UNICEF Ambassador Elena Paparizou: "No darkness is stronger than the 'Light in our Soul' "

ATHENS - 17 OCTOBER, 2022 - On the occasion of World Mental Health Day on 10 October, UNICEF Greece Country Office and UNICEF Ambassador, Helena Paparizou, released a new version of the song 'The Light in Our Soul', in collaboration with 'Spyros Lambrou Children's Choir', with the aim of eliminating the stigma that still accompanies children and young people facing mental health issues.

As part of this activation, Helena Paparizou launched a social media challenge inviting all of us to 'light up' our social media accounts using this new version of the popular song, in order to spread the message that "no darkness is stronger than 'The Light in our Soul' ".

The challenge will run through the social media channels of both Helena Paparizou and UNICEF Greece until the end of October. We invite you all to share your own message and help us raise awareness on mental health issues! Upload your video using #TheLightInOurSoul with tag @UNICEFGreece and @HelenaPaparizouOfficial.

Based on official data from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), 1 in 7 adolescents - 10 to 19 years old - worldwide face a mental health issue. This figure rises to 1 in 5 adolescents across Europe and only a third of them receive primary care services. Furthermore, the stigma and lack of understanding of mental health issues can negatively affect children and young people's relationships with family and peers and lead to isolation and social exclusion.

UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador to Greece, Elena Paparizou said:

"All days are not the same. All of us have gone through or are going through moments and situations that have affected our mental health, either for a short or longer period of time and this is perfectly normal! It's time to talk openly about mental health. It’s time to break the stigma that unfortunately still accompanies individuals who are dealing with such issues, because no 'darkness' is stronger than the light that everyone hides within themselves. Let us all start this discussion together, openly, without taboos, in order to actively support every child, teenager and adult who may be struggling with their own 'darkness'."

The Head of the Communication Department of the UNICEF Office in Greece Olga Siokou - Siova also said:

"Although in recent years there has been great progress in the way we understand and address mental health issues, there are still many gaps in both the provision of support services and the elimination of stereotypes and negative beliefs. UNICEF calls upon and supports its Member States as well as national and local stakeholders to make children and young people's mental health a priority, with the aim of eliminating stigma and discrimination and creating an inclusive, equitable and supportive society."

From today until the end of the month, UNICEF Greece, together with Helena Paparizou, will undertake a series of activities calling on children, young people and adults to raise awareness of the important role that mental health plays at every stage of life - from childhood and adolescence to adulthood - and to show their support for people facing mental disorders, without discriminations.