On the 24th February, nine Fife organisations pledged their commitment to tackle the stigma associated with mental ill health.
Representatives from NHS Fife, Sense Scotland, East Fife Woman’s Aid, Fife Employment Access Trust, Fife Hearing Voices, The Cottage Resource Centre, Fife Woman’s Technology Centre, Fife Families Support Project and BAE Systems were joined by Suzie Vestri, Campaign Director, ‘see me’, for a pledge signing in Rothes Halls, Glenrothes.
The aim of the ‘see me’ pledge is to demonstrate a commitment to tackling stigma and discrimination locally. The ‘see me’ pledge is a valuable opportunity for organisations to show their support for reducing stigma in the workplace.
One in four Scots will experience mental health problems at some stage in their life. Worryingly research carried our by ‘see me’ - Scotland’s national campaign to end stigma and discrimination around mental ill-health – found that 81% of people with mental health problems reported being stigmatised and many of those surveyed said that the stigma was worse than the illness itself. Research shows that stigma is also evident in the workplace, with 40% of respondents noting they have experienced stigma as a result of their mental health problem.
Shirley Ballingall, Senior Health Promotion Officer - Mental Health, NHS Fife said: “Promoting mental health and tackling stigma and discrimination are vital areas of activity for all sectors across Fife and we’re working hard to improve the awareness and understanding of mental health issues by working in partnership through the local ‘see me’ Fife Group.
“It’s really positive that so many organisations within Fife have signed up to the ‘see me’ Pledge. We have recognised for some time that people who experience mental health problems can be subject to stigma and discrimination, adding an extra burden to their full participation in community life, so we fully support ‘see me’ in its aim to reduce stigma. By challenging stigma we can help people play a full and active part in our society.”
Suzie Vestri, 'see me' Campaign Director, said: “Fife’s pledge is an important public commitment for everyone involved. Local partnerships have a vital role to play in tackling stigma and discrimination, whether as employers, as providers of local services or as leading community stakeholders. Fife has traditionally taken a lead in supporting the ‘see me’ campaign and we are grateful for their support and enthusiasm.”
John Jones, Manager, Express Group LTD Fife, said: "The Express Group (ltd) is a source of support to those in the Fife community experiencing mental health problems. We fully support ‘see me’ efforts to tackle the stigma and discrimination of mental health problems as we recognise the importance of combating stigma within the local community ensuring people are treated fairly and respectfully.”