Kendra Scott X Active Minds Partnership
Not all of us have a diagnosable mental illness, but we all have mental health. Kendra Scott is partnering with Active Minds – the nation’s leading nonprofit promoting mental health for young adults – to change the conversation about mental health and ensure it is prioritized as highly as physical health. Sadly, for young adults – including those on college campuses nationwide – suicide remains the second leading cause of death. Even prior to the pandemic, 39% of students in college experienced a significant mental health issue.
Peer networks are important in supporting mental health: 76% of young adults turn to a friend first when they are struggling – but an astonishing 61% of students do not feel prepared to help a friend who shares their struggle.
In 2021 Kendra Scott and Active Minds are launching resources designed to help young adults be there for a friend or loved one. Through this program, students will be introduced to Active Minds’ active listening tool: Validate, Appreciate, ReferⓇ, or V-A-R, through a combination of discussion guides, videos, social media interaction, and a virtual campus programming toolkit. V-A-R is an easy way to show up for a friend, helping them cope when they may be having more than a bad day. Active Minds’ guide to V-A-R will help students facilitate an engaging and informative conversation about mental health with their peers.
Together, Kendra Scott and Active Minds will change the culture around mental health on campuses across the nation, making sure every person hears the important message: “It’s okay to not be okay”.
