See Me is looking for projects to fund in Lanarkshire

An alliance of mental health organisations is looking to fund projects which aim to tackle the stigma around mental health.

See Me is currently looking for projects in Lanarkshire, with funding of up to £4000 for six month projects or £20,000 for larger 12 month projects.

Its Community Innovation Fund provides money and support to projects which can tackle stigma in workplaces, in health and social care, with children and young people, in minority groups and in the general public.

One project already granted funding is the See Me, Read Me project.

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 Read more at http://thirdforcenews.org.uk/pages/article-preview/116515#0MhFwGGuPuk7FPqq.99

Poet, Christine Cather, started the project which encourages people to write their own stories and read those of others.

She is also taking the project into workplaces where open sessions will be held to bring awareness of stigma and discrimination, to help improve the culture in workplaces.

Christine, 56, decided to reach out and help others after experiencing depression and suicidal thoughts.

A recent survey from See Me, the national programme to end mental health stigma and discrimination, found that 45% of Scottish workers think that someone with a mental health problem would be unlikely to disclose this for fear of being discriminated against by colleagues.

“There is a big problem with people working, who are afraid to tell managers about mental illness,” she said.

“I hope through the project that people will feel able to talk more openly about mental health. The chance to listen, share and write can give everyone an option to express emotions and thoughts.”

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 Lanarkshire who are passionate about ending stigma who have an idea of how they want to do it.”

More information and application packs can be found on the See Me website.