Scanlon supports mental health campaign
MSP Mary Scanlon is raising awareness of mental health issues in advance of Scottish Mental Health Week which runs from Monday 10th to Saturday 16th October.
Conservative Mrs Scanlon, who is her party's spokesperson for health, has signed a Wall of Support set up by 'See Me,' Scotland's national campaign to end the stimga and discrimination of mental health.
'See Me' is run by an alliance of five Scottish mental health organisations including the Highland Users Group (HUG).
National statistics show that one in four people in Scotland will experience a period of meantal ill-health. This means that an estimated 107,000 adults in the Highlands and Islands could experience a mental health probelm at some
Mrs Scanlon said: "See Me has reached out to people across Scotland and contributed significantly to a positive shift in public attitudes. However there is still work to do and we will continue to take action to break down stigma and allow people to seek the help and support they need.
"By signing the ‘See Me’ Wall of Support I have pledged my commitment to improving the mental health and well-being of people across the Highlands and Islands.
Campaign Director Suzie Vestri said: “While people are increasingly open about their mental health, stigma and discrimination still exists and we have much to achieve in reaching ‘see me’s vision for a Scotland where all people with mental health problems are fully equal and included.
“I think it’s fantastic that so many MSPs have the topic of mental health on their agenda and we hope that the support they have pledged will encourage others to take positive action by joining us in tackling the stigma of mental ill-health.”
For more information about the 'See Me' campaign and to sign up to the Wall of Support, visit: www.seemescotland.org
