Time to Change is a sector-leading, evidence-driven campaign which began in 2007, aiming to change how we all think and act about mental health problems. Since then, the campaign has reached millions of people across England to improve attitudes, change behaviours and empower those with lived experience to take action to challenge stigma and discrimination. Time to Change set ambitious goals for its third phase, and its well on the way to achieving these.
Attitude change
Between 2008 and 2016, an estimated 4.1 million attitudes changed for the better – that’s a 9.6% improvement. Only partway through the third phase (2016 to 2021), there has been a further 3.1% improvement in attitudes amongst the adult population. This equates to 12.7% (5.4 million adults) with improved attitudes to mental health since the campaign began. By the end of this phase, Time to Change wants to see this 3.1% increase to 5%.
Behaviour change
People aren’t only thinking differently, they’re acting differently too. From 2008 to 2016, people with mental health problems were less likely to report having experienced discrimination because of their mental health. Time to Change is aiming for a further 5% reduction in discrimination in personal relationships, social life, and workplaces by 2021. The campaign’s progress will be tracked against this target towards the end of this year.
Empowering champions
Time to Change has thousands of dedicated Champions across the country who are campaigning in their communities. By 2021, Time to Change is aiming for 75% of Champions with lived experience reporting increased empowerment when engaging in campaign activities. So far, 61% have reported feeling more confident to challenge stigma and discrimination.
Nikkita, Time to Change Champion said: "Being a Time to Change Champion has empowered me to speak about my own diagnosis, without shame or fear. I now feel more comfortable challenging people on their attitudes towards those of us who have mental health problems – so much so that I even held a workshop at my university’s annual conference.”
Jo Loughran Director of Time to Change said: “In the last ten years we have seen some incredible progress in the fight against mental health stigma and discrimination. Despite the progress we’ve already made, we know that mental health stigma and discrimination still has a devastating impact on the lives of many. That’s why the work of Time to Change is so important. By working to change the way we all think and act about mental health, we enact a societal shift that ensures equal opportunities, in all areas of life. Encouraging people to open up to mental health – to talk and to listen – is the first step.”
To read the full report, visit Our Impact