As the circuit breaker has resulted in more people staying at and working from home, mental health issues have become a rising concern. To show people that they are not alone, Singapore will host a light show every Thursday at 2000 hrs SGT until June 1.
Thirty-Three key landmarks will turn the skies into a beacon of blue across the little red dot. The display of blue will remind Singaporeans of three things. Firstly, it is an act of solidarity, secondly, it is to highlight the importance of mental wellbeing during this time and lastly, it will serve as another opportunity to thank all key workers on the frontline.
The venues that will be part of the display include:
ArtScience Museum, Cavenagh Bridge, Coleman Bridge, Clarke Quay Central, Clemenceau Bridge, Elgin Bridge, Esplanade, Faber Peak Singapore, Fullerton Hotel, Gardens by the Bay, Helix Bridge, ION Orchard, Marina Bay Sands, Marina Square, Marina Bay Financial Centre*, Marina One*, Maybank Tower*, Millenia Tower, National Gallery Singapore, Ocean Financial Centre, One Raffles Quay*, One Raffles Place*, Orchard Central, OUE Bayfront*, Pan Pacific Singapore*, PARKROYAL Collection Marina Bay*, PARKROYAL Collection Pickering*, Raffles Hotel Singapore*, Republic Plaza, Sentosa, Suntec City, The Arts House*, Victoria Theatre and Victoria Concert Hall.
The #MakeItBlue campaign started in the UK and is currently in 17 countries. It has inspired several ‘it blue’ initiatives working with celebrities and organisations across the globe to help with the pandemic. The most prominent initiative is #LightItBlue.
Here in Singapore, the inaugural movement will be called #SeeItBlue which will launch nationwide on 7th May 2020 and will focus on mental health.
Gary White, who co-started the campaign in the UK said: “Apart from staying at home, we wanted to say thank you for all those who are at the frontline. These are medical staff who are risking their lives daily, but also stores, restaurants, cleaners, bus and train drivers, food delivery services – all who are risking their own health to care for others during the COVID-19 pandemic. But more importantly we wanted to remind people to self-care. Mental health is a priority for everyone, and we want to encourage people to seek help and not suffer in silence.”
For anyone experiencing any mental health issues, #SeeItBlue recommends calling the National CARE Hotline.
The National CARE Hotline provides emotional and psychological support for all who are impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and is manned 24/7 by trained volunteers. If you need someone to talk to, please call the Hotline at 1800-202-6868.
THE LIFESTYLE COLLECTIVE 