Scotland Organisations Against Stigma
Raising awareness of mental health issues and tackling stigma in a thought-provoking and entertaining way.
Across Scotland from 1-26 October was the Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival. Reality was the theme of this year's festival, with over 300 events taking place.
Celebrating the artistic achievements of people with experiences of mental health issues, exploring the relationship between creativity and the mind, and promoting positive mental health and wellbeing.
Taking Action to End Stigma is a Scottish programme designed to encourage more Scots to talk openly about mental health in a bid to end stigma surrounding mental illness.
Supported by a joint investment from the Scottish Government and Comic Relief, this programme will be delivered over three years.
Building on the success of the see me campaign, The Scottish Accociation for Mental Health (SAMH) will be working in partnership with the Mental Health Foundation (MHF) to deliver an innovative programme that involves people affected by stigma and challenges the discrimination associated with mental ill-health.
Raising awareness of mental health issues and tackling stigma in a thought-provoking and entertaining way.
Across Scotland from 1-26 October was the Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival. Reality was the theme of this year's festival, with over 300 events taking place.
Celebrating the artistic achievements of people with experiences of mental health issues, exploring the relationship between creativity and the mind, and promoting positive mental health and wellbeing.
Taking Action to End Stigma is a Scottish programme designed to encourage more Scots to talk openly about mental health in a bid to end stigma surrounding mental illness.
Supported by a joint investment from the Scottish Government and Comic Relief, this programme will be delivered over three years.
Building on the success of the see me campaign, The Scottish Accociation for Mental Health (SAMH) will be working in partnership with the Mental Health Foundation (MHF) to deliver an innovative programme that involves people affected by stigma and challenges the discrimination associated with mental ill-health.
In funding this vital programme the Scottish Government and Comic Relief recognise that mental health stigma is a major human rights issue that should concern us all.
Most of us have trouble coping at times, and mental health problems are common enough that most of us will know somebody who has been affected in some way. However, feelings of shame can prevent people from seeking help and discrimination can greatly limit opportunities in employment, education and even to good quality health care.
Many people experiencing mental health problems find that they are avoided by those closest to them and most able to help - their family and friends - and as a result can face their difficulties alone.
We are therefore delighted to have an opportunity to work in partnership with SAMH and alongside a whole range of community organisations to help create a fairer and more inclusive society in Scotland.
-Isabella Goldie, head of Scotland, MHF www.samh.org
I've experienced mental health problems for most of my life and was hospitalised for 10 months, so I know how it feels to deal with the stigma of mental ill-health.
I've lost friends and have felt alienated by people who don't understand that, despite my illness, I'm still the same person.
I know first-hand that with the right facts and information, the stigma of mental ill-health can be reduced, which is why this new campaign is crucially important for the one in four Scots living with mental health problems.
- Lynsey Pattie (21 yrs old); volunteer with SAMH.