Chester Bennington’s Linkin Park bandmates and children took part in Talinda Bennington’s ‘I Am The Change’ campaign on Tuesday to mark Chester’s birthday.
The campaign was to raise awareness for 320 Changes Direction, which helps those dealing with mental health and addiction issues. Chris Cornell’s widow Vicky and children Toni and Chris Jr. also took part. Toni also shared a video of Chris and Chester singing “Hunger Strike” on her Instagram story on her photography page. You can see the beautiful tributes below.
Talinda wrote on 320 Changes Direction’s website, “The idea for 320 was born out of my personal experience and the recognition that we can do better to address the needs of those who are suffering with mental health concerns and addiction. For 13 years I watched my husband Chester struggle with depression and substance use. I often felt scared and alone. I was uneducated about the challenges he faced and I wanted information – but finding answers to my questions and available help for our family was very difficult.
After my husband lost his battle with depression and addiction, I knew I had to make a change to the mental health landscape. I began speaking to as many mental health groups as I could find. Whitney Showler and Music For Relief have been very supportive and helpful on this journey.
So here is what I learned. We don’t need to create more programs – there are good ones out there. But we do need to do two things. We need to streamline access to the help that IS available. And we need to change the culture of mental health so that those in need – and their family members – are able to speak openly about their struggles so that they can seek the care they deserve.
I am proud to join Give an Hour, the lead organization for the Campaign to Change Direction, and the Campaign’s 500+ organizations working to drive culture change. And together with Give an Hour and other partners, we will build a new approach to ensure that those in need can easily find help – when they need it.”
Happy Birthday Chester-missing you…..sending all our love to you @TalindaB
#Iamthechange#makechesterproud pic.twitter.com/ZnmzSaGj1p— Vicky Cornell (@vickycornell) March 21, 2018
Love you and your angel babies. You make Chester so proud.
— Vicky Cornell (@vickycornell) March 21, 2018
❤️❤️ #320ChangesDirection #MakeChesterProud #changementalhealth https://t.co/bZ2yDAq3y1 @vickycornell pic.twitter.com/wSgBBZm6i5
— Talinda Bennington (@TalindaB) March 20, 2018
HAPPY BIRTHDAY my love @ChesterBe From the day we met, you have changed me for the better. Today, I honor you. RIP BOO. Visit https://t.co/bZ2yDAq3y1 to make a pledge to know the 5 signs of emotional health❤️#320ChangesDirection #Iamthechange pic.twitter.com/JpeXSmfWT0
— Talinda Bennington (@TalindaB) March 20, 2018
My sweet Jaime. You are all the best parts of your Dad. #320changesdirection #makechesterproud #IamtheChange @fargodidit pic.twitter.com/wFTz3Wf8Er
— Talinda Bennington (@TalindaB) March 21, 2018
❤️❤️ Love my LP Family. #320changesdirection #iamthechange #makechesterproud pic.twitter.com/cwxnJQIiKp
— Talinda Bennington (@TalindaB) March 21, 2018
Happy Birthday Daddy❤️ Love, Tyler,Lily, Lila, & Mommy #320changesdirection #makechesterproud #iamthechange pic.twitter.com/J8vDDfo8LS
— Talinda Bennington (@TalindaB) March 21, 2018
❤️❤️ #320ChangesDirection #MakeChesterProud #changementalhealth https://t.co/bZ2yDAq3y1 @AnnaShinoda @mikeshinoda pic.twitter.com/7cxe1MK8IM
— Talinda Bennington (@TalindaB) March 20, 2018