As a Trust we are committed to reducing the stigma that is still associated with mental health and learning disability services.
“1.5 million people in the UK have a learning disability.”
Mental health and learning disability issues affect everyone. Even if we have not experienced mental illness ourselves, most of us will have a friend or family member who is affected in some way by these issues.
“1 in 4 people will suffer from mental health problems at some point in their lives.”
Our anti-stigma campaign, launched at our Annual General Meeting in September 2007, combines local, regional and national action and aims to raise awareness of stigma surrounding mental health and learning disability.
Our campaign has been well supported by the media and our partner organisations and has included the following initiatives.
Locally:
In January 2009 we held a ‘Building Bridges to Employment’ Breakfast Seminar to help local employers better understand mental health and mental illness and how it affects their workforce.
We continue to hold exciting and inspiring arts and crafts exhibitions as part of Nottingham Mental Health Awareness Weeks. ‘Celebrating Creativity’ held in 2008 and ‘Frame of Mind’ held in 2007 demonstrate the artistic talents of people who use or have used mental health and learning disability services, promoting a greater understanding of mental health.
In October 2007 we sent anti-stigma postcards to our Trust staff, partner organisations and stakeholders and asked them to send one to a friend to help spread the message that it’s OK to talk about mental health and learning disabilities.
We have worked on a new initiative with Making Waves to develop personal recovery plans for people using our services. The Trust recognises that everyone with mental health problems faces the challenge of recovery; of retaining or recovering a life that is meaningful, satisfying and valued as possible. The new documents will help them consider what they want and need for their own recovery and to have the same opportunities as other citizens to participate and contribute to our communities.
We have engaged with regional partners and the media to promote positive coverage of mental health and learning disability issues.
“Depression affects one in five older people living in the community and
two in five living in care homes.”
Nationally:
We have worked with respected organisations such as MIND, Making Waves and the Time to Change Campaign to help reduce stigma and discrimination linked to mental health.
“About 10% of children have a mental health problem at any one time.”
As a Trust we will continue to fight against the stigma and discrimination that many people with mental health problems and learning disabilities often face.
