Appeal for mental health champions

Programme officer Rebekah Moore (second from left) with volunteers.

See Me, the national programme to end mental health discrimination, has joined with the Lanarkshire Recovery Network (LRN), to find and train people who can be leaders in changing attitudes around mental health.

The Community Champions programme will enable people from Motherwell and Bellshill to make positive changes in their own community.

Already towns across Lanarkshire are some of the most active in Scotland in supporting those experiencing a period of poor mental health, while also striving to end stigma.

See Me has already worked within the Times & Speaker circulation area, with Reeltime music in Newarthill, which helped young people to overcome stigma and tackle discrimination with music.

See Me and LRN are looking for Champions, who have personal experience of mental health conditions, and who could challenge discrimination in workplaces, in health and social care, with children and young people or by bringing their own ideas to engage their local community.

Rebekah Moore from See Me, who runs the Community Champions programme, said: “Whatever you are passionate about, or whatever motivates you, we can help and support you to use that, to take action against mental health stigma, which can change lives.

“Whether you have an idea for a project, or you want to do something but you’re not sure what, through the training we can develop a plan which can help you to make a positive change in your community.

“LRN have been doing a lot of good work, they are really enthusiastic to take it to the next level and we are pleased to work with them.”

Kevin O’Neill, chairman of the Lanarkshire Recovery Network, said: “Developing a supportive network of See Me Community Champions in Lanarkshire will enable people with a lived experience of mental health problems to be involved at every stage of our anti-stigma and discrimination programmes.

“If you would like to join our movement for change please get in contact. Your experience will make a real difference.”

To find out more about the Community Champion campaign and apply online

Alternatively, call See Me on 0141 530 1111.