The Sir David Martin Foundation launches new awareness campaign “Don’t Judge Me” to destigmatise youth addiction with The Zoo Republic.
As part of September’s Youth Recovery Month, Sir David Martin Foundation has launched a new awareness campaign to help reduce the stigma surrounding youth drug and alcohol addiction.
The “Don’t Judge Me” digital campaign challenges society’s ideas about youth addiction, highlighting the uncomfortable realities behind many young people’s problematic drug and alcohol use, including homelessness, mental illness, family breakdown, abuse, and trauma.
Creative and digital agency, The Zoo Republic, which has been a long supporter of the Sir David Martin Foundation, developed the campaign asking Australians to suspend their judgement, just for a moment, to hear the powerful stories of young people facing addiction.
The Sir David Martin Foundation and The Zoo Republic hope that the Don’t Judge Me campaign will encourage broader community discussion about youth wellbeing and addiction and ultimately encourage more young people to access support and treatment earlier.
General manager, Helen Connealy, said: “This campaign gives our Foundation a new platform to represent a youth voice and create a safe place to acknowledge, explore and discuss the complex circumstances that can lead to youth addiction.
“Misunderstanding often leads to stigma and judgement towards youth struggling with harmful alcohol and drug use.
“These are complex issues, and we are not excusing harmful behaviour that can sometimes accompany excessive drug and alcohol use.
“Rather we are encouraging our community to discuss the underlying reasons why so many young people suffer and turn to drugs and alcohol to deal with issues in their lives.”
Saskia Lo, Strategic advisor, said: “By provoking conversation with the question, ‘Would you judge me for that?’, instantly reshaped the discussion and in doing so, calls on Australians to open their hearts and minds too young people in crisis.”
Rexanne Hilliam, art director, said: “We don’t dismiss young people for the types of things that have led to their misfortune; so why are we so quick to judge them for their addictions? In doing so we have shut them off before even giving them a chance.”
A free online panel event will be held on Thursday 23 September 2021 at 5.00 pm. The event topic is Touchy Subjects: Does judgement limit young people’s potential?
Credits
Sir David Martin Foundation
Helen Connealy: General manager
Natalie Peck: Communications manager
The Zoo Republic
Saskia Lo: Strategic adviser charity and pro bono
Edward Nethery: Creative director
Rexanne Hilliam: Art director
Amandine Saille: Digital director
