introducing see change
TRANSCRIPT
Who we are
Ireland’s National programme working to change minds about mental health problems
Works in partnership with over 45 organisations to create a disruptive, community driven social movement to reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with mental health problems
We're passionate about equality, and part of our mission is to ensure that everyone enjoys the same rights on an equal basis
Our MessagesMental health problems can affect anyone at any time during their lives
Mental health problems are part and parcel of being human
People with mental health problems can and do recover
Everyone has the power to help stop the stigma and discrimination of mental health problems
What we wantAn environment where people can be more open and positive in their attitudes and behaviour towards mental health
Greater understanding and acceptance of people with mental health problems
Greater understanding and knowledge of mental health problems and of health services that provide support for mental health problems
A measurable reduction in the stigma associated with mental health problems
Why it mattersStigma can and does stop people coming forward for help
People who experience mental health problems report that stigma can often be as difficult to deal with as the experience of being unwell
Stigma has a social and human cost for the individual; limiting access to employment, housing, education and social participation
Stigma is felt most acutely by groups at higher risk of suicide, including males aged 18-24
Why it matters“If I had not felt the stigma myself, then I might have sought help earlier when only assistance was needed and my troubles were small ones.
This to me is the importance of reducing the stigma attached to mental health issues.
Like an untreated wound can become a more serious infection, something as simple as finding it difficult to cope can all too quickly descend into debilitating depression”
– Dave, Make a Ripple ambassador
What we know
At least 1 in 4 people in Ireland will experience a mental health problem at some point in their lives
2 in 3 strongly agree that those with mental health problems should have
the same rights as others but only 46% say this is in respect of job rights
Public attitudes to mental health problems (Millward Brown Lansdowne), See Change, 2010
What we know48% would hide a diagnosis from co-workers
47% believe that a diagnosis would have a negative effect on job prospects
29% would delay seeking help for fear of someone knowing about it
53% of young men would not know what to do to help someone with mental health problems
Public attitudes to mental health problems (Millward Brown Lansdowne), See Change, 2010
What we can do
1Focus on our key target audiences
-Young males 18-24
-People in the workplace
-Farmers
What we can do
2Work in partnership
- 45 national partners
- Groups from every sector of society
- Partners help us focus our activities
What we can do
3Tell stories, share experiences
- Stories create empathy, understanding
- Build a sense of shared experience
- Helps people find their voice
Where we workGrassroots activity like town hall meetings, community events, supporting local groups
Partner activity where we work with over 40 organisations to share capacity and mobilise change
Online through campaigns like Make a Ripple, our social networks and our e-news service
Workplace settings where we train employers and employees to promote positive attitudes to mental health
What’s happenedMake a Ripple campaign
Online campaign to encourage people to share their experiences of mental health problems, stigma and recovery
Backed by well known faces from the world of sport and broadcasting including Eileen Dunne, Shane O’Donoghue and Claire Byrne
Over 300 inspiring stories submitted so far on www.seechange.ie, sold out campaign launch with the Dublin Gospel Choir, nationwide media coverage of the campaign and people’s individual stories
What’s happened
Nationwide Town hall meetings
Open invitation town hall meetings in every region of Ireland
See Change is not a Dublin-centric campaign, it is about helping to mobilise change at community level all over Ireland
20 local and regional meetings reached over 3000 people and generated considerable coverage and interest in the local media
What’s happenedCo-branded partner events
Nationwide co-branded advertising campaign with Amnesty International
On-campus stigma reduction activities targeted at students with Please Talk
Training to The Equality Authority employees on mental health stigma and discrimination
Anti-stigma initiatives at major ICTU events
What’s happenedCo-branded partner events
HR conference with IBEC on mental health stigma in November 2010 to 70 companies
Stigma workshop with GLEN as part of Gay Pride 2011
SOS Wellness Workshops nationwide
Information sessions on mental health stigma with the IFA which are being held at all 27 executive committees
Stigma seminars with Student Unions including DKIT and UCD
What’s coming upNational social marketing and advertising campaign
University campus based arts and cultural project
Campaign to combat exam stress for students
Mental health national and regional film festival
Education & research initiative with TDC School of Nursing & Midwifery
For more visit www.seechange.ie
Organise a local activity to help raise awareness and bring about a positive change in attitudes and behaviour towards people with mental health problems
No idea too small or too big!!
Coffee morning in your home, local group to talk about the issues; if you are a teacher, think about inspiring students to get involved (Young Social Innovators); Book/Movie club, have a theme
How you can help
What you can do now1. Sign a pledge card for use in our art installation
2. Take home a tool-kit
3. Fill in a feed-back form so we’re always improving
What you can do when you get home1. Visit www.seechange.ie and sign up for updates
2. Find See Change on facebook and ‘like’ us
3. Take a look at the Make a Ripple stories campaign on www.seechange.ie and submit a message yourself
4. Talk to people
