See Me funding helps group create powerful drama to challenge mental health stigma
A radio drama aiming to help people recover from their mental health conditions has aired in the west of Scotland.
Using the real life experiences, Advancing Community Understanding of Mental and Emotional Needs (Acumen) has created a powerful drama that also challenges mental health stigma.
The scenes, written and performed by a group, where many had experience of mental health conditions, is airing on radio stations across East Renfrewshire, Inverclyde, West Dunbartonshire and Argyle and Bute.
The scenes were designed to engage listeners who may hold stigmatising attitudes about mental health and to challenge assumptions
One sketch is set at a school reunion, where former pupils make snap judgements about an old class mate with mental health problems, but have their prejudices shattered when she arrives.
The project was funded by See Me as part of its Community Innovation Fund.
Pauline Vallance Acumen development worker said: “The scenes were designed to engage listeners who may hold stigmatising attitudes about mental health and to challenge assumptions and raise awareness.
“Some of the participants from the drama group also gave interviews on air, discussing their experience of mental health and stigma, whilst highlighting that recovery is possible and those with mental health problems can and do lead fulfilling and successful lives.
“The See Me Fund has allowed Acumen to create the foundations for a drama group and is currently seeking funding to enable the group to continue and expand.”
See Me is now looking for other projects in Renfrewshire, Inverclyde, Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute, with funding of up to £4000 or £20,000 available to groups looking to take on anti-stigma work.
Judith Robertson, See Me programme director, said: “Funding community projects which can directly challenge stigma is vitally important for us.
“Through the Community Innovation Fund we can support community groups to target the stigma in areas they know best, building a movement to tackle mental health stigma.
“To build this further we want to hear from groups and individuals in the Highlands who are passionate about ending stigma who have an idea of how they want to do it.”
