Frequently asked questions about 10 oktober

10 oktober is a movement for mental health and brain health with a simple aim: to help build a society where more people feel well. We want to create more places where people with different experiences, knowledge and perspectives can meet, talk, listen and learn from one another. On 10 October we gather at Sergels torg in Stockholm for the year's shared manifestation. The day ends with a procession of light through Stockholm.

10 October is World Mental Health Day, the international day for mental health. It is the day when we together turn the light towards mental health and brain health, and show that they need to be given the same priority as physical health. At the same time, 10 oktober is a movement that lives all year round.

The 10 oktober movement brings together people, companies, organisations, associations, municipalities and others who want to contribute to a society where more people feel well. We believe in the meeting between different people, experiences and perspectives. No one has all the answers. But everyone can do something. The movement exists all year round. 10 October is our shared gathering point.

We stand behind the equal worth of every person. We want to contribute to a society where mental health and brain health are given the same priority as physical health, and where people meet each other with respect, understanding and compassion. 10 oktober is independent of any religion or political party.

Mental health and brain health concern us all. They are about how we feel and function in everyday life, and about what happens when life becomes hard. Brain health also puts focus on the role the brain plays in how we feel and in our ability to function through life. We want to make room for different perspectives, knowledge and experiences, and for conversations about what can help more people feel well.

No. 10 oktober is for everyone. For those who feel well. For those who are struggling. For those who love someone who is struggling. For those standing alongside. For those who want to learn more. And for those who simply want to show their support. Mental health and brain health concern us all.

On 10 October we fill Sergels torg with people, organisations, knowledge, experiences, music and conversations about mental health and brain health. The programme on the square begins at 12.00. At 16.00 we gather for the procession of light, and at 16.25 it sets off through Stockholm. Everyone is welcome and taking part is free of charge.

Light symbolises hope, compassion and community. When we walk together through Stockholm, the light also becomes a visible way of showing that we are many who want to contribute to a society where more people feel well. No one should have to walk alone through the darkness.

Around 1,500 people are lost every year in Sweden to suicide and to deaths where suicide is suspected. We want to gather at least as many people to honour those we have lost, but 10 oktober is about more than suicide prevention. We gather for everyone affected in different ways by mental ill health and by illnesses or conditions that affect the brain, for those standing alongside them, and for everyone who wants to contribute to a society where mental health and brain health are taken as seriously as physical health.

Everyone. Come on your own or together with family, friends, colleagues or others you care about. You do not need to belong to any organisation or share any particular view on what it takes to strengthen mental health and brain health in society. It is enough that you want to show your support for a society that actively works for more people to feel well.

No. Taking part at Sergels torg and in the procession of light is entirely free of charge.

We would very much like you to register. Registering helps us plan the day and at the same time lets us show how many we are who want mental health and brain health to be given greater focus in society. Taking part is free of charge. Register via Luma: https://luma.com/bsb5xy91

Yes. 10 oktober is for people of all ages, and children are welcome together with an adult.

No. 10 oktober is meant to be a safe and inclusive place for everyone. We therefore do not allow political, religious or other campaigning messages, demonstrations, campaign materials or placards during the procession of light or within the 10 oktober event area at Sergels torg. People with different backgrounds, convictions, experiences and perspectives on mental health and brain health must be able to meet here. You are welcome exactly as you are. We ask everyone taking part to respect that 10 oktober is independent of any religion or political party, and that this day is a place for the human being, not for other agendas.

Yes. Everyone is welcome. That includes politicians and people or organisations with a religious affiliation. But participation takes place on the same terms as for everyone else. 10 oktober is not an arena for party political, religious or other campaigning. At Sergels torg and in the procession of light we set such messages aside and gather around the human being and our shared ambition for more people to feel well.

Yes. #10oktober exists to be used. We want to make it easier for people to find events, conversations, activities and initiatives about mental health and brain health, all year round. You are therefore welcome to use #10oktober when you arrange something with a clear connection to these questions. Using #10oktober does not mean that the event takes place in collaboration with, is recommended by, or is the responsibility of the 10 oktober movement. The use must not conflict with our fundamental values, or be used in a way that is misleading or risks harming the purpose of the movement. In the event of misuse, we reserve the right to ask for #10oktober to be removed from the communication.

The logo may be used by 10 oktober's own operations and by approved partners. Using #10oktober therefore does not automatically give the right to use our logo or to call yourself a partner. If you want to use the logo, get in touch with us about a collaboration.

Yes. We want to encourage more people to create inclusive places where people can meet around mental health and brain health. It could be conversations, lectures, company events, local activities or entirely different initiatives, and they can take place at any time of year. If you want to arrange something under the 10 oktober name, use our logo, or communicate that the event takes place together with us, we first need to agree on a collaboration. 10 oktober is not responsible for events or activities arranged by others outside our own organisation or without an explicit collaboration.

Yes, gladly. We would like more places to draw attention to mental health and brain health on 10 October. If you are a private individual, or represent a municipality, a town, an association, an organisation or another operation, and want to create a local manifestation of light in collaboration with 10 oktober, send us an expression of interest. Our hope is that in time the light will be lit in many places.

Yes. Companies, organisations and other operations can contribute funding, knowledge, experience, networks and other resources that help 10 oktober reach further and grow. A partnership is decided together with 10 oktober and means actively standing behind our shared aim.

Help us reach more people. The more who know about 10 oktober, the more can join in and together put the focus on mental health and brain health. Come yourself and bring the people around you. We would also be glad if you helped spread 10 oktober on your social media. Download our 10 oktober badge from the website and use it with your profile picture, or share a post of your own about 10 oktober. Share our website, the Luma event and #10oktober, and encourage others to register. Every registration helps us show how many we are who want a society where mental health and brain health are given greater focus. Register and share the Luma event: https://luma.com/bsb5xy91

Start a conversation. Create an initiative. Help someone else find their way here. No one can do everything. But everyone can do something.

The income from this year's event is used to carry out 10 oktober and to create the conditions for the initiative to keep developing and growing. Once this year's costs are covered and funds have been set aside for the continued work with 10 oktober, part of the remaining surplus will be donated to the Tim Bergling Foundation.

10 oktober creates meeting places and conversations around mental health and brain health, but we do not provide care or treatment. If you need professional support, you should turn to healthcare services or another relevant support organisation. In an emergency, or if there is an immediate risk to life, call 112.

For partnerships, collaborations, local manifestations of light, visibility and other ways of creating something together with 10 oktober, contact Viveca Viso at viveca@visocollective.com.

You are very welcome to contact Viveca Viso at viveca@visocollective.com.