Ayrshire and Arran Set to Tackle Stigma

Published 3 Mar 2010 14:49

Over 100 attendees flocked to an anti-stigma event at the Park Hotel, Kilmarnock, on the 1st March as part of the 'see me' national campaign to end the stigma and discrimination of mental ill health.

The Ayrshire and Arran community joined together to discuss ways to reduce stigma at a local level while local groups Ayrshire Anti Stigma Group, Ayrshire Recovery Network and NHS Ayrshire and Arran Healthy Working Lives signed up to the 'see me' pledge, as a demonstration of Ayrshire and Arran's commitment to tackling the stigma and discrimination of mental ill-health.

The 'see me' event began with a presentation of some of their recent campaign work on both a national and local level. Locals were invited to sign giant 'see me' badges as well as post comments on the interactive wall of support, which is currently running on the 'see me' website (seemescotland.org.uk/badge/).

The wall of support allowed attendees to complete the statement "see me, I'm...", encouraging people to see past the labels often attached to those with mental illnesses.

Suzie Vestri, 'see me' Campaign Director says: "The 'see me' regional meetings are a great opportunity for local people to speak out and challenge stigma. Today's event provided a platform for discussing how the community, and its residents, could help work together to reduce the stigma and discrimination of mental ill health."

"Three local Ayrshire and Arran organisations also signed the 'see me' Pledge. The Pledge is an important declaration for all the partners involved and we are grateful for the support and commitment of Ayrshire Anti Stigma Group, Ayrshire Recovery Network and NHS Ayrshire and Arran Healthy Working Lives in addressing the stigma of mental health in Central Scotland.

"Local Authorities and NHS Partnerships have a vital role to play in tackling the stigma of mental health for both staff and patients, and we hope that other Authorities across the country will follow Arran and Ayrshire Council's example and pledge their support in 2010."

Maggie Dhinsa chair of the Ayrshire Anti-Stigma Group commented following the event; "We are delighted to be signing the 'see me' pledge and are committed to supporting work that challenges the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental ill-health.

"The turn out at this event has been amazing and it has provided a useful platform for us to engage with a wide range of individuals and organisations to raise awareness of our local group and the good work that we are currently involved in."

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