#WorldMentalHealthDay – Free Support Via #AugmentedReality

One in four people in the world will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives. With World Mental Health Day taking place on Wednesday 10th October, Enlighten has upgraded its world’s first FREE ‘AugMental Health’ Augmented Reality awareness raising campaign, created with Rethink Mental Illness.

Mental ill-health, including stress, depression and anxiety, is thought to be responsible for 91 million lost working days each year in the UK, more than for any other illness, costing workplaces £24 billion each year.

By raising awareness and reducing the stigma associated with mental illness Enlighten want people to become more open about their feelings and help friends, colleagues and family members identify mental health issues in people close to them.

A recent campaign saw a 47% increase in self-referrals for learners via AR posters, 43% increase in self-referrals for anxiety and depression and 27% increase in self-referrals for self-harm and 8% for suicidal thoughts and tendencies .

The day provides an opportunity “for everyone affected by mental health issues to talk about these growing issues, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide”.

This year’s theme is young people, the workplace and mental health in a changing world. Therefore, our innovative use of emerging technology is very relevant to raise awareness with the younger & work mobile generation.

Enlighten are releasing 4 x Augmented Reality posters that support learners & sufferers of mental health issues. There are an additional eight posters available to establishments on request. 

The Augmented Reality posters are being released to support World Mental Health day this week and will be distributed to Further Education establishments across the UK via the Blended Learning Consortium & individual FE colleges who have expressed interested.

Dealing with Stress	Depression	Panic Attacks	PTSD (Military)

These are great updated examples of our work and we are very proud that we have the involvement of not only UK Ministry of Defence personnel but also BBC, Rethink and the Chamber of Commerce.

These posters can be used as standalone printed awareness raising posters or as Augmented Reality portals that provide point of need support to individuals.

Each poster triggers relevant videos that gives mental health support and guidance via AR. Instant support and self-referral options can be accessed via a direct dial national helpline where sufferers/family/work colleagues can discuss mental health issues with trained professionals.

Additionally, learners are enabled to self-refer with an email to send requesting specific additional information. This simple approach removes barriers, therefore increasing the likelihood that those suffering will ask for support.

To trigger the Augmented reality content you will need to download the Zappar app (free on app store or google play store) and a Wi-Fi or 3G/4G connection.

Open the Zappar app and point the device’s camera at the full poster. This will activate the augmented reality trigger and the digital content from the poster.

All we would ask in return is that you share your thoughts or pictures/videos of you using our resources using your social media.

Suggested Social Media message: It’s #WorldMentalHealthDay on October 10 We are showing our support & raising mental health awareness by using @enlighten_ac FREE #Augmentedreality posters. Let’s take care of our well-being & support a positive mental health environment in the workplace. MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS.