Stories

May 13, 2020

Jack.org and Born This Way Foundation (a US-based nonprofit committed to supporting the wellness of young people and working with them to create a kinder, braver world), are excited to announce they’re partnering to launch #BeKindBeThere. The initiative aims to teach people how to practice kindness by giving them the knowledge and confidence they need to recognize when someone is struggling with their mental health, lean into tough conversations, and maintain their own mental health while providing support.

The launch coincides with Mental Health Awareness Month in the USA and asks young people everywhere to spend at least five minutes on Be There, Jack.org’s mental health resource that teaches young people how to recognize when someone might be struggling with their mental health and be there for them.

Be There's 5 Golden Rules give young people a guide to understanding how to support someone in any situation. Video tutorials, tips, Q&As and personal stories provide both mental health education and make it possible for us to support each other through mental health struggles.

Be There’s 5 Golden Rules are:

1. Say What You See — Break the ice and start a conversation

2. Show You Care — Build trust and support someone 

3. Hear Them Out — Be a good listener and balance the conversation 

4. Know Your Role —Set boundaries to protect your relationship and mental health 

5. Connect to Help — Access professional and community resource

Jack.org’s research found that 83% of young people have supported a friend struggling with their mental health, but only 39% of them felt prepared to offer the support that was needed. Research by Born This Way Foundation reinforces the need to prepare young people to look out for one another, with 74% of respondents to a survey expressing interest in resources that will help them support their friend’s mental health. Resources like Be There are especially important right now, as we all work to support each other’s mental health while we’re physically apart. Whether you have five minutes or five hours, head to BeThere.org to support your community and #BeKindBeThere. 

“Young people across North America are increasingly prioritizing their mental health and yet they often lack the resources and guidance to support their own or their peers’ mental wellness,” said Cynthia Germanotta, Co-Founder and President, Born This Way Foundation. “It is our responsibility to help youth to be there for each other, even though we cannot physically be together, and lead with compassion to support kind communities and a mentally healthier world.”

"We are beyond excited to be collaborating with Born This Way Foundation, coming together at a time when young people across North America are experiencing a significant increase in their need for mental health support,” said Jesse Hayman, Vice President, Jack.org. “So many of us know someone that is struggling but don’t know how to help.  BeThere.org helps provide the knowledge, skills, and confidence to step-up and be there for one another. It’s the place to go to learn how you can safely support people in your life. This partnership will bring awareness to an important resource and help increase our communities’ ability to identify and support people that are struggling with their mental health.” 

About Born This Way Foundation

Led by Lady Gaga and her mother Cynthia Germanotta, Born This Way Foundation was founded in 2012 to support the wellness of young people and work with them to create a kinder and braver world. To achieve these goals, Born This Way Foundation leverages evidence-based research and authentic partnerships in order to provide young people with kinder communities, improved mental health resources, and more positive environments – online and offline. To learn more, visit https://bornthisway.foundation/.

MEDIA CONTACT:

JoAnne Stayner

joanne@getfreshpr.com

604.603.0657