Museum of Lost & Found Potential

On World Mental Health Day 2019, a new exhibition reveals the stark and powerful picture of potential that is lost across the world to people, families, communities, businesses and society due to neglected mental health and suicide. It also shows the potential of everything that can be found when people receive the support they need. 

The museum shares 16 interactive portraits of people from across the world. Together these poignant, personal stories demand that more be done to support mental health across all aspects of our lives.

The museum has been created by Speak Your Mind – the nationally driven, globally united campaign that wants everyone, everywhere to have the mental health support they need, in partnership with HSBC.

Suicide has led to tremendous worldwide loss. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates the number of deaths by suicide at 800,000 across the world every year. That’s one person losing their life every 40 seconds. Suicide rates in the United Kingdom jumped nearly 12% in 2018, the first rise in seven years. This World Mental Health Day, the WHO wants to show that suicide is preventable. The Museum is a rallying cry to us all – it’s time for a mental health revolution. 

Through video, sound, and real and imagined artefacts, visitors will be transported to lost and found chapters in the lives of the people whose stories are told in the museum. There is a focus throughout, on the importance of the world investing more in the research and evidence that can identify solutions that improve mental health. 

The stories in the Museum of Lost and Found Potential range from a survivors of multiple suicide attempts now writing books, to those now receiving treatment. 

Visitors to the museum will be asked to ‘Speak Your Mind’ and add a message to the #SpeakYourMind #40seconds voice petition, being signed by people joining their voices together across the world to urge leaders to provide quality support in mental health so that everyone, everywhere can reach their full potential.

After the world premiere in London’s Covent Garden, the museum will journey across the world as a travelling exhibition. 

A digital version of a selection museum exhibits will also be available on gospeakyourmind.org

This exhibition contains stories that discuss suicide, child abuse, bullying, human trafficking,conflict, depression, and more difficult themes. We do have a mental health first aider inside if visitors need support at any stage, and visitors will be asked to be mindful of others attending.