Hopping Mad

North Essex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust launched a campaign to end mental health discrimination on 8 June 2011 in Central Park, Chelmsford.

 

Service users, staff and governors at North Essex Partnership took part in the “Hopping Mad against Stigma” campaign, which aims to raise awareness of mental illness and reduce stigma associated with the condition.  

 

Dave Monk, presenter at BBC Essex and Andrew Geldard, Chief Executive at North Essex Partnership raced against staff, service users and governors on space hoppers as part of the Hopping Mad campaign.

 

Andrew Geldard, Chief Executive said: “Mental Illness is the biggest treatable illness in England, half of it starts before the age of 14. Many people don’t seek help because of the shame, the negative attitudes of people around them, and the overall stigma associated with the illness. That makes us at North Essex Partnership “hopping mad” and we want to do something about public attitudes.

Today is the start of our summer 2011 campaign with events leading up to our “Extra mile for Mental Health” walk here in Central Park on 10 October 2011, to celebrate World Mental Health Day.

During the next few weeks we are having a number of events:

·        A lunchtime poetry reading at Chelmsford Library

·        Talks in schools and colleges

·        A picnic in the park – as part of Dementia Awareness Week

We’re also launching our “Purple Plaster of Solidarity” an idea from one of our own service users - where people will be encouraged to wear “plasters” to show support for mental health services and be proud to show the world that they experienced mental health problems.”

Ends

 

Notes to editors:

 

For more information, please contact Ian C-Thorpe on 01245 546446 or 07896 922 355. Email: ian.thorpe@nepft.nhs.uk