Every year in the UK, one in four people will experience some kind of mental health problem. This month, we come together to honour World Mental Health Day on 10 October. It’s a day to talk about mental health—because by starting conversations we can break stigmas. World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to challenge the way things are done. We can contribute to new and effective ways to support mental health, we can educate ourselves on mental health issues, and we can run or contribute to campaigns that make a difference.
Mental health matters in all facets of our lives, from our individual experiences to how we connect with friends and family to how we feel safe and supported at work. This year’s theme—set by the World Federation of Mental Health—is workplace mental health. The aim is to encourage safe, healthy working environments as a protective factor for mental health.
Whether you’re involved with #WMHD2024 in the workplace or elsewhere, it takes collective action to break the stigma around mental health. One visible and proven way your charity can make a difference is through meaningful fundraising merchandise. It’s true! Read on to learn about how small, special items can spark meaningful discussions about mental health.
(Even if you don’t move ahead with meaningful merchandise, pledge to check in with your friends, family, and colleagues this 10 October. At Rocket Charities, we sure will!)
The Role of Merchandise in Mental Health Awareness
One of the key reasons that fundraising merchandise is such an effective awareness-building tool is because of its inherent visibility. Think about it: The most popular merchandise—including t-shirts, badges, and tote bags—are all highly functional, eye-catching, visible beacons that broadcast important messages about charitable causes.
Fundraising merchandise is meant to be seen. And in being seen, these items become visible symbols of support, including items designed for World Mental Health Day. Selling or gifting specially branded merchandise helps raise money toward important causes, like generating funds for mental health support services. Yet these seemingly small items also provide an #IYKYK (if you know, you know) type of unity and solidarity for people who want to show their support for mental health causes, be it 10 October or any day of the year.
Merchandise That Sparks Conversations
There are endless options when it comes to selecting and designing creative, impactful fundraising merchandise for your charity or upcoming mental health campaign. Here’s a few ideas to get you started.
- Walking, talking wearables: Consider creating clothing items with mental health messages. For example, the Campaign Against Living Miserably has an official CALM Zone merch store that helps supporters “shop to save lives” by purchasing items that fund the charity’s suicide-prevention services. For inspiration, check out these edgy (and organic!) t-shirts from the CALM merch shop. Not feeling so bold? Even a straightforward shirt with the name of your charity can make a positive impact and encourage questions, comments, and deeper conversations about mental health and other issues. For example, check out the color-coordinated event wear line from Samaritans, a charity with a vision that fewer people die by suicide.
- Get interactive and impactful: Another option for effective fundraising merchandise for mental health is to think functional. Usable items like writing journals, games, and stress-relief products not only promote mental wellness by the user or recipient, but also serve as tools to spark discussion.
For example, the Mind charity offers a customisable Pause Gifting Box. The box includes an inspirational notebook with positive quotes, a reflection card, and an activity designed to encourage creativity, a new skill, or simply a “pause” from everyday life.
- Be a visible vanguard: Fundraising merchandise like badges or wristbands can convey a subtle, yet welcome message that you are open to talking about mental health. For inspiration, look no further than the globally popular Movember campaign that advocates for men’s mental health.
The Movember Official Store offers a range of eye-catching products that convey this mission, including a neat “All Seeing Mo Tote” (with a striking black and white “Order of Mo” moustache design) that promises to get the word out about its “not-so-secret secret society” of people united for men’s health and wellbeing.
As we honour World Mental Health Day this 10 October, keep in mind that mental health does not discriminate. Every week in the UK, one in six people experience a common mental health problem.
This month, we encourage you to do your part to end the stigma around mental health and support improved care and support services. Remember, fundraising merchandise can be a powerful conversation starter. We hope you’ll use the tips we shared here to design your own special products. Please reach out to our friendly design experts today to bring your ideas to life!