friendships within your local community. |
It's a great opportunity for people to talk about their friendships and their mental health, as well as raise awareness of the support available within the community.
By giving people the opportunity to talk about their mental health, you provide a platform for sharing experiences and encouraging those who may be struggling to feel they belong. |
“Friendship is a joy in itself, conferring happiness and a sense of wellbeing. And the accumulation of bonds of camaraderie around the world can contribute to fundamental shifts that are urgently needed to achieve lasting stability.”
Ban Ki-Moon, UN Secretary General
Ban Ki-Moon, UN Secretary General
Our campaign starts simply: Prominently wear the colour green to mark friendship and mental health on
Sunday 30th July, the International Day of Friendship. We chose green as it generally represents "hope" and "growth" internationally, amongst other positive things. This is a symbol of support for the many friendships that have helped maintain mental wellbeing and have been there for those who are healing from suffering. |
Then build up from there: Start a conversation about friendship and mental health. To help with this, take a look at SHUSH - the Samaritans' guide to listening.
The symbol opposite is "ese ne tekrema", a symbol of friendship and interdependence which we're using as the logo for the Day. It is an image of the teeth and the tongue, playing interdependent roles; they may come into conflict, but they need to work together. |
We use the slogan "You've got a friend" (or YGAF), which is the campaign of a small group of friends in North West Leicestershire in the UK who gathered together to promote mental health awareness through music, to remind you that "You've got a Friend." If you're feeling organised, you are welcome to use any of the ideas below to run your own celebration of friendship and mental health on Sunday 30th July...
|
Make green Friendship ribbons and use these to raise funds for a mental health charity in your area that provides places and opportunities for friendship.
Organise a walk with your friends, or support a local wellbeing walk near you. Set up a board at a local community group or business with the title "Friendship matters for my mental health because..." and ask people to write on it. Use your social media #friendshipthroughrecovery and #ygaf for sharing photos and messages. |