Words That Heal campaign seeks to break silence on youth mental health
A bold initiative harnesses creativity and community to support young South Africans facing mental health challenges.
A powerful national campaign titled Words That Heal is using music, public arts and community storytelling to break the silence around youth mental health.
The campaign officially launched on October 9 at Sandton City with an emotionally charged public event that drew hundreds.
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Words That Heal is a mental health awareness campaign designed to give young people across South Africa a platform to be heard, seen, and supported. The project weaves together three core elements: music, immersive public art, and community engagement, all in service of one goal: encouraging open dialogue around mental health.
It honours the legacy of the late rapper and mental health advocate Ricky Rick, who tragically took his own life in February 2022 after a long battle with depression. Through this initiative, his voice and message continue to reach those in need.
At the centre of the campaign is a powerful hip-hop track also titled Words That Heal, featuring Ricky Rick’s voice alongside voice notes of encouragement submitted by South Africans from across the country.
Wits University student Anele Nkomo, who attended the event, said, “When I heard the song, I just started crying. It felt like someone finally understood what I’ve been going through. It’s very difficult to be a student, with no funding and having no one to support you both emotionally and financially.”
Coinciding with the song’s release, an immersive Words That Heal pop-up installation opened to the public at Sandton City. Created in collaboration with renowned artist Samurai Farai, the space is a bold, emotional, and creative tribute to Ricky Rick’s belief in activism, the powerful intersection of art and activism.
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Visitors to the space are invited to reflect, write messages of hope, and browse limited-edition merchandise, including hoodies, scarves, and T-shirts. Proceeds from all sales go to the Ricky Rick Foundation, which supports youth mental health and creative expression as tools for healing.
Another attendee, Natasha van Wyk, said, “It was like the words I needed to hear but didn’t know how to say out loud. It reminded me that I’m not the only one who feels like this sometimes. I bought a hoodie, not just because I’m a fan, but because it means something now. It’s a reminder that I survived and I’m still healing.”
The installation runs until November 9, allowing the public ample time to visit, engage, and contribute to the cause. For those unable to attend in person, pledges of support can be made online at Rikyrickfoundation.co.za to contribute to mental health initiatives across the country.
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