Mental health anti-stigma event

Nearly 100 people were spoken to throughout the day. The event was run in partnership with Weston General Hospital, Time for Change, The Samaritans and Rethink. People were asked if they had five minutes to talk about mental health.

There was a table top display with literature and posters from local and national mental health organisations as well as a Recovery Tree with Christmas baubles with messages of recovery by service users, People were asked to add their own messages on the day. There were lots of give a ways with chocolates on offer, pens, badges, stress balls, car stickers and leaflets.  Staff and volunteers were on hand to discuss any concerns, queries or education requests.

Mental Health problems are common – they will affect one in four people – but nearly nine out of ten people who experience them say they face stigma and discrimination as a result. This can be even worse than the symptoms themselves. Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership are working with local groups to challenge mental health stigma and discrimination and the day was a great success in promoting awareness of mental health and breaking down stigma.