PICK ME UP (AND HOLD ME TIGHT)
Youmanity reports on a most sensitive and innovative project that will raise awareness on the incresing incidence of suicide rates among young people.
Devised and delivered by ZU-UK in partnership with MIND in CAMDEN, Pick Me Up (and hold me tight) is interactive artwork project designed to raise awareness of suicide. At 11am on New Year’s Day 2020, all 34,000 public pay-phones across the UK will ring all at once. An interactive audio experience, Pick Me Up (and hold me tight) will start when the first call is answered. Using the buttons on the phone participants will be able to engage in a gentle, but thought-provoking experience about where they put value in small everyday things.
For those who won’t be able to make it to a public pay-phone, Pick Me Up (and hold me tight) will be available online via an audiovisual map that will track - in real time - which phones have been picked up and which ones are still trying to make a connection.
The project has been devised in direct response to the increase in suicides across the country. Statistically, young people will take their life at 11am on the 1st of January, every year. According to charity CALM, suicide is the biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK – over 4,300 take their lives every year.
When on New Year’s Day 2020, all 34,000 public pay-phones will ring simultaneously, we will have an opportunity to reflect, together - country-wide - on how communities are changing and most importantly, interact with people at the other end appreciating an interactive, intimate yet humorous audio experience.
About ZU-UK
ZU-UK is renowned for creating work in unconventional places and spaces and transforming audiences into communities. In the 15 years since forming, ZU-UK has staged critically acclaimed overnight performances, driven audiences around in taxis, boats, trains and set them up on blind dates in shopping centres.
About MIND in CAMDEN
Providing advice and support to anyone experiencing a mental health problem. The charity campaigns to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
To support PICK ME UP (and hold me tight) click HERE