Paperchase should withdraw crass ‘OCD’ hand sanitizer
Paperchase is stocking an OCD themed hand-sanitizer, complete with instructions for use which state: “Open cap. Sanitise. Close cap. Open cap. Sanitise. Close cap. Make sure the cap is firmly closed. Recheck Cap. Are you sure it’s closed?”.
Mark Winstanley, CEO of Rethink Mental Illness, said:
“This product is extremely crass and insensitive, and it’s really disappointing that Paperchase are selling it.
“OCD is not a funny personality quirk, it is a mental illness which can be very debilitating, and it affects around 1.2% of the population. The last thing people who have the condition need is to see it trivialised it in this way. Paperchase would never sell a product that made fun of a serious physical illness like diabetes or heart disease, so why should people with mental illness have to put up with it?
“Last year, Asda stopped selling a ‘mental patient’ fancy dress costume after a major public outcry against it. We’re calling on Paperchase to do the right thing by withdrawing this product. There is already so much stigma around mental illness and 'joke' products like this only make things worse.”
For further comment from Rethink Mental Illness, contact Brian.semple@rethink.org 0207 840 3043
Notes to editors
Rethink Mental Illness is a charity that believes a better life is possible for millions of people affected by mental illness.
For over 40 years we have brought people together to support each other. We run services and support groups that change people’s lives and challenge attitudes about mental illness.
We directly support almost 60,000 people every year across England to get through crises, to live independently and to realise they are not alone.
We give information and advice to 500,000 more and we change policy for millions.
For more information go to www.rethink.org
Brian Semple
Senior Media Officer – Policy
020 7840 3043
Follow me on twitter @SempleSemple
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