People with mental health problems have the X Factor

Time to Change, England’s mental health anti-discrimination programme [1], welcomes the news that producers of the X Factor are introducing psychological appraisals and support for contestants.  But it warns of the importance of ensuring that people with mental health problems aren’t excluded from taking part as a result.

Time to Change Director, Sue Baker, says:

“It’s important that contestants on high-pressure reality TV shows such as The X-Factor are properly supported throughout the process, which can impact on the mental wellbeing of people with and without existing mental health problems who are suddenly thrust into the glare of public attention.    

However, there needs to be a balance between providing support for all contestants, and discouraging or eliminating people with experience of mental health problems from taking part. People are already excluded from many other activities in life on the grounds of their mental health, and we need to guard against any potential exclusion of contestants based on the assumption that they may not be able to cope.  There’s no reason why many people with mental health problems can’t flourish on shows like the X Factor, just like anyone else, provided that expert support and advice is readily available.  Ultimately, the decision to take part should be down to the individual.”

Celebrity supporters of Time to Change including Ulrika Jonsson, Patsy Palmer, Stephen Fry and Ruby Wax, have proved that having experienced mental health issues need not mean that people are unable to cope with the pressures of fame.

Time to Change research shows that, although one in four of us will experience mental health problems, nine out of 10 people affected face stigma and discrimination, including being excluded from everyday activities such as having a social life, and taking part in community groups and activities [2].

Time to Change is England’s biggest and most ambitious programme to end mental health discrimination.   The campaign is run by leading mental health charities Mind and Rethink, and backed by £16 million from the Big Lottery Fund [3] and £4 million from Comic Relief [4].

FOR MORE INFORMATION, COMMENTS, INTERVIEW REQUESTS CALL:

Kate Stringer, Communications Officer
020 8215 2356 / 07886 625 201
k.stringer@time-to-change.org.uk

NOTES TO EDITORS

1.    Time to Change is England’s most ambitious programme to end the discrimination faced by people with mental health problems, and improve the nation’s wellbeing.  Mind and Rethink are leading the programme, funded with £16m from the Big Lottery Fund and £4m from Comic Relief, and evaluated by the Institute of Psychiatry at King’s College, London. For further information go to www.time-to-change.org.uk

2.    Stigma Shout - service user and carer experiences of stigma and discrimination. Time to Change, 2008.

3.    The Big Lottery Fund’s support for Time to Change comes from its £165m Well-being programme.  The Big Lottery Fund has been rolling out grants to health, education, environment and charitable causes across the UK since its inception in June 2004.  It was established by Parliament on 1 December 2006.  Full details of the work of the Big Lottery Fund, its programmes and awards are available on the website: www.biglotteryfund.org.uk Big Lottery Fund Press Office: 020 7211 1888  / Out of hours: 07867 500 572 Public Enquiries Line: 08454 102030 /
Textphone: 08456 021 659

4.    Comic Relief is committed to supporting people living with mental health problems. The projects Comic Relief funds ensure people with mental health problems get their voices heard in the decisions that affect their lives and to get the help they need to recover. Comic Relief also helps people to promote their rights and reduce the stigma and discrimination they face so that they feel more included in society.  The £4 million grant to Time to Change is part of Comic Relief's long standing commitment to this issue. For more information go to www.comicrelief.com