[Croatia] Support WeTalk – a socially engaging video series and campaign on mental health

BoliMe wants to create new episodes of the WeTalk video series to support the mental health of individuals and communities

Who are we?

BoliMe is a volunteer team of committed professionals with backgrounds in psychology, philosophy, academia, acting, design and film directing. We have six years of experience working in the field of mental health, in Croatia. BoliMe was launched for personal reasons, but immediately, we recognized the lack of content related to supporting the mental health of young people. For more than five years, as an NGO, through educational and artistic activities, BoliMe has put mental health back in the public’s view and has encouraged open dialogue. We believe that each of us must give equal value to our physical and mental health in our personal search for a meaningful life. Our primary goal is to strengthen the area of prevention and promotion, which is neglected in Croatia and Eastern European countries.

What is WeTalk ("Pričamo" in Croatian)?

WeTalk is a socially engaging video series on the topic of mental health. Its aim is to normalize conversations on life and mental health amongst a variety of individuals with different perspectives. WeTalk wants to challenge the existing thinking in order to reach a state where mental health is a key component in all conversations about overall health, as well as a qualitative guarantee in our lives. But this can only happen with your support!

WeTalk touches upon a substantial part of each of us, brings us closer, and clarifies the complexity and simplicity of our humanity and position in the world. It is both a mirror and an X-ray that tells universal human stories in a way that helps us sense, recognize and know ourselves and others better.

The series aims to address common and stigmatized themes in our communities in order to improve our overall quality of life and the maturity of our society. By watching the series with a critical eye we observe common issues, create our own analogies and conclusions, and use the suggestions to advance our mental health and that of the communities we live in.

Each episode is based on a specific theme that proceeds from: a basic understanding of mental health; who are mental health professionals; what are emotions and why do we need them; how to deal with anxiety, shame, and sadness; how to cope with grief; why it is important to seek help when we cannot help ourselves; what are healthy, household relationships, etc. These are just some of the topics discussed in an environment that asks the basic human question: how can we live better?

People already love WeTalk!

The first ten episodes of WeTalk have already been viewed more than 43,000 times on YouTube. The series also aired on Croatian National Television (HRT) during the March–May lockdown as part of a school program.

Why support WeTalk?

By supporting our campaign you are donating with the belief that we should openly discuss our mental health and the challenges we face. By providing information and support, and offering normalization — not only to children, but also to their parents, teachers and school personnel — we can change the lives of children. Mental health is not just a health issue, it is a community issue that impacts the quality of education students receive, the atmosphere in our schools, the career options of young people and wider opportunities for a good life.

By donating, you are helping to create the direction and inspiration that could improve quality of life for thousands. Donating to this campaign is a symbolic investment in the development of children and the communities that raise them; it’s an investment in holistic health — one of the 17 goals of the United Nations Resolution on Sustainable Development (Sustainable Development Goals SDGs; "Change the World: An Agenda for Sustainable Development 2030").

More concretely, your donation will contribute to the production of five new WeTalk episodes with English, Bulgarian, Romanian, Albanian and Hungarian translations. Our fundraising goal of 10,000 EUR will cover concept writing, organisation, film technicians and crew, equipment, pre and post-production, translation for all 20 episodes in regional languages, and even an awareness-raising campaign.

Help us continue the series and our campaign!

We greatly appreciate the support we have received for the WeTalk series and campaign from our amazing donors! It is only through donors like you that we can help children and young people address the mental health challenges they face to live a healthier life.

You can help in the following ways:

• Make a pledge - any amount, large or small, will go towards making a difference in the lives of young people
• Share our campaign on social media - help us reach more people through your network
• Tell your friends, family and colleagues about our campaign - spread the message far and wide

What your donation can provide:

• 1-5 EUR - Outreach support to children/youth in need
• 10 EUR - Camera rental per minute for one episode
• 25 EUR - Expert (psychologist) input on the script for one episode
• 50 EUR - Producer/photographer for half an episode
• 100 EUR - Final editorial work on one episode

*2% of your donation will be cycled into expenditure costs.