The Elephant in Our Community| Shan You – Social Service Agency Singapore

The Elephant In
Our Community

The Elephant in Our Community is a public education campaign on mental health by Shan You. The metaphor ‘an elephant in the room’ refers to an obvious problem that people do not want to talk about. Similarly, although mental health issues and conditions are prevalent in our community, talking about them is often shunned or avoided.

How We Hope to Make a Difference

Increase community awareness of mental health issues and conditions and the treatments available.
Increase community awareness of suicide risks, early suicidal warning signs and the helping resources available.
Reduce the social stigma associated with mental health conditions in the community.
Empower individuals and families affected by mental health conditions to seek help and support.

We live in a society where many people still do not talk about their mental health struggles nor seek professional help, suffering in silence. Through this campaign, we hope to raise awareness of the real-life experiences of persons living with mental health conditions and increase the understanding and acceptance of them in our community. We also hope to empower individuals and families facing mental health issues to seek support from their loved ones and help from professionals.

Shan You is embarking on the 3rd year of the campaign in 2020. The campaign was launched on 1st July 2018. At the end of 2019, the campaign has engaged a total of 5,410 participants at many community outreach events. All campaign events and activities are free to members of the public.

Ellie, The Mental Health Elephant

Ellie, the Mental Health Elephant, is the official mascot for The Elephant in Our Community campaign.

Ellie represents the pain and struggles of persons affected by mental health conditions, and their voices and hopes. She reminds us that persons affected by mental health issues live amongst us in the community. All of us are affected by mental health issues at some point in our lives. Ellie represents each of us, and all of us.

Do you know Ellie?

Probably.
She is amongst us.
We may have ignored her,
Or judged her.
It’s time to stop and rethink.

Ellie is the Mental Health Elephant.

She represents the pain and struggles
Of all affected by mental health issues,
And their voices and hopes.
Let’s talk to Ellie,
Let’s help her.

Mental Health,
Let’s Talk

SYCC organised a series of Mental Health, Let’s Talk events in 2019, focusing on depression, anxiety, and suicidality. The 3 public events aimed to educate and advocate on mental health issues through public conversations with persons impacted by mental health conditions. A total of 234 participants attended these events.

The Elephant In Our Community Outreach Events

Follow Ellie to Stay Abreast of the Campaign’s Events and Activities!

Reach out to Ellie at Ellie@shanyou.org.sg

What Our Past Participants Say

I think it’s extremely commendable that the conversations were steered towards what actions can be taken with the awareness of suicidality and mental illness. I also really appreciate that the survivors were given the platform to share their experiences with no judgement or need to censor themselves. Thank you for the event :)

Participant of Mental Health

Let’s Talk: Suicidality

I liked everything. From the support on hand, to the execution, the space to share the most real, raw and personal experiences and the community. A big thank you for allowing conversations to be conducted in such a manner in Singapore!

Participant of Mental Health

Let’s Talk: Depression

I think the collaboration with theatre and arts was great! I didn’t realise the role that theatre and arts could play in raising awareness of mental health until now. Very enjoyable.

Participant of Mental Health

Let’s Talk: Anxiety

Safe and supportive environment where people feel safe to share their raw emotions.

Participant of Mental Health

Let’s Talk: Depression

I liked the group conversation. It feels reassuring to be part of a group where people are going through the same struggles in life as me. I feel like I can relate to some of the guest speakers’ life journey, and I have learned a lot from them; their experiences, words of encouragements, advices, etc.

Participant of Mental Health

Let’s Talk: Anxiety

Great job! I felt that we should have more of such events and it is well organised. Great to see young people and students at the events as they are the ones who would continue to make changes.

Participant of Mental Health

Let’s Talk: Suicidality

The sharings by the guest speakers were really encouraging. To hear the audience speak up about their own experiences was also eye opening and comforting to me.

Participant of Mental Health

Let’s Talk: Depression

I appreciate that much care taken to create a space and supportive space. It was comfortable to share and discuss issues that may be sensitive, and I learnt a lot from everyone I spoke with.

Participant of Mental Health

Let’s Talk: Suicidality

It was a great mix of people talking about their experiences and break out groups. The skit was a powerful way to start.

Participant of Mental Health

Let’s Talk: Suicidality

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