Fighting mental health stigma

People in East Kilbride are being encouraged to join a national programme working on improving mental health and tackling discrimination.

See Me is looking to train people to be leaders in changing attitudes around mental health.

The Community Champions programme will enable people from Lanarkshire to make positive changes in their community.

Earlier in the year See Me and the Lanarkshire Recovery Network joined to recruit volunteers in the region, who have just finished their training. However, See Me is now looking for more people to support its work.

Clare McKechnie held a campaign event in Rutherglen Exchange Shopping Centre to say you cannot judge people when you do not know them.

See Me has volunteers in various parts of Scotland who are tackling mental health stigma by holding events in their communities, working with universities or tackling issues in minority communities.

It is looking for people with personal experience of mental health conditions who could challenge discrimination in workplaces, in health and social care, with children and young people or by using their own ideas to engage their community.

Rebekah Moore from See Me said: “Whatever they are passionate about, or whatever motivates them, we can help and support them to use that, to take action against mental health stigma, which can change lives.”

Volunteers receive three training sessions in Perth. The deadline for applications is August 15. To apply go to www.seemescotland.org/ our-movement-for-change/ supporters/champions.