#GreenSareeForMentalHealth
The Saree can be worn in countless ways, and symbolises so much more than just clothing. They connect women, families and communities around the world.
Image by Vignesh Moorthy
This woman is awesome and beautiful in every way. She has been raising money for Royal Berkshire ICU, where her friend works.
The Saree represents many things, from beautiful fashion to everyday practical clothing. It can be worn in countless ways, and symbolises so much more than just clothing.
Our favourites are created on hand looms using block print designs, printed with inks made from natural materials that draw on creativity passed down through generations. They connect women, families and communities around the world, so it made absolute sense for the Saree to become a vehicle to bring women together, and engage in conversations on mental health and wellbeing.
Re-Balance founder Poppy Jaman created the hashtag, and conversation groups #GreenSareeForMentalHealth in order to connect women all over the world, and start the discussion. The colour green reflects rejuvenation, some shades of green are vibrant, others murky, which captures the diverse experiences of a personal mental health journey from wellness to illness.
The campaign captured the imagination of thousands of women all over the world on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, because they connected with the issue, the Saree, the colour, or all of the above. It was a fun and beautiful way to bring the conversation to life.
To see the impact of this project search #GreenSareeForMentalHealth on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
The Re-Balance Approach
Recognise.
Although progress is being made globally, the topic of mental health still carries immense stigma in most communities. Shame, fear, lack of knowledge and access to support and services can result in daily discrimination in every area of people’s lives, relationship, jobs, education and opportunity. A misunderstanding that recovery is likely and possible is hard when the society you live in acts differently.
Review.
The ‘5 ways to well-being’ is an evidence based framework to support our own, and others’, mental health and well-being. Green has become the global colour to represent mental health and well-being awareness, as well as solidarity for support and a safe space, where we can all be listened to.
Respond.
The first phase of the project bought together Saree ambassadors; everyday women telling stories and role model behaviours that foster change and shine a light on this agenda.
No selling products. No clinical advice.
All signposting to resources was validated and evidence based. This was a community of South Asian women talking openly about mental health and well-being; what they do to keep healthy, how they offer support to others, and how they encourage others to do the same and start to create change.
‘To heal
you have to
get to the root
of the wound
and kiss it all the way up.’
Rupi Kaur
#GreenSareeForMentalHealth