SM Cares’ multi-mall mental health caravan created safe spaces for young people to share, connect, and build resilience
When it comes to mental health, it is essential to create spaces where young people can express themselves, feel heard, and be reminded of their worth. Providing safe environments where they can openly share their thoughts and reach out for support is more important than ever.
As part of its commitment to empowering the next generation of Filipinos and building stronger communities through meaningful youth experiences, SM Cares launched Better Days: A Youth Mental Health Caravan. The initiative was organized in partnership with Mental Health Youth Hub PH, I AM MAD (Making A Difference), the National Youth Commission, and Global Peace Foundation Philippines.
The multi-mall initiative was geared toward creating safe, welcoming spaces where young people could speak openly about their experiences, learn practical ways to care for their mental well-being, and discover that they do not have to face difficult days alone.
Held at the SM North EDSA Skydome last July 3 to be followed by activations at SM Center Pulilan Atrium and SM City Molino Cinema 1 the caravan carried the theme, “A Space for Sharing of Hope, Creating Connections, and Building Better Communities.”
“At SM Cares, we believe a stronger nation begins with young people who know that their lives matter, that their voices have value, and that there are people and communities ready to stand beside them, said Joaquin San Agustin, Executive Vice President for Marketing of SM Supermalls. “And when young people feel heard, valued, and supported, they become better equipped to face challenges, care for others, and take part in building the communities they want to live in.”
Through conversations, panel discussions, activities, and messages from youth advocates and resource speakers, participants envisioned how days could get better and how they can help create them—for themselves and for others. The program encouraged young people to share their struggles, strengthen their resilience, and make every day self-care a routine.
Mental health advocates and friends of the cause such as broadcaster and television personality Kuya Kim Atienza joined the featured speakers at the SM North EDSA leg, helping inspire participants through conversations on well-being and resilience.
Better Days was carried out by SM Cares in collaboration with Mental Health Youth Hub PH, I AM MAD (Making A Difference), the National Youth Commission, and Global Peace Foundation Philippines, with support from the Global Youth Summit.
The initiative came after SM Cares, the National Youth Commission, represented by Commissioner Undersecretary Joseph Francisco “Jeff” Ortega, and Mental Health Youth Hub PH signed a memorandum of understanding on June 24. The agreement formalized the organizations’ collective commitment to promoting youth mental health and well-being, laying the groundwork for the Better Days initiative.
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