2. Who we are Ireland’s National programme working to change minds about mental health problems Works in partnership with over 45 organisations to create a disruptive, community driven social movement to reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with mental health problems We're passionate about equality, and part of our mission is to ensure that everyone enjoys the same rights on an equal basis
3. Our Messages Mental health problems can affect anyone at any time during their lives Mental health problems are part and parcel of being human People with mental health problems can and do recover Everyone has the power to help stop the stigma and discrimination of mental health problems
4. What we want An environment where people can be more open and positive in their attitudes and behaviour towards mental health Greater understanding and acceptance of people with mental health problems Greater understanding and knowledge of mental health problems and of health services that provide support for mental health problems A measurable reduction in the stigma associated with mental health problems
5. Why it matters Stigma can and does stop people coming forward for help People who experience mental health problems report that stigma can often be as difficult to deal with as the experience of being unwell Stigma has a social and human cost for the individual; limiting access to employment, housing, education and social participation Stigma is felt most acutely by groups at higher risk of suicide, including males aged 18-24
6. Why it matters “ If I had not felt the stigma myself, then I might have sought help earlier when only assistance was needed and my troubles were small ones. This to me is the importance of reducing the stigma attached to mental health issues. Like an untreated wound can become a more serious infection, something as simple as finding it difficult to cope can all too quickly descend into debilitating depression” – Dave, Make a Ripple ambassador
7. What we know At least 1 in 4 people in Ireland will experience a mental health problem at some point in their lives 2 in 3 strongly agree that those with mental health problems should have the same rights as others but only 46% say this is in respect of job rights Public attitudes to mental health problems (Millward Brown Lansdowne), See Change, 2010
8. What we know 48% would hide a diagnosis from co-workers 47% believe that a diagnosis would have a negative effect on job prospects 29% would delay seeking help for fear of someone knowing about it 53% of young men would not know what to do to help someone with mental health problems Public attitudes to mental health problems (Millward Brown Lansdowne), See Change, 2010
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12. Where we work Grassroots activity like town hall meetings, community events, supporting local groups Partner activity where we work with over 40 organisations to share capacity and mobilise change Online through campaigns like Make a Ripple, our social networks and our e-news service Workplace settings where we train employers and employees to promote positive attitudes to mental health
13. What’s happened Make a Ripple campaign Online campaign to encourage people to share their experiences of mental health problems, stigma and recovery Backed by well known faces from the world of sport and broadcasting including Eileen Dunne, Shane O’Donoghue and Claire Byrne Over 300 inspiring stories submitted so far on www.seechange.ie, sold out campaign launch with the Dublin Gospel Choir, nationwide media coverage of the campaign and people’s individual stories
14. What’s happened Nationwide Town hall meetings Open invitation town hall meetings in every region of Ireland See Change is not a Dublin-centric campaign, it is about helping to mobilise change at community level all over Ireland 20 local and regional meetings reached over 3000 people and generated considerable coverage and interest in the local media
15. What’s happened Co-branded partner events Nationwide co-branded advertising campaign with Amnesty International On-campus stigma reduction activities targeted at students with Please Talk Training to The Equality Authority employees on mental health stigma and discrimination Anti-stigma initiatives at major ICTU events
16. What’s happened Co-branded partner events HR conference with IBEC on mental health stigma in November 2010 to 70 companies Stigma workshop with GLEN as part of Gay Pride 2011 SOS Wellness Workshops nationwide Information sessions on mental health stigma with the IFA which are being held at all 27 executive committees Stigma seminars with Student Unions including DKIT and UCD
17. What’s coming up National social marketing and advertising campaign University campus based arts and cultural project Campaign to combat exam stress for students Mental health national and regional film festival Education & research initiative with TDC School of Nursing & Midwifery For more visit www.seechange.ie
18. Organise a local activity to help raise awareness and bring about a positive change in attitudes and behaviour towards people with mental health problems No idea too small or too big!! Coffee morning in your home, local group to talk about the issues; if you are a teacher, think about inspiring students to get involved (Young Social Innovators); Book/Movie club, have a theme How you can help
