SG mental health organisations team up to put spotlight on youth suicide

Mental health organisations have collaborated with marketing communications company MullenLowe Singapore to launch an initiative illuminating the profound and enduring impact of youth suicide.

The organisations are Youthline, a charity providing youth mental health services, and PleaseStay Movement, a non-profit suicide advocacy group.

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Titled ‘The Rooms That Remain’, the public exhibit recreates the bedrooms of three young Singaporean individuals who tragically lost their lives to suicide.

These intimate spaces, brought to life through the memories held by their families, offer a poignant glimpse into the lives and legacies of these beloved youths.

By stepping into these recreated rooms, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the real-world stories behind these numbers and the devastating ripple effects on the families left behind.

Complementing the physical exhibit is a microsite featuring virtual replicas of the rooms. Online visitors can explore these spaces and delve into the personal stories of the individuals behind the rooms.

The microsite will also provide information on mental health resources and how to seek help through Youthline’s services, including a live mental health helpline and pro-bono counselling.

“‘The Rooms that Remain’ is an open platform that offers a safe manner to broach the subject of suicide. Through these living spaces, we are invited to appreciate the lives of youths who had sadly succumbed to suicide. Here, we can ponder or discover how mental health affects us all and that, ultimately, we have a shared responsibility to look out for each other,” said Valerie Lim, co-founder of PleaseStay Movement in a statement.

Both the exhibit and the accompanying microsite aim to spark necessary conversations about mental health and suicide prevention amongst the community.

“The alarming rates of suicide among youths and the rise in proportion of youths in distress in Singapore calls for greater awareness, support, and collaboration across the community," said Marc Khoo, Chairman of Youthline.

"Our goal is to provide a listening ear and effective support to young people who are struggling, as early as possible — and we aim to do so in the most accessible way. By creating a safe, non-judgmental space for youths to address their struggles, we hope to rein in mental health challenges before they become acute and inch closer to a future where no youth feels alone," he said. 

The exhibit is being held at Singapore shopping mall Wisma Atria, from 24 June to 30 June. It is also supported by partners such as The Merry Men Works and New Charis Movers.

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