Stigma & Overcoming Stigma

Service users often identify stigma as one of the most difficult aspects of dealing with mental illness, leading to distress, anxiety, isolation and fear. Stigma acts as a barrier to people seeking help and in understanding mental health problems. We are committed to actively promoting the understanding and de-stigmatisation of mental illness both locally and nationally.

What is stigma?

Stigma is the use of negative labels to identify people with mental health problems. It has its roots in fear and misunderstanding. Many people hold negative opinions towards people with mental health problems because they do not understand the issues involved and because they are relying on myths and misconceptions. We are committed to ensuring that people with mental health difficulties must enjoy the same rights on an equal basis with everyone without discrimination.

We are an active partner in the See Change campaign. See Change is a national alliance of organisations working together to bring about positive change in public attitudes and behaviour towards people with mental health problems.

In addition to this, we run a TY Project which is a work experience & education programme for Transition year students that allows young people to gain work experience in the Hospital while also providing a platform for education about mental illness and mental health.