ICC and UNICEF partner to help break stigma around Mental Health
The
partnership will amplify UNICEF’s global campaign #OnYourMind which calls for
commitment, communication and action to promote good mental health for every
child.
The ICC
and UNICEF are aiming to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing amongst
children and adolescents and encourage greater conversation and understanding
of it throughout the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 beginning on Sunday.
The event
– the biggest ever in the UAE and Oman – begins on 17October and comprises 45
matches across four venues and features cricket’s biggest names and best teams.
As the pinnacle of the shortest format of cricket, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
2021 attracts a global audience reaching billions of young fans and families.
The
partnership will highlight the need for more conversations around mental health
and wellbeing. Mental health is defined as a
state of wellbeing in which every individual realizes his or her own potential,
can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and
fruitfully, and is able to contribute to their community.
According
to the latest available estimates, more than 1 in 7 adolescents aged 10–19 is
estimated to live with a diagnosed mental disorder globally (source: UNICEF-
SOWC 2021).
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has only
exacerbated the issue. School closures and physical distancing measures due to
COVID 19 have reduced children and young people’s regular coping mechanisms and
contributed to increased isolation and mental health risks.
Lockdowns and other pandemic containment
measures, in addition to the direct impact of COVID-19, have resulted in mental
stress of parents’ and care givers. This has in turn affected their ability to
provide a protective and nurturing environment for their children.
#OnYourMind
campaign at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 will urge for greater commitment,
connection and conversation around mental health and physical wellbeing.
Through
this initiative ICC will use its global platforms, including its broadcast and
digital channels to support UNICEF’s work and drive the message around: what
affects children’s mental health, how to break the silence and talk about
mental health wellbeing, destigmatise mental health issues, how to reach out
and seek support and what can parents and adults do to improve the mental
wellbeing of children.
This partnership comes at the back of ICC’s commitment to ensure the
mental and physical wellbeing of over 2,000 individuals that are involved in
the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021, many of whom including players, coaches and
support staff, will be in a “managed event environment” throughout.
Geoff Allardice, Acting CEO
ICC said: “Cricket has the incredible power and reach to raise
awareness and effect change and we’re proud to partner with UNICEF to help
break the stigma around mental health. #OnYourMind encourages us all to
talk more openly about this with our children to promote and protect their
mental health.
UNICEF India Representative
Dr Yasmin Ali Haque, said: “We anticipate that that the
COVID-19 pandemic related stresses that have affected the mental health of
children and young people in India is likely to have a lasting impact if we do
not act now! We must work with them to bust the stigma around mental health
that prevents many from sharing and seeking support. Lets together break the
silence and end stigma on mental health issues. We value UNICEF’s
partnership with ICC to break the silence. Together, through this platform we
hope to reach millions with the message, its okay to speak up about what’s
#OnMyMind.”
Cricket
fans are urged to visit the ICC online and digital channels to find out more
about how they can get involved in the campaign.
UNICEF
works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most
disadvantaged children. In more than 190 countries and territories, we work for
every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone. UNICEF India
relies on the support and donations from businesses and individuals to sustain
and expand health, nutrition, water and sanitation, education and child
protection programmes for all girls and boys in India. Support us today to help
every child survive and thrive.