Stamping out the mental health stigma

WARRINGTON-based social landlord Golden Gates Housing Trust is working to tackle the stigma attached to mental health problems.
They are a corporate partner of the Stamp out Stigma campaign launched by the 5 Boroughs Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.
Their “Support for All” feedback panel has come together to try and stamp out the stigma associated with mental health issues.
It is made up of men and women with ill mental health who want to be positive role models by helping people understand what it is like to have ill mental health.
They have worked together to create a candid interview to show exactly what it is like to have ill mental health which is available to view at www.gght.org.uk
A panel member said: “I think schools should play a bigger part in educating people about an illness which can strike anyone at any time. Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it isn’t there. People are scared of what they can’t see or don’t understand.
“If we help them see it and understand, it will remove the stigma, Until then it’s going to stay.”
Ste Preston is a Golden Gates housing support worker who has supported the group over the last three years.
He said: “I am extremely proud of this group of people. The Support for All feedback panel have come together from all walks of life and found friendship and support in each other.
“The feedback they have provided to the Support for All team has been invaluable and all the staff are very appreciative of their hard work, time and effort.”
A spokesperson for the NHS Trust said: “The continuing commitment Golden Gates Housing Trust, its staff and residents show to upholding the values of our ‘Sticks and Stones’ campaign is fantastic!
“We’d particularly like to applaud those brave individuals who shared their personal experiences in these candid interviews to help promote greater awareness and understanding of mental ill-health.”