Can Craft Help Unravel Mental Health Stigma Among Youths? Geneco Thinks So
In an innovative and heartfelt initiative, Geneco is leveraging the art of crochet to spark conversations about mental health among Singapore's youth. This National Day, the company is partnering with creators Edwin Goh and Rachel Wan to showcase a collection of handcrafted fashion pieces that delve into themes of grief, renewal, and personal growth. The campaign, aptly titled "Begin Again," is a testament to the power of creative expression in fostering emotional healing and resilience.
A Personal Journey of Healing and Creativity
The collection of nine crochet creations is a reflection of Goh and Wan's own experiences with loss, burnout, and rebuilding. Wan, who picked up crochet as a child, introduced the craft to Goh early in their relationship. What started as a shared hobby became a therapeutic outlet, allowing them to process emotions and navigate challenging periods together. The "Dissolve" design, for instance, symbolizes the ever-evolving nature of identity, beginning with a structured silhouette and gradually unravelling into a more relaxed form. Similarly, "Rorschach (What do you see?)" draws inspiration from the psychological inkblot test, highlighting the subjective nature of experiences.
Goh and Wan's personal connection to the collection is evident in their statement: "Starting over can feel uncomfortable, even scary, but it is in these moments that the most growth happens. Crocheting gave us a way to slow down, be present, and process our emotions. Through this campaign, we hope to encourage young people to embrace pauses, resets, and taking things one step at a time."
A Platform for Youth Expression and Engagement
The "Begin Again" campaign is not just about the crochet pieces; it's a platform for youth expression and engagement. Visitors to the exhibition at grovve, Singapore's integrated youth wellness centre, can vote for their favourite designs. Each vote contributes to Geneco's SG$10,000 donation to Beyond the Label, a mental health movement, further amplifying the impact of the campaign. This interactive element empowers young people to have a say in the conversation, fostering a sense of ownership and community involvement.
Building on Previous Initiatives
This campaign builds upon Geneco's commitment to youth mental wellbeing through creative storytelling. Last year, the company collaborated with actor and artist Chen Xi on the "Lost to be found" initiative, which explored themes of uncertainty, resilience, and self-discovery through illustrations inspired by Singapore's green spaces. The campaign, also exhibited at grovve, included donations to Beyond the Label and Mindfull Community, demonstrating Geneco's dedication to making a tangible impact.
A Broader Impact on Mental Health Support
Geneco's efforts extend beyond the campaign's duration. The company's partnership with Beyond the Label and grovve is now in its third year, and the "Begin Again" campaign is a testament to its ongoing commitment to supporting mental wellbeing. By providing accessible creative outlets and community engagement, Geneco is helping to unravel the stigma surrounding mental health among young people. The campaign microsite, where the public can view the collection and vote, further emphasizes the brand's dedication to engaging and empowering its audience.
In conclusion, Geneco's use of crochet as a therapeutic and expressive medium is a powerful step towards destigmatizing mental health issues among youths. By sharing personal stories and creating a platform for youth engagement, the company is not only supporting individual healing but also contributing to a broader cultural shift towards openness and understanding.
