Blog

The international anti-stigma family

Sue Baker — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 16:13:05 +0100

While Time to Change works within England, stigma and discrimination affect people with mental health problems worldwide – and we think of ourselves as being part of an international family of anti-stigma programmes. Over the last few years we have been proud to support campaigns in other countries as they get off the ground by sharing our learning – and in the last few weeks, we have welcom

Celebs speaking out about mental health aren't jumping on a bandwagon - they're helping to change attitudes

Sue Baker — Thu, 20 May 2010 14:15:40 +0100

I just had my first ‘live’ sighting of our Frank and Trisha tube posters on the District line. It’s a busy media environment but I feel that visually they stand out. I’d be really interested to hear what you think of them and what kind of reaction you’ve seen on the tube and in cinemas as people have seen our advertising.

On the campaign trail

Sue Baker — Fri, 14 May 2010 16:10:42 +0100

This week, we continued on the campaign trail to encourage people to sign up to our pledge.

First stop on Wednesday was the Briggate, one of the main shopping streets in Leeds, where we were lucky enough to work with some real anti-discrimination heroes.

Norwich - a hotbed of anti-stigma activity!

Sue Baker — Wed, 05 May 2010 18:08:17 +0100

Norwich is one of the hotbeds of anti-stigma activity – there has been a huge amount of work going on there, and in Norfolk more widely, with Time to Change’s Stuff Stigma project and Norfolk and Waveney Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust fantastic local champions of the anti-discrimination message.

“Being hit below the belt and then people taking the mickey out of you.”

Sue Baker — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 15:19:46 +0100

That’s how Frank Bruno talked about how some people’s reactions to his mental health problems hurt, in the TV and radio studios today.

Ending mental health discrimination in parliament

Sue Baker — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 17:56:37 +0000

I'm delighted to report that the Government has made a commitment to address the discriminatory provisions in existing legislation which means that an MP automatically loses his or her seat if detained under the Mental Health Act.

Is there stigma in mental health services?

Karen Machin — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 17:37:31 +0000

Well I’m glad that ten years is over. For me it was ten years with some very varying experiences of health services. When I look back now, I wonder why on earth I didn’t complain at the time about some of the incidents.

Together, let’s make 2010 a watershed year for mental health

Sue Baker — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 09:00:00 +0000

Mental health has been under the spotlight for many reasons in recent weeks and months.

On the Coast of Devon the "Dreaded 'Lurgi' Struck"

Quinonostante — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:09:00 +0000

I have swine flu, AND whilst I'm more than happy to receive your messages of sympathy I'm wallowing in a vat of self pity the size of the Watford Gap which is hardly admirable, thus I hardly deserve your kind words. (grin)

Depressed? What have you got to be depressed about?

Firesi — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 15:48:49 +0000

Steady family, good career and no more money worries than most people, but none of this has stopped me falling victim to depression.

Ugly Traits

Nick T — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:44:27 +0000

They raised their heads again; those ugly traits I picked up as I grew and assumed mine as I developed, their voices crackle.

Sick of it

Nick T — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 11:44:11 +0100

The internalisation continues. I ended up having a day off as I broke down with the hurt and sadness inside of me; that is at the core of my depression. I didn’t want to take the day off I wanted to shoulder on, to go in.

Why On Earth Do You Bother?

Quinonostante — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 09:55:52 +0100

“Why on earth do you bother? You don’t even get paid.” This is something which has been said to me a lot this past year when I talk about my Activist role, and it has meant that I have actually sat back and considered my motivation, thought about what I think being an Activist can achieve, and equally importantly what it does for me.

Blog Two

Remy — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 09:46:49 +0100

Over the last few weeks, some of the experiences of the participants have been incorporated into a play by the facilitators. This is now being developed by the director.

Remy's Blog

Remy — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 16:52:15 +0100

On Saturday April 26th, over thirty people gathered at a venue in Kings Cross to participate in a new theatre project designed to highlight, question and hopefully, challenge our approach to mental distress at an individual and societal level.

Britain's Got Problems

Andy Harley — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 13:54:35 +0100

So mental health is back in the news. Why? Britain’s Got Talent of course - doesn’t all the current news come from crooked M.Ps and BGT? I’m sat here listening to a supposed expert waxing lyrical over the mental state of a woman she has never met, never mind examined. So Susan Boyle has been assessed under the provisions of the Mental Health Act, an entirely sensible measure, how cou

Time Out

Yvonne Stewart-Williams — Fri, 08 May 2009 17:06:35 +0100

A little time has passed since I last entered my local pool. What’s the matter? The weather is favourable. I am physically in fine form. However, for some reason I feel un-enticed by the thought of stripping off, showering and entering the pool.

Title: Why Some Of Our TV Soaps Need To Clean Up Their Act

Quinonostante — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 18:05:20 +0100

Easter Monday's episode of Coronation Street saw a throwaway remark by the character 'Peter Barlow' spark some anger with viewers when he referred to matriarch 'Blanche Hunt' as being dressed as a "mental patient" when she'd unwittingly turned up a few weeks early for a murder mystery weekend dressed as Amelia Earhart.

My Wade in the Water.

Yvonne Stewart-Williams — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 17:53:20 +0100

Several hours have past, since my latest satisfying swim at my local pool. The result of that 30 minute immersion is my current state of emotional tranquility, clarity of thought and last but not least, aching limbs.

Swimming's Therapeutic Value

Yvonne Stewart-Williams — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 17:56:56 +0000

Before work today, just prior to mid-day, I enjoyed a delightful relaxing swim at my local pool. The water was soothing and warm.