“Dear Friend” Campaign
• We live in a digitally connected world
BUT are we truly connected?
• The average Facebook user has more than 300 friends
BUT are they really our “friends”?
Would you say hello to a facebook friend
In real life?
“Dear Friend” Campaign
Aims To:
• Break down social barriers online
• Raise awareness about mental health on campus
• Create a supportive network of facebook friends
So that people are open to talk
So that people feel comfortable reaching out
So that people feel appreciated
“Dear Friend” Campaign
Concept
• Each campus has their own “Dear Friend” page
Ex. Dear Friend UToronto
• This page will serve as
• a community forum where people can share
experiences and start a dialogue
• an info resource about mental health and
services specific to each campus
“Dear Friend” Campaign
Concept
•Students will be able to send private messages to
the “Dear Friend” page about their experiences
with mental health
This will then be posted anonymously on the
page
• Students will be encouraged to post their own
“Dear Friend,” status updates to show support and
willingness to talk
Dear Friend,
I may not know you that well or we
may not have talked since high school
but I want you to know that if you
need someone to talk to I’m always
here. #notalone #mentalhealth
Can be posted on Official page or shared by
other students on their own wall
Dear Friend,
I am an athlete
I am an A student
I am outgoing
and
I have depression
#ok2say
Dear Friend,
I lost a friend to suicide last year. It was
an incredibly painful experience and I
still miss him so much. I have a hard
time understanding why...or if I could’ve
done something differently. I want you
all to know that if you ever need to talk,
I’ll listen. If you feel depressed, please
please get help. Life is too precious.
An example of what individual students may post on their
own wall.
Dear Friend,
I know it’s exams. So take
some time to destress
tomorrow with FREE yoga
given by @CarletonYogaClub
Exercise gives your brain a
boost and lifts your mood!
The page can be used to promote events on campus
that promote good health and community well being
Dear Friend,
First year is a time of freedom, new
opportunities, new friends, parties
and excitement. But first year can also
feel overwhelming and lonely. If you’re
feeling down, homesick or stressed,
come knock on my door. We’ll chill
over some tea and cookies.
Example of what a floor fellow may post on their wall.
Residences could also create their own “Dear Friend” page.
Dear Friend,
Let’s #challengeassumptions
I am your Professor
and I have
Bipolar Disorder
Dear Friend,
I was bullied in high school
because everyone thought I
was gay. I was. And when I
finally came out in
university, I was terrified.
Some of my friends were a
bit awkward about it, but
the ones that matter were
really supportive and
treated me no differently.
#ItGetsBetter
Dear Friend,
Today I was walking by the UCU, and I
heard a bunch of guys badly imitating
an Indian accent and laughing. As an
immigrant, I find that incredibly
offensive. Seriously that’s not cool.
Show some #respect #NotFunny. Let’s
work for an inclusive campus
community
Example of what students may
send for anonymous posting
Dear Friend,
I want to give a huge shout out to Jane
Doe. I was going through a really tough
time last year and this girl was so
incredibly supportive. She was always
willing to listen and gave very sound
advice. Having her as a friend has been
a true gift.
Example of anonymous posting. Recognizing good work is
important for continual interest in the page / campaign
Dear Friend,
1 in 5 Canadians will
have a mental
illness at some
point in their lives.
Mental illness is not
a sign of weakness,
it is a disease.
Let’s talk about it.
I was lonely...
“Dear Friend” Campaign
•Depends on active participation of students in
each campus. They will need to “like” page and
engage in conversation.
• Facebook page needs to have moderators that
will post anonymous messages.
• Relying on snowball effect for students to start
posting “Dear Friend” messages on their own
walls.
- Will need initial encouragement through
official “Dear Friend” pages.