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Here’s how a community leader is spreading joy ahead of World Mental Health Day

George Miller's "Chalk About It" initiative promises to spread joy through chalked positivity in St Ann's Square, igniting conversations about mental well-being ahead of World Mental Health Day.
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A local musician, actor, technician and all-rounder at Manchester’s beloved arts hub 53two has come up with a brilliant idea to help people feel positive on World Mental Health Day next week.

It involves chalk and writing positive messages in St Ann’s Square in an organised team, who will love-bomb the area, with support from Manchester Council.

The hope is that Chalking about it will encourage people to talk about it.

We spoke to George Miller to find out more.

How did you come up with the idea for Chalk About It?

In 2018 my flatmate took his own life on the eve of World Mental Health Day.
A year later I decided to mark the occasion by spreading positive messages across the streets of Manchester, in chalk.
That’s how Chalk About It was birthed!
A few years and lockdowns later I’ve decided, with the help of my gorgeous workplace 53two, to do it again!
 

So it is open to everyone, as long as you have I.D and bring it along on Monday, 9th October?

It sure is!
Head to 53two for 10 pm with some I.D. and we’ll register you, arm you with chalk and send you to St Ann’s Square.
It’s really important that everyone comes to 53two first as the chalk we’ll give out is toxin-free and washed away!
It’s not permanent, which is part of the charm.
 

What do you hope to achieve with this brilliant community project?

The aim for Chalk About It is for the people of Manchester to wake up on World Mental Health Day, on their daily commute or on their way to get a coffee or their lunch, and see positive messages chalked onto the floor.
If it helps one person on World Mental Health Day, we’ve done our job.
George Miller’s ultimate wish is simple: that “Chalk About It” inspires conversations, offers solace, and, if only for a moment, brightens someone’s day.

If it achieves this, it has fulfilled its vital mission on World Mental Health Day.

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