Movember Foundation begins Unmute campaign
By Adnews Staff
Charitable organization the Movember Foundation has begun a new awareness campaign called "Unmute - Ask Him." The initiative, timed to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day on Sept. 10, encourages consumers to ask men they know about their mental wellbeing. The intent is to help reduce the male suicide rate.
The one-month campaign consists of a series of online videos that appear to be how-to guides for various activities. The subtitle of the video match the actions of the men in the videos, while the audio reveals their thoughts. Each video attempts to demonstrate the importance of taking the initiative to ask men how they are doing, rather than making assumptions about their mental state. The videos will be posted online at <http://www.movember.com/iwanttoask>. They are being accompanied by social media activities.
"Our research has shown that a majority of men say they are there for their friends when they need support, yet considerably fewer men are prepared to go to someone when they're struggling themselves, bringing to life the need for those around men to take themselves off 'mute' and start the conversation," said Craig Martin, global director of mental health and suicide prevention at the Movember Foundation.