Two "firsts" for 'see me' pledge in the Highlands
Last Friday (9th March 2012) Inverness Caledonian Thistle were hosting a 'see me' pledge signing event where eight new organisations pledge their support for the campaign. This included two "firsts" - our first Gaelic language pledge from the Sabhal Mòr Ostaig college of the University of the Highlands and Islands, and Terry Butcher became the first person to sign the pledge twice by signing for Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC, adding to his 2005 signing for Motherwell FC.
As part of their pledge commitment, the Highland organisations agreed action plans to join with ‘see me’ to tackle the stigma and discrimination around mental ill-health by taking action as employers, service providers and community stakeholders. As well as providing key support, they seek to implement organisational change and importantly, make the topic of mental illness more openly discussed in local communities. The signing organisations included Highland Council, University of the Highlands and Islands Executive Office, Inverness College UHI, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig UHI, Northern Constabulary, Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club, NHS Highland and West Highland College UHI.
Suzie Vestri, ‘see me’ Campaign Director said: “We welcome the commitment made by organisations in the Highlands to tackle stigma and discrimination. Mental ill-health affects one in four Scots; it could happen to a friend, family member or colleague. What these organisations do and say about mental health really does count. We hope the support they have pledged will encourage other businesses, groups and organisations to take positive action by joining us in signing the ‘see me’ pledge.”
Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC Pledge Signing
Sabhal Mor Ostaig Pledge Signing