Singapore landmarks turn blue to raise awareness of mental health during COVID-19

At 8pm tonight (May 7), 33 key Singapore landmarks across the island will turn blue as a display of solidarity against COVID-19.

Titled #SeeItBlue, this inaugural campaign seeks to highlight the importance of mental wellbeing during this trying time and raise awareness for mental health, as well as serve as an opportunity to thank all key workers on the frontline.

The nationwide light show will run every Thursday at 8pm until the end of the “circuit breaker” on Jun 1.

Venues that will light up blue as part of the display include ArtScience Museum, Cavanagh Bridge, Esplanade, Fullerton Hotel, Gardens by the Bay, Helix Bridge, ION Orchard, Marina Bay Sands, National Gallery Singapore, Raffles Hotel Singapore, Sentosa, The Arts House, Victoria Theatre and Victoria Concert Hall. 

The #MakeItBlue campaign started in the UK and is currently in 17 countries, including USA, Canada, Mexico, Spain, France, Italy, Denmark, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and now Singapore. It has inspired several initiatives working with celebrities and organisations across the globe to help with the pandemic.

The Singapore campaign is spearheaded by local communication agencies Hill + Knowlton Strategies, Lumina Live, Mercury Live and Mercury PR, and is supported by Keppel Group, Land Transport Authority, Marina Bay Alliance, Millenia Singapore, Pan Pacific Hotels Group, Singapore Tourism Board and Urban Redevelopment Authority.

“Apart from staying at home, we wanted to say thank you for all those who are at the frontline. These are medical staff who are risking their lives daily, but also stores, restaurants, cleaners, bus and train drivers, food delivery services – all who are risking their own health to care for others during the COVID-19 pandemic," said Gary White, who co-started the campaign in the UK. "But more importantly we wanted to remind people to self-care. Mental health is a priority for everyone, and we want to encourage people to seek help and not suffer in silence.”

The #SeeItBlue initiative intends to add more buildings and prominent areas over the next few weeks. The movement also seeks to encourage people to “see” and acknowledge the importance of mental well-being during these unprecedented times.

The National CARE Hotline provides emotional and psychological support for all who are impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and is manned 24/7 by trained volunteers. If you need someone to talk to, please call the Hotline at 1800-202-6868