UK’S MoD SIGNS MOU WITH GIVE AN HOUR, EXPANDING MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Washington, D.C., April 16, 2018 -- Last Friday (April 13) Give an Hour, the lead organization for the Campaign to Change Direction, signed a memorandum of understanding with the UK’s Ministry of Defence. This is a kick off to an ongoing partnership that includes this fall’s Global Summit on Mental Health Culture Change in London. Participating in the signing ceremony was Rt. Hon. Tobias Ellwood MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State and Minister for Defence People and Veterans, as well as Barbara Van Dahlen, PhD, Founder and President of Give an Hour. 

Rt. Hon. Tobias Ellwood MP - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State and Minister for Defence People - and Veterans and Barbara Van Dahlen - PhD, Founder and President of Give an Hour, the lead organization for the Campaign to Change Direction - sign a MOU signifying their new partnership.

“We are honored to be partnering with the Ministry of Defence and we’re so grateful for Minister Ellwood’s leadership and vision,” said Barbara Van Dahlen, Ph.D., Founder and President of Give an Hour. “I am proud that Change Direction’s public health message will be shared with the men and women who serve in the UK so that those in need recognize the Five Signs of Emotional Suffering and receive the care and support they deserve. We are also thrilled that this partnership will assist us in our ongoing effort to change the culture – globally – of mental health, because these challenges are not American challenges or British challenges – they are human challenges.” 

This partnership will allow the UK Ministry of Defence to utilize the key messaging of the Campaign to Change Direction to encourage emotional well-being and fitness within the MoD, while also ensuring that those in need receive proper mental health support. 

“We recognize the importance of mental fitness and want to ensure it’s emphasized on par with physical fitness. And that’s why I’m delighted to announce this partnership between the Ministry of Defence and Give an Hour,” said Rt. Hon. Tobias Ellwood MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State and Minister of Defence People and Veterans. “We will work together to share best practices and, alongside our partnership with Princes William and Harry, promote the importance of mental fitness throughout our Armed Forces. Give an Hour’s Five Signs of healthy habits of emotional-wellbeing will also feature on the back of cards for our new mental health hotline for serving personnel.”

Also included were special guests Talinda Bennington, Ambassador for the Campaign to Change Direction and Founding Partner of 320 Changes Direction, and representatives from the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs, in addition to Give an Hour partners from nonprofit and corporate communities. In 2017, Talinda Bennington partnered with Give an Hour, to create 320 Changes Direction – a new component of the Campaign to Change Direction. This new component was named in honor of Talinda’s late husband Chester Bennington – father of six, philanthropist and lead singer of Linkin Park – who died by suicide in July, 2017. Talinda serves as Ambassador for the Campaign to Change Direction and Founding Partner of 320 Changes Direction. 

“The partnership between Give an Hour and the UK’s Ministry of Defence to further the critical work of the Campaign to Change Direction is inspiring,” said Talinda Bennington, “The alliance will help countless people, empowering them with the tools they need to better understand their emotions and to care for their mental well-being.” 

In addition, this partnership will further the mission of Give an Hour – to provide critical mental health care to at-risk populations – and the Campaign to Change Direction – to change the culture of mental health around the world so that all in need receive the care they deserve. 

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About Give an Hour

Give an Hour™ is a national nonprofit 501(c)(3), founded by Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen – a licensed clinical psychologist. Give an Hour believes that, within our communities, we have the resources to address many of the challenges that face society – challenges that often result in emotional pain and suffering. By harnessing the skills and generosity of citizens across our nation and around the world, Give an Hour provides those in need with help and hope.

About the Campaign to Change Direction 

The Campaign to Change Direction is a coalition of concerned citizens, nonprofit leaders and leaders from the private sector who have come together to change the culture in America about mental health, mental illness and wellness.

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Chance Browning
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