Beyond the Media Myth: Challenging Attitudes & Perceptions

The Media Action Group for Mental Health's Second Annual Conference

Beyond The Media Myth: Challenging Attitudes and Perceptions is the 2^nd Annual Mental Health conference to be held in North Staffordshire.  It is managed by the Media Action Group for Mental Health (MAGMH), a charity that challenges and engages with the media to promote positive and realistic perceptions of mental health issues. 

MAGMH regards its annual conference as an important part of a wider strategy to challenge the prejudice and discrimination that exist around mental health issues in general. 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 will give presentations addressing the issues involved in combating stigma and prejudice and their representation within the media.  The conference will examine how positive shifts in attitudes and behaviour surrounding mental health can be achieved.  Speakers will focus upon recent information campaigns that favourably influence public opinion via media interventions.

Speakers -

• Kate Summerside - Communications manager of Mental Health Media
• Mary O'Hagan - initiated the mental health service user movement in New Zealand
• Linda Dunion - Campaign Director for See Me
• Amy Meadows - Campaign Director for Mind Out for Mental Health
• Gael Surgenor - works for the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand
• The conference will open with readings from Carrie Thomas - unfortunately Carrie will not now be able to perform as she is unwell

Conference Chair - John J. Gibson

• 10 am - 1pm - 7th June  Britannia Suite, Regent Theatre, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent

• Find the conference venue - here...

• Please book your place at the conference - here

• Read the Conference Rationale - here