Change Direction Initiatives
320 Changes Direction
The idea for 320 was born out of Talinda Bennington’s personal experience and the recognition that we can do better to address the needs of those who are suffering with mental health concerns and addiction. For 13 years she watched her husband Chester struggle with depression and substance use. She often felt scared and alone. She was uneducated about the challenges he faced and wanted information – but finding answers to her questions and available help for their family was very difficult.
After her husband lost his battle with depression and addiction, Talinda knew she had to make a change to the mental health landscape. Talinda is proud to join Give an Hour, the lead organization for the Campaign to Change Direction, and the Campaign’s 500+ organizations working to drive culture change.
Music Changes Direction
The Campaign to Change Direction, launched in 2015 by Give an Hour, is designed to change the conversation around mental health and emotional well-being. An essential aspect of this effort has been support from cultural icons and leaders from the world of entertainment – including music.
Music has a unique role for those who are experiencing emotional suffering and for the process of healing and recovery. It has the ability to affect the human spirit in a fundamental way. The contributions and the passion of musicians have been a vital component of our effort to change the culture of mental health and bring these conversations to a larger audience.
Books Change Direction
Reading stories is an important part of development – not just for literacy, but also because books become part of readers, quietly shaping views about themselves and the world.
Books are sometimes the only safe escape. Words and pictures can give comfort. Characters can provide friendship and family. They can provide understanding in self and in others. And most importantly, stories can provide hope.
Books Change Direction, educates about the importance of responsibly representing mental health and illness in stories, identifies and promotes books and authors that contribute to the culture of mental health, and helps people in need access these books.
As we work with authors, publishers, agents, librarians, teachers and communities across the country, we look forward to sharing books with you that change how we think about, feel about and care for our emotional well-being.
Film Changes Direction
Culture change happens faster if leaders and champions step forward to set examples for others to follow.
As we know, films play a critical role in our society. They reflect our culture and shape our perceptions, attitudes, and behavior. Film Changes Direction, identifies and promotes films that engage, inspire, and educate.
Corporations Change Direction
Corporations Change Direction gathers companies from a variety of industries that share a common goal—addressing the emotional wellbeing of their workforce. Participating businesses have demonstrated an interest in addressing these issues to ensure the health and wellbeing of their employees and their organization. And each is well-positioned to elevate this conversation and drive industry‐wide transformation.
On November 7th, 2019 at the Global Summit on Mental Health Culture Change in NYC, a Work Environment round table discussion of leaders from notable corporations, businesses, and organizations emphasized that emotionally healthy employees are more productive than those who are suffering from unaddressed mental health challenges. In other words, good mental health is good for the bottom line.
