Young people in Falkirk district are being encouraged to join Scotland’s biggest conversation yet on mental health stigma.
The Scottish Government and See Me, the national programme to tackle mental health stigma and discrimination, are working with young people to create a campaign for eight to 26-year-olds.
They are being surveyed on their views about the mental health issues they face, including whether they are able to talk about their feelings and whether they could help someone who was struggling.
Falkirk West MSP Michael Matheson said: “A recent survey by See Me found that nearly seven in 10 Scots have witnessed someone being treated differently or unfairly because of a mental health problem, which just goes to show how important it is that we tackle this stigma.
“I regularly visit local schools and am always impressed by how engaged our young people are, so I have no doubt that they will make a valuable contribution to this campaign.
“Mental health is a key theme of the Year of Young People 2018. Last month, 22 members of the Youth Commission started working on reshaping mental health services for children and adolescents, so this survey is part of wide-ranging efforts to improve the support available to young people.”
Speaking during Mental Health Awareness Week, Mental Health Minister Maureen Watt added: “The Year of Young People 2018 is about giving young people a stronger voice and we have been told loudly and clearly that they want greater attention given to mental health and wellbeing.
“We have listened, and this will be the biggest conversation on mental health stigma and discrimination young people in Scotland have ever had.”
To take part in the survey, go to www.seemescotland.org/news-and-blogs/what-do-you-want-to-talk-about/
