Elament - eLanarkshire Mental Health Resource

Despite 1 in 4 Scots experiencing mental ill-health, 40% of us would find it hard, or be unsure about how, to talk to someone about mental health problems. People can be scared to even raise the subject.

When 'see me' asked the Scottish public why that was, they told 'see me' that they felt nervous about saying the 'wrong thing', making things worse or being rebuffed. They were also worried about not having resources to fall back on and not knowing where to direct people for further help.

'see me's Just Listen campaign aims to take the mystery out of offering support to someone with a mental health problem.

Find tips on:

• what to say (including how to start the conversation)
• what to do if the conversation doesn't go the way you'd hoped
• where else you can  get help.

Being able to be open about mental ill-health is good for all of us. Good for people who can be open about mental health problems, and good for people who want to help by starting the conversation.

What else can I do?

• Find out more about the campaign and  order 'see me' materials for your workplace or community.
• Pledge your support for our Just Listen campaign on our Wall of Support
• Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Three North Lanarkshire community forums have become the latest organisations in Scotland to sign the 'see me' pledge and commit to working with 'see me', Scotland's national campaign to tackle the stigma and discrimination of mental ill-health.

The 'see me' anti-stigma pledge was signed on behalf of:

• Motherwell Community Forum

• Wishaw, Murdostoun and Fortissat Community Forum

• Bellshill and District Community Forum

The 'see me' campaign aims to form partnerships with companies and organisations acrossScotlandto take positive mental health messages into local communities. 'see me' is committed to empowering people to speak openly and confidently about mental ill-health to break down the associated barriers.

A representative from each community forum formally signed the pledge with Suzie Vestri, Campaign Director of 'see me', and agreed action plans to tackle stigma and discrimination in their communities.

Suzie Vestri, Campaign Director of 'see me', said: "Everyone has a part to play in tackling the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental ill-health and we welcome the commitment made by organisations across North Lanarkshire to provide a mentally healthy environment in their communities.

"It's important to remember that one in four Scots will be affected by mental health problems at some point in their lives. It could happen to a friend, family member, or colleague. The vast majority of those who have experienced stigma say that the discrimination they experienced was worse than living with the condition itself."

As part of the action plan, the organisations committed to promote positive mental health messages to the community and encourage local businesses and organisations to show their support for the 'see me' campaign.

Felix Mulholland, Chair of the Motherwell Community Forum, said: "Motherwell Community Forum is delighted to sign the 'see me' pledge and committed to removing the stigma associated with mental ill-health which sadly still exists in our society today. We are promoting the positive message 'see the person not the illness'."

David Summers, Chair of the Wishaw, Murdostoun and Fortissat Community Forum, said: "The Forum would like to take this opportunity to confirm our ethos: we are open to all and everyone is treated equally in the projects we are involved with. That's why we are proud to sign the 'see me' pledge as confirmation of our positive message."

Duncan Mcleod, Chair of the Bellshill and District Community Forum, said: "Challenging the stigma of mental health is something the Bellshill and District Community Forum feel strongly about. It is through campaigns like 'see me' that we begin to create a socially inclusive, healthier community".

The pledge signing at Motherwell Concert Hall, Civic Centre, was accompanied by an evening of entertainment from Karen Baird School of Dance, local band The Modests and a contemporary performance fromScotland's Indian dance company, Dance Ihayami. This forms part of the Scottish Mental Health Arts & Film Festival which takes place acrossScotlandthroughout October. The event was supported by NHS Lanarkshire's North East Health Improvement team.

For more information on signing the 'see me' pledge visit: www.seemescotland.org

For more information or images please contact Shaun Bell or Calum Frier at Stripe Communications on (0131) 561 8628, or e-mail seeme@stripecom.co.uk

To view more pictures from the event please click on the links below:

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The three North East Community Fora, in partnership with the North East Unit Health Improvement team, have organised the Join Us to See Me event on Friday 26th October.

Plese click here to see the flyer

This week, Tuesday 18th October, the McDonald's restaurant in Bellshill became the first in Scotland to sign the 'see me' pledge, which commits it to working with 'see me', Scotland's national campaign to end the stigma and discrimination of mental ill-health.

The campaign aims to form partnerships with organisations and companies which it believes is crucial to eliminating stigma by taking positive mental health messages into the communities of Lanarkshire and Scotland.

Suzie Vestri, 'see me' campaign director, said: We're delighted to be linking in with McDonald's in Bellshill. Before any organisation can sign the pledge it needs to make a significant commitment to take direct action to tackle this issue. McDonald's has done just that by agreeing to promote mental health across its managers, staff and customers."

Kate Walker, McDonald's Bellshill franchisee said: "We're honoured to be the first McDonald's restaurant to sign the 'see me' pledge. By signing we're showing our commitment to providing staff with training on this issue and promoting positive mental health messages to our customers through display materials and making information available for them to take away.

"We believe there is no health without mental health and we hope the work with our partners will make a difference to our staff and customers."

Kevin O'Neill, NHS Lanarkshire Public Mental Health & Well-being Development Manager, said: "Over 140 organisations have signed the pledge across Lanarkshire, all committing to promote the 'Be there and Be Ourselves' message for people who may be experiencing mental health problems. It's fantastic that McDonald's in Bellshill has joined this group and it will enable us to reach a new audience with our mental health messages."

The pledge signing takes place as 'see me' launches new materials across North Lanarkshire encouraging people to take 'five mental well-being portions' a day.
These are:
1. Stay connected with people around you
2. Be active
3. Take notice and make the most of the every day things you do
4. Keep learning and try something new
5. Give by doing something for someone else - it feels good

Ronnie Paul, Head of North Lanarkshire Council's Housing and Social Work Resources added: "The 'see me' campaign is a great example of how people and organisations can come together to tackle negative attitudes to mental health issues. You don't need to be an expert, just listening and showing you care makes all the difference."

One in four Scots will be affected by mental health problems at some point in our lives. If you or someone you know would like to talk to someone, please speak to your GP or contact the following agencies who are there to offer help.

For more information on signing the 'see me' pledge visit: www.seemescotland.org

On Friday 17th November, Asda Hamilton became the first Scottish supermarket to formally pledge its commitment to work with 'see me' to eliminate the stigma and discrimination associated with mental ill-health in the workplace and beyond.

'see me' - Scotland's campaign to end the stigma and discrimination of mental ill-health - believes that forming such partnerships is a crucial way to eliminate stigma. One in four Scots will be affected by mental health problems at some point in their lives - it could happen to a friend, family-member or colleague.

General store manager Paul Green says: "Asda Hamilton is proud to sign the 'see me' pledge and to commit our support to eliminating the stigma associated with mental health problems. We hope to lead the way for other supermarkets to address the issue of mental health stigma by pledging their support to the 'see me' campaign."

Ann-Marie Newman, Chair of Lanarkshire Recovery Network (LRN) and Lanarkshire 'see me' Partnership (LsmP) added: "Asda Hamilton is the first large retailer to sign the 'see me' pledge and take a pro-active role in fighting the discrimination of mental ill-health. This is a real opportunity to take the 'see me' message into the community and will really help to raise awareness of stigma with the public. We're hoping that this move will see other retailers follow suit."

Suzie Vestri, 'see me' Campaign Director, says: "We are thrilled that Asda Hamilton has become the first supermarket to pledge its support to the 'see me' campaign in what marks a key milestone for 'see me'. We hope that other supermarkets and retailers will be encouraged to follow in the footsteps of Asda Hamilton by taking a stand to eliminate stigma and discrimination associated with mental ill-health."

"Mental ill-health can and does affect people from all walks of life and signing the 'see me' pledge is the first step an organisation can make in acknowledging the need to support those experiencing mental health problems, whether that be someone at home, at work or in the pub."

For more information on signing the 'see me' pledge visit: www.seemescotland.org

For more information or images please contact Emily Moyes or Alex Messis at Stripe Communications on (0131) 561 8628, or e-mail seeme@stripecom.co.uk

FORTY ONE secondary schools from Lanarkshire joined together to sign the 'see me' Anti-Stigma Pledge on Thursday 2 April 2009.

It will mean there will be more Lanarkshire schools signed up to the 'see me 'pledge than anywhere else in Scotland. By signing the 'see me' Anti-Stigma Pledge the schools are demonstrating their commitment to working with 'see me' in tackling the stigma and discrimination experienced by people with mental health problems.

They follow the excellent example set by seven other Lanarkshire schools - St Andrews High, St Ambrose High, Coatbridge High, Rosehall High, Portland High, Drumpark School and Willowbank School - which became the first schools in Scotland to sign the 'see me' pledge' on 6 October 2006.

The Lanarkshire 'see me' partnership, which works alongside the national campaign, is made up of Lanarkshire organisations who together challenge the stigma associated with mental ill-health and aim to eliminate the discrimination experienced by those with mental health problems across Lanarkshire.

One in four Scots will experience a mental health problem at some stage in their life and recent research carried out by 'see me' found that 81 per cent of those who do have been stigmatised as a result, with many saying that the stigma they experience is worse than the mental health problem itself1. The fear of stigma can prevent people from taking up opportunities, such as getting involved in community activities and applying for jobs for which they would be qualified.

The pledge signing took place at FirPark, Motherwell Football Club and was attended by a member of the senior management team from each school and Suzie Vestri, 'see me' Campaign Director.

Suzie Vestri said, "It is excellent that even more schools in Lanarkshire are showing their support in tackling the stigma experienced by people with mental health problems. Pupils, parents and teachers can all play a part in helping to stamp out stigma and Lanarkshire schools are taking a lead."

Councillor Jim Logue, Convener of North Lanarkshire Council's Learning and Leisure Committee said, "Lanarkshire's response to this campaign is tremendous and I'm delighted that a further 22 North Lanarkshire schools are set to sign up to support the 'see me' anti-stigma pledge.

"The 'see me' campaign is a great example of how people can come together to tackle negative attitudes to mental health issues. Not only that, but by educating our young folk on issues such as this we're paving the way for future generations to have a greater understanding of mental health problems and to challenge stigma and discrimination. I wish the campaign every success."

Councillor Mary Smith, Chair of Education Resources Committee, South Lanarkshire Council, said "It is very encouraging that young people are involved in the 'see me' campaign. I hope their involvement will educate the younger generation about the stigma faced by people with mental health problems throughout Scotland. A better understanding of the problems faced by people with mental health problems will go a long way in helping to eliminate discrimination."

Tim Davison, Chief Executive of NHS Lanarkshire said, "I'm delighted at the overwhelming positive response from Lanarkshire's schools to supporting the 'see me' campaign. Around one in four people in Lanarkshire will experience a mental health problem at some time in their lives. Most can and do go on to recover.

"Unfortunately, negative attitudes from other people can slow recovery and make problems worse. It is essential we encourage openness and understanding around the issue and prevent discrimination of people with mental health problems. We already have a strong local partnership working to make Lanarkshire a stigma free zone and by working with local schools we can make even greater strides in achieving this."

Following the signing of the 'see me' pledge, the schools will commit to working with 'see me' to challenge stigma and discrimination and promote mental health and well-being. For example, they will:

• Promote the use of the Positive Mental Attitudes pack, which is a mental health resource for schools.
• Set up poster displays around the school to promote the national 'see me' Campaign and the local Elament website (Lanarkshire's mental health website www.lanarkshirementalhealth.org.uk
• Use the pupil and parent newsletters to promote specific campaigns and issues and encourage this information to be discussed at home.
• Highlight to staff, pupils and parents World Mental Health Day (10 October) and associated events and information.
• Invite mental health and well-being organisations to be represented on stands at the health fairs at other events
• Invite comment and feedback on mental health and well-being issues from staff and pupils.
• Offer staff development opportunities including Mental Health First Aid.
• Provide a range of leaflets and other resources and make them available in the Library and/or other general access areas.
• Build mental health and wellbeing into any Healthy Working Lives activities for staff.
• Promote and refer pupils to the school counselling service.
• Be aware of and promote the protective factors for mental health such as exercise, self-esteem, resilience and problem solving.
• Have all pupil support teachers and departmental representatives participate in suicide and / or self harm prevention training such as SafeTALK or ASIST.
• Have all pupil support teachers complete MindSET mental health awareness online training and encourage non pupil support staff to access MindSET training.
• Encourage non pupil support staff to access MindSET mental health awareness online training.
• Implement the North and South Lanarkshire Self Harm Pathway.

The following schools will sign the 'see me' pledge on 2 April:

• Bellshill Academy , Bellshill
• Biggar High School , Biggar
• Bothwellpark High School , Mothwerwell
• Braidhurst High, Motherwell
• Brannock High, Newarthill, Motherwell
• Calderglen High School, St. Leonards, East Kilbride
• Calderhead High, Shotts
• Calderside Academy, Blantyre
• Caldervale, Airdrie
• Cardinal Newman High , Bellshill
• Carluke High School , Carluke
• Cathkin High School , Cambuslang
• Chryston High, Chryston
• Clyde Valley High, Wishaw
• Coatbridge High, Coatbridge
• Coltness High, Coltness, Wishaw
• Drumpark School, Coatbridge
• Duncanrig Secondary School, East Kilbride
• Firpark School , Motherwell
• Greenfaulds High, Cumbernauld
• Hamilton Grammar School, Hamilton
• Holy Cross High School, Hamilton
• John Ogilvie High School, Burnbank, Hamilton
• Kilsyth Academy , Ballmalloch, Kilsyth
• Lanark Grammar, Albany Drive Lanark
• Larkhall Academy , Larkhall
• Lesmahagow High School , Lesmahagow
• Our Lady's High, Cumbernauld
• Our Lady's High, Motherwell
• Portland High School, Coatbridge
• Redburn School , Kildrum, Cumbernauld
• St Andr ew's High School, Coatbridge
• St. Aidan's High, Wishaw
• St. Ambrose High, Coatbridge
• St. Andrew's and St. Bride's High School, East Kilbride
• St. Margaret's High, Airdrie
• Strathaven Academy , Strathaven
• Taylor High Carfin Street , New Stevenston, Motherwell
• Victoria Park School , Carluke
• Strathaven Academy , Strathaven
• Uddingston Grammar, Uddingston

References

1 National Hear Me survey which gathered information from 1,200 respondents about the way in which stigma affects not only those with mental ill-health, but also the people who support them including friends, family and carers, August - October 2006.

'see me' …. I'm a photographer.

We use photos to capture the most important moments in our lives: family occasions; time spent with friends; images of those closest to us.

'see me' is Scotland's national campaign to end mental health stigma and discrimination. We know that minds are changed with pictures as much as words. Our annual photo competition brings together your pictures alongside your thoughts about mental health and well-being.

The entries are all in and the local exhibitions have started. There will be three winners selected from each local exhibition and these will be entered into the nation final.

We are looking for your help to judge the Lanarkshire entries!

Let us know your favourite photo by emailing:
see_me_lanarkshirephotocomp@lanarkshirelinks.org.uk

Footballers from Hamilton Accies and Motherwell are taking the positive mental health message to fans on the terraces. Both clubs have teamed up with Choose Life, 'see me', South Lanarkshire Council, North Lanarkshire Council, Lanarkshire Links and NHS Lanarkshire, to raise awareness about two key and linked mental health messages.

The first message is in support of suicide prevention, "Don't hide it. Talk about it' and the second challenges us to support family members, friends or neighbours who might have mental ill-health, by saying you don't have to do much but, "Be there. Be yourself" Hamilton Academicals FC invited Motherwell FC to put their rivalry aside to promote mental health awareness in the build up an important, high profile and televised recent Lanarkshire derby. Lanarkshire derby on the 20th December. On match day advertising space was donated, information was given out to supporters before the game, players wore promotional t-shirts during the warm up and there were announcements throughout the game. At half time the Accies were presented with an award recognising their contribution to mental health awareness.

Hamilton Manager Billy Reid said: "I was shocked to hear that over two people per day die by suicide in Scotland. Each life lost to suicide is a tragedy. One suicide represents a lost life, lost talent, a lost mother or father, brother, sister, son or daughter, and a wound that does not easily heal in those who are left behind. "I have also learned that young men are at particular risk of suicide. Suicide is thought of as being taboo but without talking about it more of our community will die. Some of those coming to our matches or reading this may have been touched by mental ill-health and we think it is important to show that mental health and suicide can be talked about openly and that people can find help - seek help early".

There is a link between physical exercise and good mental health and we hope to encourage this in our young fans and future players. If football can help get this message out there, then we at Hamilton Accies are delighted to help in any way we can. All of us can make a difference - improving mental health needs to be everyone's business."

Suzie Vestri, Campaign Director for 'see me' who joined supporters at the match said, "'see me' is delighted to work with both clubs again to get the issue of mental ill-health out into the open. One in four in adults, more than 4 adults people in Lanarkshire will experience a mental health problem and around three quarters of us will know someone with mental ill-health. Many people with mental health problems can feel isolated and unsupported. Each of us has the ability to change that, because for people with a mental health problem, what you do makes a difference. Be there. Be yourself.' For tips on how you can be a great friend and support to someone with a mental health problem, please visit the homepage of our new website www.seemescotland.org."

Mairi Brackenridge, Chair of the South Lanarkshire Choose Life Steering group said: , "I would like to thank everyone involved in organising and supporting this event, and particularly thank the young people from Universal Connections who volunteered to distribute information. They give an important message to other young people that it's ok to talk about the way that you feel. Look after your own and others mental health health, Enjoy yourself, take time for relaxation, fit in some time for exercise exercise such as a gentle walk and if you can try to be around other people."

If you or someone you know needs help please speak to your GP or contact the following agencies who will be glad to help:

Breathing Space 0800 83 85 87 (free to call 6pm -2am) www.breathingspacescotland.org
Samaritans 08457 90 90 90 (24hr service) www.samaritans.org
Childline 0800 1111 (free 24hr service)
National Debtline 0808 808 4000 (Mon-Fri 9am-9pm and Sat 9.30am-1pm) www.nationaldebtline.co.uk/scotland Or for mental health information in Lanarkshire visit:
www.lanarkshirementalhealth.org.uk

Anne Marie Newman of Lanarkshire Links, Mairi Brackenridge, Head of Adult and Justice Services, South Lanarkshire Council and chair of the Choose Life Steering Group, Paul Comley Choose Life Coordinator and Kevin O'Neill of NHS Lanarkshire. Representatives of the Choose Life Steering Group promoting the message.

Hamilton Accies manager Billy Reid supporting the Choose Life and positive mental health message with players David Elebert (left) and Brian Easton.

A presentation of a Quaich to Scott Struthers Hamilton Accies Club Secretary thanking them for supporting the Choose Life and SEE Me campaigns. Involvement of clubs like Accies promote a positive message about mental well being.