Ice Bucket Challenge Revived for Mental Health Awareness, Raises £140,000

The Ice Bucket Challenge has returned in 2025 with a new focus on mental health, shifting from its original purpose of raising awareness and funds for ALS. Rebranded as the 'Speak Your MIND' challenge, it was launched by the University of South Carolina's MIND Club to combat mental health stigma, encourage open discussion, and support suicide prevention, particularly among youth and students. The format remains similar: participants dump ice water over their heads, post the videos online, and nominate others to join within 24 hours, with donations directed to Active Minds, a leading nonprofit for mental health advocacy. The campaign has rapidly gained traction nationwide, fueled by social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, and has already raised substantial funds for mental health initiatives. Organizers emphasize the importance of normalizing mental health conversations and providing a supportive platform for those struggling silently. The movement aims to make talking about mental health as routine as discussing physical health, using community participation to drive change.