October is SM Awareness: please help

The ‘Make a Noise for Selective Mutism Awareness Campaign’ is the social media arm of SMIRA’s Awareness Campaign for October 2015.  It involves an activity that we hope all ages can take part in, from grandparents to toddlers and even the family dog! Groups, school classes, etc. can also participate in any way they feel appropriate and it can also be expanded for use as part of a fundraising event, even without the video element.  Just be creative in what you do!

SMIRA’s aim is to raise awareness of selective mutism generally but also to raise funds to provide much needed training opportunities, particularly for health and education professionals and anyone who may be involved in the care and welfare of selectively mute children.

 Let’s help ‘our’ children find their beautiful voices!

How to take part in the ‘Make a Noise’ campaign:

·         First of all, think of creative ways to make a noise.  This could be using homemade musical instruments, household items, machinery or anything at all, then prepare to make a short video.  Wear fancy dress if you like, or do anything that might liven up your recording.  Our Music Therapist friend Kate Jones has provided some suggestions for making a noise – see below.

·         At the start, participants could say to camera that they are ‘Making a noise for selective mutism awareness, and ask (or nominate) xxx to do the same’.  Feel free to add any other comments that you feel might be relevant.

·         After completing the ‘noise making activity’ please either speak, hold up a card or add information under your video, saying ‘To donate, please text MAKE 15, followed by the amount, to 70070.’  (Our suggested amount is £3 but of course the donation can be for any amount).

·         SMIRA has a special ‘Makeanoise4SM’ page on facebook where you can upload your video, or use your chosen social media outlet adding the hashtag #MakeaNoiseforSM  or tag @InfoSmira  on Twitter.   

·         If you are too shy to appear in a video, you could if you prefer post a photo along with a text description of the event.

If you wish you can copy, paste and edit this underneath your video or photo:

·         Thank you XXX for my ‪#‎makeanoise4SM nomination. I have donated £3 to SMIRA. Now I would like to nominate XXX and XXX to make a noise for Selective Mutism awareness. Please text MAKE15 to 70070.
For more information on the campaign and Selective Mutism click here:http://www.smira.org.uk/

Thank you for taking part in our campaign!