Partner Article

Workers go on a march to stamp out stigma

Mental health workers in the region are asking people to join an awareness-raising one mile walk this month named the ‘March March’ to stamp out mental health stigma.

In support of the Time to Change campaign, which is England’s most ambitious programme to end mental health prejudice, members of the public are being encouraged to talk more openly about mental health problems and join the region’s first ever March March to start a conversation.

The March March is running at the same time as the launch of Time to Change’s new campaign to get people talking about mental health - ‘It’s time to talk. It’s Time to Change.’

Whilst walking a mile walkers will talk to people who have experienced mental health problems and as well as other people taking part in the walk.

Three March Marches will take place across the region this month.

The first will be held in Newcastle city centre on Tuesday 22 March where walkers will meet at the Civic Centre at 12noon and walk the one mile route ending at Times Square.

At the end of the route walkers will be asked to make a pledge to help end mental health prejudice.

Neil Johnson, public mental health lead for the North East Mental Health Development Unit said: “We are asking people to join one of our one-mile awareness raising walks this March, to walk the walk, and talk the talk to help stamp out stigma.

“Walkers will also be encouraged to talk to service users and passers by about mental health issues.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .