At EHL, we believe that conversations about mental health should be as open and visible as any other topic that shapes our wellbeing. The Pippins Movement brings this belief to life through art; allying the playful and profoundness, inviting viewers to reflect on the contrast between what is visible and what is unseen. Hosting this movement on our campus is more than an exhibition, it is a statement of our commitment to fostering a culture of care, empathy, and dialogue. By blending creativity with awareness, we aim to inspire our community to see mental health not as a taboo issue, but as a shared responsibility where every gesture of openness and benevolence makes a difference.

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    The story and mission of the Pippins movement

    The Pippins Movement began with the vibrant yet deeply meaningful works of the late Charles Winthrop Norton. His collection of more than fifty color-pencil illustrations and twenty-one poems depicts a cast of whimsical characters, each called a Pippin. At first glance, they radiate humor and charm but take a look closer and each character reveal an exploration of life’s dualities between the outward appearance of normality and the inner struggles often hidden from view.

    Through his art, Charles invites us into a provocative conversation about vulnerability, resilience, and the complexity of human experiences. The mission of the Pippins Movement is to use art as a catalyst for change, breaking down the stigma around mental illness, providing access to mental health resources, and supporting education and research on mental health. Every Pippin serves as both a smile and a reminder that behind every face, there is a story worth hearing.

    EHL’s mental health initiatives

    At EHL, mental wellness is an integral part of our community’s health and wellbeing. We provide free and confidential consultations with our Mental Wellness Counsellor, ensuring that students and staff have a safe space to talk openly about what they are experiencing. Additionally, our school psychologists are available by appointment to provide confidential care and support. EHL promotes holistic wellbeing through a rich array of services and initiatives:

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     Health Services & Resources include on-campus first aid, nursing care, and guidance for non-emergency physical or mental issues 

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     A series of workshops and practices such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga, stress and time management, and art therapy.
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    A meditation room, offering a quiet space for reflection, prayer, or re-centering during a busy day 

    Our initiatives go beyond one-to-one support, fostering awareness and connection through partnerships with associations such as StopSuicide.ch, SOS Chiens Polaires, and AtheMae-Cabot’ins. Activities like “Operation Hug a Husky” bring therapy dogs to campus during exam periods, offering comfort and stress relief through simple, meaningful interactions.  We also host group conversations such as the “Circle of Care”, giving space for shared experiences in a safe and supportive environment.

    Every October, Health and Wellness Week brings together key mental health associations, including Pro Juventute, VoQueer , and ABA, to share resources on topics such as depression, suicidal thoughts, and eating disorders. These efforts aim to create a culture where mental health is understood, respected, and supported at every level of campus life.

    You can find a comprehensive list of EHL’s wellbeing services, ranging from counselling to workshops and physical health support on the Wellbeing & Support page

    If you need help now:

    • Call 143 – Free 24/7 helpline in French, or 0800 143 000 for English
    • Visit StopSuicide.ch – Swiss association for suicide prevention and mental health awareness
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    Chris Norton

    EHL and the Pippins movement: Why it’s on campus

    The arrival of the Pippins Movement on campus is a natural extension of EHL’s long-standing commitment to mental health awareness and support. Just as our ongoing initiatives encourage open dialogue and empathy, the Pippins invite us to explore the often-hidden layers of our own stories and those of others. By placing these artworks throughout the Lausanne campus, we are creating visual and emotional touchpoints that complement the resources already available, sparking reflection and conversation in everyday spaces. The Pippins are here not just as art, but as a living embodiment  of our culture of care, reinforcing the message that mental health matters and that no one need to  face their struggles alone.

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    Chris Norton on the movement and its place at EHL

    At the heart of the Pippins Movement is a deeply personal story, brought to life by the voice of Chris Norton, Charles’s father. In this exclusive interview filmed on our campus, Chris shares the origins of the Pippins, the vision behind the initiative, and how EHL has embraced it as part of our ongoing mental health efforts. The video offers a glimpse into Charles’s world and the impact his art continues to have, transforming spaces, inspiring conversations, and helping others feel less alone. Through this story, we are reminded that creativity and compassion can work hand in hand to make a lasting difference in our wellbeing.

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    Ways to join the movement and make a difference

    The Pippins Movement is an open invitation to take part in a conversation that matters. Here are a few ways you can get involved and help amplify its impact:

    • Explore the on-campus exhibition and follow the Pippins Trail during Health & Wellness Week
    • Attend the Pippins-themed evening at the Montreux Jazz Café, with part of the proceeds supporting StopSuicide.ch
    • Share your thoughts and photos of the Pippins on social media to inspire others
    • Purchase Pippin merchandise, with profits funding mental health awareness, resources, and research
    • Start a conversation with someone about the art and the message it carries

    Every action, big or small, helps to build a community where mental health is openly discussed and supported.

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    StopSuicide.ch and community engagement

     One of the key beneficiaries of EHL’s Pippins initiatives is StopSuicide.ch, a Swiss non-profit dedicated to preventing suicide and promoting mental health awareness. This partnership comes to life during the Pippins-themed evening at the Montreux Jazz Café, where 10% of the evening’s revenue will be donated to the organization. StopSuicide.ch provides educational tools, outreach programs, and resources for individuals in crisis as well as for families, friends, and communities. Students and staff can contribute by joining fundraising events, attending awareness workshops, or volunteering for their campaigns. By connecting the creativity of the Pippins with the impactful work of StopSuicide.ch, we aim to transform awareness into action. 

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