Project Outcome: A Project Event - Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 Since it began in 2014, the Not Alone Campaign's message connecting with people is evident in the increase in supporters. Starting with around 100 supporters, the campaign has now grown, creating a community of people who want to spread the word about mental health. Over the years, more and more people have joined, and in 2023, we garnered around 350-400 supporters at each event. Another success the campaign has is that it leads more people to avail mental health services at our clinic, Whispers of Serenity. The campaign is making it easier for people to talk about mental health and take steps to feel better.

Project Objective: EVENT STRUCTURE Not Alone Stories highlights a lineup of 3-4 speakers from various backgrounds who will courageously share their mental health stories in both Arabic and English, each alloHed around 5 minutes. The speakers conclude their stories with “...this is my story, how does it affect you?”, prompting listeners to reflect on the impact of these stories on their own lives. Attendees can express their thoughts either verbally or by leaving positive messages on sticky notes, fostering a sense of communal support. DURATION AND TAKE AWAYS The event spans approximately 2 hours, providing a fruitful experience for participants. Beyond the individual stories, Not Alone Stories aims to leave attendees with valuable insights and a lasting reminder that mental health is just as crucial as physical health. The message is clear: mental well-being should be treated with the same seriousness and care as one's physical health. Not Alone Stories believes in the transformative power of storytelling. Recognizing that storytelling is an unconventional yet effective way to tap into emotions, the event seeks to facilitate connections among participants. By sharing experiences in the form of stories, the audience can easily relate to the experiences of others, creating a sense of belonging and realizing that they are not alone. CREATING A SAFE SPACE Not Alone Stories strives to be a safe space for everyone. To enhance the comfort and warmth of the environment, the space is set-up with cozy decorations, including fairy lights, lamps, candles, and comfortable seating like beanbags and floor pillows. The intention is to create an inviting atmosphere that encourages openness and a sense of belonging.