Pop star Harry Styles has unwittingly become a major supporter of mental health initiatives after being spotted carrying a canvas tote bag belonging to the Other People Fund. The bag, which was designed with Styles in mind, has helped raise $40,000 for the fund, enabling more than 1,300 therapy sessions for people who cannot afford treatment.
The Other People Fund, an independent project started by Elena Kilgore, was born out of her personal experience when she found therapy too expensive after a break-up. Realizing that cost was a major barrier for many people seeking mental health support, she decided to create clothing with a playful message advocating for therapy.
Kilgore, who initially planned to keep the project small, contacted Styles' stylist through Instagram and was thrilled when they purchased both a shirt and a tote bag. When fans spotted Styles walking through London with the large canvas tote, photos quickly spread across social media, attracting thousands of visitors to the charity's website.
The sudden attention had an immediate effect on sales, with the brand making $40,000 directly from merchandise sales. The money went towards the project's non-profit organization, Support for the Psyche, which has so far paid for 1,300 therapy sessions for those in need of financial support. Kilgore emphasizes that finance and mental illness are intertwined, with many still unable to afford the treatment they need despite growing openness about mental health. The project continues to sell merchandise, including special tote bag collaborations, with all proceeds going directly towards helping people pay for mental healthcare.