Latest figures show that 35% of people in Scotland have either experienced stigma and discrimination because of their mental health
A programme which is changing the lives of people struggling with their mental health is looking for volunteers in Scotland.
Latest figures, from a YouGov poll of 1004 Scottish adults commissioned by See Me, show that 35% of people in Scotland have either experienced stigma and discrimination because of their mental health, or know someone close to them who has.
Some champions have focused on specific areas where they know stigma is having a devastating impact on people’s lives, such as working to reduce male suicide, or supporting people experiencing PTSD. While others work in their local communities, holding walks, working with local libraries and community groups or using the arts to make a difference.
Bridget Dickson, a See Me champion, has held numerous events to bring together people in the Borders to talk about mental health.
She said: “See Me has quite literally changed my life. The amazing, supportive people I have met, be it other volunteers, management, or the people we reach out to at our various events. The opportunities as a volunteer with See Me are incredibly wide ranging, you can adapt whatever your passion is to spreading the word about reducing stigma and discrimination.
“The fact that you can do as much or as little as you are comfortable with, means that however busy a life you have, See Me volunteering can be fitted in.
“The best thing is that, whilst you are standing up for other people who have lived with mental health issues, you are also working towards your own recovery.”
Toni Groundwater, See Me’s social movement manager, said: “We need to end the unfair discrimination around mental health, so people feel confident enough to speak about how they are feeling and can ask for help if they need it.
Champions receive three, one and a half day training sessions in Glasgow, held over a two month period, starting from 30 April. The deadline for applications is 23 March.
