The Musicians Union of Malawi (MUM) has launched a fundraising drive to raise K25 million to support the continuation and expansion of its Healing Minds, Saving Lives Mental Health Initiative.
The campaign is designed to promote mental health awareness and support among artists and communities across Malawi.
It was introduced in response to growing concerns around mental health challenges affecting creatives, including depression, anxiety, stress, trauma and substance abuse.
Through the campaign, MUM seeks to reduce stigma surrounding mental health and encourage artists to seek support when facing challenges.
According to a statement signed by MUM general secretary Tonney Chitimatima, the initiative’s first phase was successful, reaching hundreds of artists through awareness workshops across the country.
“With support from the Copyright Fund and in partnership with Malawi College of Accountancy, the campaign has already reached hundreds of artists in Lilongwe, Mzuzu, Balaka and Blantyre,” he said.
Chitimatima said that the next phase will focus on producing music videos for mental health awareness songs composed and recorded during the workshops, promoting the songs through different media platforms, strengthening partnerships and conducting more awareness sessions.
In an interview, MUM president Vita Chirwa said the positive response from artists has encouraged the union to continue with the programme and expand its reach to more creatives as well as communities across the country.
“Mental health continues to be a big issue affecting not just artists but as well as communities so we want to reach more people as we fight against these issues,” he said
Chirwa said the fundraising campaign seeks to ensure that the initiative continues beyond the initial activities and reaches more people who need mental health information and support.
“We are calling upon members, partners, fans and well-wishers to support this cause in any way they can. Mental health affects everyone and together we can create an environment where artists feel supported and are able to seek help,” he said.
Chirwa said many artists face mental health challenges and through the initiative MUM wants to create awareness and encourage creatives to talk about their struggles and seek help when needed as they expand the same to communities.
The Healing Minds, Saving Lives initiative is part of MUM’s efforts to address mental health challenges within the creative sector while promoting conversations around well-being among artists.
