Start Date
2005

Situation
It is estimated that one in every four people deals with a mental health issue. Regardless of nationality or economic status, these illnesses affect many families. FYMP has a mission to help those in need get the resources to help deal with these issues.

Solution
FYMP was formed by people who have had family members suffer from mental health issues and saw how difficult it was to find help. The goals of FYMP are to:

• Raise awareness about the problems that families and their loved ones deal with regarding mental health issues.
  
• Give the general public information about where to look for help.
  
• Reduce the stigma people have about mental health.
  
• Demonstrate that many people with mental health issues live happy, healthy lives.
  

There are many great organizations that can help individuals with mental health issues, but finding them can sometimes be difficult. With help from corporate and public sector sponsors, FYMP is able to get the messages out to reach hundreds of thousands of people who may not otherwise know where to look for help.
FYMP is also working to educate the general public on mental health issues and break down existing stigma. To achieve these tasks, the FYMP approach includes:

• Radio, TV and PR
  
• Music Events
  
• Engagement of Political and Community Leaders
  
• Engagement of Corporate Partners
  
• Movie Nights
  
• Event Booths for On-Site Information
  

Results
FYMP’s kickoff events in Los Angeles, California, in August 2005 reached more than 100,000 people in the area through festivals, movie screenings, and TV and radio appearances.

Contact
For more information on the Free Your Mind Projects, contact Brian Canning; phone: 310–317–0387; e-mail: info@fymps.com; Web site: www.fymps.com.