At a national and local level, users of mental health services and the wider mental health community still encounter serious opposition and discrimination from society in general, often because of the way in which popular culture and the mass media represent mental health issues.

The aim of this benchmarking conference is twofold - 

• first, to explore through an historical overview and analysis, the reasons why stigma and discrimination have arisen around mental health issues

• second, to showcase a variety of contemporary media initiatives aimed at their eradication

Speakers at the conference are invited to give presentations addressing the issues involved in combating stigma and prejudice and their representation within the media. The conference seeks to examine how positive shifts in attitudes and behaviour surrounding mental health can best be achieved. Speakers may focus upon current and recent information campaigns to favourably influence public opinion via media initiatives.

Issues we will consider during the conference -

• How to gauge the effectiveness of anti-stigma and discrimination projects/campaigns? The need for effective evaluation tools.
• How far into your campaigns are you?
• What have you learnt and what do you need to change in terms of focus?
• What is the underlying methodology of the campaigns? What has been the response?
• Which groups in particular are being targeted? -
  • Employers and young people
  • journalism colleges
  • agencies such as the police
  • pupils and staff in schools as well as the general public
• What media do you employ?
• How the campaigns use visual representations of mental health issues.

...conference attendance by ticket only...

If you would like to attend the conference - click here