Maybelline Advocates for Brave Talk at LCF
- Written byUna Lote Andzane
- Published date 22 March 2024
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Maybelline visits LCF to encourage students to have conversations about mental health with their friends with their new global initiative, Brave Together.
Recognising the importance of mental health is universal. However, finding the right approach to keep it balanced and nurtured can be challenging. This is where Maybelline New York saw an opportunity to make a difference. “Brave Together is Maybelline’s global mental health initiative which aims to destigmatise and democratise mental health across the globe,” says Alex Fraser, Maybelline Senior Product Manager leading the project. Developed in collaboration with esteemed global charity partners The Jed Foundation and Ditch the Label, Maybelline New York's global campaign aims to help young individuals grappling with anxiety and depression gain access to mental health support.
The campaign introduces a 1-hour training module called BRAVE Talk tailor-made for universities to empower their students with the skills and tools to engage in conversations about mental health with their peers. “82% of young people aged between 18-25 have or plan to reach out for mental health support. It’s an all-time high and we want to spotlight the support systems out there as well as free support available on campus,” Fraser explains. Led by Bushra Farooq, Trainee Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner from Ditch the Label, the session not only offers guidance on recognising signs of stress but also addresses potential barriers preventing individuals from seeking help.
The module was meticulously crafted to equip students with five essential steps for navigating conversations with friends who may be grappling with mental health issues and feel more confident to have those tough conversations. “We also cover additional aspects to exploring mental health, for example, thinking about intersectionality,” adds Farooq.
The event was brought to LCF by Lola Adams, BA (Hons) Fashion Marketing student currently undertaking her DiPS placement year at L'Oréal. “It feels really nice organising this kind of event for other fellow students, because I know how hard uni can get, especially in the first year,” she says.
Kicking off with a lively game of “Never Have I Ever,” the attendees bonded over disastrous experiments in the kitchen or swapping sleep for binge-watching their favourite TV shows. However, as conversations unfolded, it became evident that each person present has also grappled with their own mental health challenges or supported loved ones through similar struggles.
While the topic of mental health can sometimes feel abstract, the jarring statistics about its prevalence brought it back to reality. Farooq then went on to explain the importance of recognising the signs that someone may need help and guided attendees through BRAVE Talk, a framework that emphasises being present, selecting the right setting, asking empathetic questions, validating each other's emotions, and encouraging action.
Some of us may already be incorporating elements of BRAVE Talk into our interactions. “A friend of mine reached out to the UAL counsellors after I had talked to her in a similar way to what we’ve been taught today,” reveals BA (Hons) Critical Practice in Fashion Media student Hannah Row after the session. However, for others it might be necessary to structure these ideas to implement them in their lives. “In the world we live in, things can often get too overwhelming, so breaking it down into very simple steps for people to be able to recognise when something’s wrong is extremely valuable,” says Farooq.
While the topic of mental health might not be a novelty, the unique way each of us progress and evolve in our lives means that it’s one worth revisiting. Issy McElroy, first-year BA (Hons) Critical Practice in Fashion Media student, says that she didn’t think twice before signing up for the event: “When I saw that the event was about mental health, I signed up because it’s something that I’m passionate about,” she shares. “I was a mental health coordinator at my old school, so it’s something that I always love learning more about.”
By the end of the event, it had become crystal clear that discussing mental health isn't just acceptable; it's essential for a healthy and fulfilled life. Eli Branch, Internal Communities Manager and Staff Governor at UAL, emphasises the importance of translating words into actions: “It’s invaluable that we can talk about the things we have on flyers and on the website and organise actual events where you can meet in person, share your own experiences, and support each other with real-life issues.”
Being open about your emotions and feelings makes it easier to discover others who have gone through similar challenges. “The main thing is to know that there are people out there to help you and that you shouldn’t suffer in silence alone — there is someone who will and wants to speak to you, so you’re never a burden,” Branch reassures.
Get wellbeing support at any time
Get to know some of the key ways you can get mental health and wellbeing support while studying at LCF, UAL.
- Get free and confidential professional support from the Counselling, Health Advice and Chaplaincy services. Book an appointment via our online request form or attend a mental health advice drop-in (on-site or online).
- Find out how to get urgent mental health support.
- Download Togetherall, a free online mental health app, for 24-hour support.
- Find Quiet Spaces on-site for wellbeing and multi-faith purposes.
Hear from other students
Explore UAL Student Voices and listen to fellow students share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs of life at UAL. Gain insights, find inspiration, and join the conversation.
Student Voices is organised into topic collections, including a collection for ‘Mental Health and Wellbeing’. Here you will find student perspectives on managing stress, time management, belonging and more.
Written by LCF Newsroom Content Creator, Una Lote Andzane, BA (Hons) Fashion Journalism and Content Creation.
- Read more LCF Stories
- Read more about LCF's Newsroom
- Read more about Brave Together