Fundraise for Mental Health Peer Support Group and More
Marco modeling for our Moodlab project, a photography series that explores the inner world of bipolar disorder
Not only did Marco gain support from the group, he also became empowered to become a mental health advocate – for himself and others. Over the past few years, Marco has shared his own story on our WeChat platform; facilitated our support group in Beijing; and participated in many events to raise awareness, including with the British Club and Moishe House. Marco has also helped raise funds for CandleX, including for our second anniversary celebration. He continues to be active in the community, despite moving to another city.
Marco speaking with an attendee at a bipolar art show, sponsored by the British Club
Lindsay was an American expat who found it liberating to be able to talk about mental health issues with an understanding community in China. Together, they were empowered to share their stories on the Touch Beijing radio show October last year.
Xiaojie and Lindsay on the Touch Beijing International radio show
CandleX is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness of and provide English speakers in Beijing with psychosocial support for mental health conditions. We are committed to offering a safe space where all those affected by mental health conditions are acknowledged, accepted, and supported. Our Mental Health Support Group began in 2015 as one of CandleX’s main psychosocial support programs, and it continues to run to date. Every two weeks, participants of all ages with various mental health conditions meet to share their stories and find support through their peers. In these confidential gatherings, we also provide mental health education to participants and their loved ones to increase understanding of their conditions. Through the peer group meetings, our goal is to not only foster psychosocial support for individuals, but to also help participants become their own advocates. We do this by helping them navigate the world with the tools they learn from our support group. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have expanded our in-person groups to online meetings as well. Here’s a quick breakdown of the demographics of those we served during the first three years:
Our fundraising goal is to raise $10,000, which will help us run our mental health support group sessions for 2021. It will also help us develop our capacities to offer one-on-one coaching, facilitate training and increase public awareness through the media, including social media and TV. We also plan to organize community engagement events, such as suicide prevention panels, talks and workshops, as well as increase publicity so we can reach out to more people in need. We also intend to create opportunities for participants to share their stories in news journals and community events, in addition to general logistics such as securing a safe and confidential location, where group meetings are held in person.
Are you or a friend in a Crisis?
Your questions on mental health | CandleX Classroom
https://www.candlex.cn/classroom
Depression stories from our community members (both adults and teens)
CandleX Column | Community Writing
https://www.candlex.cn/community-writing
Pretreatment
CandleX Wechat Groups
all ages, add our admin: niama_elazzab
for 15-22 year old, add our admin: amaraprenderyya
Peer Support Group
biweekly meetings and biweekly hangout