Issue date: 26/04/11
From: See Change (national mental health stigma reduction partnership)
Minister Kathleen Lynch TD to launch national online campaign to tackle stigma of mental health problems
Who: See Change – a coalition of 45 organisations working to change minds about mental health problems – will launch Make a Ripple, an online social marketing campaign to encourage members of the public to share their experiences of mental health problems, in order to build public awareness and understanding
What: Minister Kathleen Lynch TD will officially launch the dedicated Make a Ripple campaign website. See Change campaign ambassadors will also speak about their own personal experience of mental health problems, stigma and recovery. Entertainment will be provided by the Dublin Gospel Choir
When: 7.15pm, Wednesday 4th May
Where: The Sugar Club, 8 lower Lesson Street, Dublin 2
Why: Ireland needs to talk about mental health problems. Despite the fact that 1 in 4 will experience some kind of mental health problem, 1 in 2 would not want others to know, 47% feel that it would have a negative effect on career progression; just 1 in 5 would be very comfortable working with someone with depression (Public attitudes towards mental health problems, See Change, 2010)
How it works: On 4th May, See Change will launch the Make a Ripple campaign portal on www.seechange.ie. Visitors to the site can submit their story, through the portal, on the See Change facebook page, or on twitter using the #makearipple hashtag. All submissions will be displayed on the campaign portal in a mosaic style collection of public submissions. The portal will have over 50 stories on the site when it goes live on May 4th.
John Saunders, Director of See Change, said: “We have already had a huge response from members of the public who want to share their story. One in four of us will experience a mental health problem at some point in our lives, so speaking openly and honestly is a job for all of us. Our message to the public is share your story and help end the stigma, make a ripple and show others that mental health problems are nothing to be ashamed of, they’re part and parcel of being human.”
Caroline McGuigan, founder of Suicide or Survive, said: “I work in a world where stigma is destroying people’s lives; a world where people are too scared to admit that they’re struggling, choosing instead to bury it deep inside themselves where it manifests as depression and despair. This is changing, people are speaking out, taking back their power and seeing that it is possible to come through despair and recover. I came through that darkness myself; I’m living proof that recovery is possible”
Event Running Order:
19.15: Doors Open
19.45: Barbara Brennan (See Change)
Barbara will talk about her personal experience of bi-polar disorder, attempted suicide, and her journey to recovery. She will encourage people to be open and honest about their mental health problems as a means of reducing stigma and discrimination.
19.55: Caroline McGuigan (Suicide or Survive)
Caroline will touch on her lived experience of mental health problems and what she hopes the Make a Ripple campaign will achieve.
20.05: Kathleen Lynch TD, Minister for Disability, Equality and Mental Health
The Minister will officially launch the Make a Ripple Campaign.
20.15: John Saunders (See Change/Shine)
John will explain what See Change is trying to achieve, who we work with, and why Make a Ripple will help to end the stigma of mental health problems in Ireland.
20.25: Scott Ahearn (UCD Student Union)
Scott will talk about why he is involved in breaking down the stigma of mental health problems, and will demonstrate how people can make a ripple.
20.35: Music from Dublin Gospel Choir
More information
- This is a free event and is open to the public
- Media are welcome to attend and can register by email (
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
) or by phone (0867954391) - Photography: Jamie Saunders, 0863241090
- See Change is a coalition of 45 organisations from every sector in Irish society. To view the full list of partners please visit the website
For further information or to arrange interviews please contact:
—
Mark Byrne
Communications & Partnership Coordinator
See Change Campaign
National Office
38 Blessington Street
T: + 1 8601620
M: + 86 7954391
W: www.seechange.ie
Twitter: @SeeChange_mark
