Claudette tells 10 Downing Street it’s Time to Change

On Friday, Claudette Lawrence, a supporter of Time to Change, went to 10 Downing Street to discuss stigma and discrimination with Gordon Brown’s special advisor on health policy, Greg Beales. 

The meeting came about after Claudette wrote a letter to Gordon Brown, telling him about the discrimination she faced at work because of her mental health problems. She also spoke of her support for Time to Change, and asked if she could meet with the Prime Minister to talk about mental health and stigma.  The PM wrote back, expressing his support for Time to Change, and inviting her to No.10 to meet with his special adviser.

Claudette says of her visit: “I began by telling him my story of the discrimination I have faced, how I lost my job and I am scared about the future.  I asked for more funding for Time to Change when the current funding runs out in September 2011, and asked that the government take leadership on this issue.  I asked Greg to look at a change in the law around the disclosure of mental health problems on job applications as this can leave people open to discrimination.

“I also told Greg there needs to be better training and advocacy in job centres to help people with mental health problems get back into work.  He has promised to look at all of these issues and has asked me to keep in touch with him, as he agrees that this is an important issue, supports Time to Change and wants to stay updated.

“I asked Greg to sign the Time to Change visual pledge and gave him a Ruby Wax bag which he loved!  All in all I had a wonderful time at Downing Street and am pleased that they are taking notice of this issue.  I have had a huge response over the weekend on Facebook from other supporters, which is very encouraging.  I will keep battling: this stigma needs to stop.”

Time to Change wants to encourage individuals to take ownership of the movement for change, and Claudette's visit shows that it is ordinary people standing up and taking action that can make that change happen. What an inspiration!