Rethink: National survey launched to help shape mental health anti-stigma campaign
A heavyweight mental health coalition is launching an unprecedented opinion survey of people with mental health problems and carers to ask for the best ways to combat the stigma that they face.
Their views will then be used to inform and guide the development of a major national anti-stigma campaign across England – Moving People – funded by the National Lottery and Comic Relief.
“The best-placed people to guide an anti-stigma campaign are those who face it every single day of their lives” said Vanessa Pinfold, director of research at mental health charity Rethink.
“This is such an exceptional opportunity, we need as many people who have experienced mental health problems, and their carers, to take part,” she added.
The £18 million Moving People campaign is led by a coalition formed of Mental Health Media, Mind, Rethink and the Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London.
Moving People consists of a coordinated group of 35 local and national campaigns which aim to reduce stigma and improve the physical and mental well-being of tens of thousands of people who have experience of mental health problems.
25,000 forms will be sent out across England but the campaign is hoping as many people as possible will also complete the form online.
“Service users have already guided us to success in winning the £18m funding in the first place” said Vanessa Pinfold. “Now we need even more to help us with the important details of an anti-stigma campaign which will be launched later this year and which aims to challenge stigma at work, at home and in public the length and breadth of the country, in high streets, on television and in homes across England.”
Editor’s Notes
The closing date for returning the questionnaire is Friday 22nd February 2008.
Survey forms can be completed online at www.movingpeople.org.uk/survey
Paper copies can be obtained by:
Telephoning 0845 456 0455
Or by writing to: Abigail MacDougall, Research Administrator, Rethink, 22-25 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1DX.
About Rethink
Rethink, the leading national mental health membership charity, works to help everyone affected by severe mental illness recover a better quality of life. We aim to provide hope and empowerment through effective services and support to all those who need us and campaign for change through greater awareness and understanding.
For further information on the charity and its work, visit: www.rethink.org or call 0845 456 0455.
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