SCOTTISH ORGANISATIONS TAKE ACTION TO TACKLE STIGMA
Scottish Mental Health Week 2010 (4th – 10th October) saw six Scottish organisations take action to tackle the stigma associated with mental ill-health by signing the 'see me' pledge and committing their support and action plan to challenging the stigma of mental health problems.
The following organisations signed the 'see me' pledge over the course of the week: Edinburgh Tenants Association, Borders College, Health in Mind, NHS Health Scotland, Jobcentre Plus, and The Richmond Fellowship Scotland.
'see me' believes that forming such partnerships is a crucial way to eliminate stigma, both in the workplace and beyond. Suzie Vestri, 'see me' Campaign Director says: "We welcome the contribution that these organisations are making to provide a mentally healthy workplace for their staff and those that they are associated with. We hope the support pledged will encourage others to take positive action by joining us in signing the pledge. Mental ill-health will affect everyone at some stage in their life and the vast majority of those who have experienced stigma say that the discrimination they experienced was worse than living with the condition itself. Everyone has a part to play in ridding our country of stigma and the backing of organisations such as these can really make this happen."
Gerry McLaughlin, Chief Executive of NHS Health Scotland, said "I'm proud to sign the 'see me' pledge as it's a great opportunity for NHS Health Scotland to affirm our commitment to supporting people with mental health problems and to challenge stigma."
Rena Kinloch, Customer Services Director of Jobcentre Plus, said: "Jobcentre Plus is proud to sign this pledge and show our commitment to tackling the stigma and discrimination of mental ill-health. We support a mentally healthy workforce and include stress risk assessments, behaviour at work policies and mentally healthy workplace training to ensure our staff get the support and advice they need. We also recognise that customers with mental health conditions require additional support to either remain in employment, or if unemployed, help them to find work. We do this through a network of Mental Health Coordinators and specially trained Disability Employment Advisers."
Austen Smyth, Chief Executive of The Richmond Fellowship Scotland, said: "We are delighted to be part of this important campaign, it resonates deeply with our strong belief in equality and our commitment to improving the lives of people with mental ill-health."
