Black Dog & Stigma: owning up to mental health

[wendy]

Friday 22nd July 2016, from 7.00pm to 8.45pm

Speaking of Stigma: A Panel Discussion chaired by Helen McDermott

The Nave, Norwich Cathedral, NR1 4DH



Saturday 23rd July 2016, from 10am to 12 noon

Experiencing Stigma: A chance to share your story and be heard

Weston Room, Norwich Cathedral, NR1 4DH



Two events which bring together a range of high profile speakers who all share the goal of stamping out the stigma associated with mental ill health. Both events are free and open to all experiencing mental health difficulties and those trying to support and help them. They have been organised by Norwich Cathedral in partnership with Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT).



On Friday 22nd July: a ‘speaking of stigma’ panel discussion chaired by journalist and broadcaster Helen McDermott. Members of the panel will spend a few minutes talking about their own experiences before taking questions from the public.

Panel members:

Helen McDermott – Journalist and broadcaster who has spoken about her experience of depression

Robert Ashton – Social entrepreneur, business author, campaigner and Vice Patron of Norfolk Community Foundation

Sarah Cornick – Consultant psychiatrist in psychosis care at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust

Dan Dalton – Lead consultant forensic psychiatrist based at the Broadland Clinic Forensic Service

Luke Woodley – Founder of the Walnut Tree Project and a former serving soldier and sufferer from PTSD

Dan Poulter – MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, an NHS hospital doctor and former Government health minister

Tim Stevens – Former Bishop of Leicester and non-executive director of Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust



The following morning Saturday 23rd July: anyone with a mental health issue, their families and carers, is being encouraged share their stories – both good and bad – with representatives from NSFT, charities and other support groups. It is hoped their feedback can be used to make changes which will improve the experience people have when accessing help.



“A significant number of people with mental health problems come to churches looking for help and someone to talk to, which is why we decided to organise this event,” said Canon Andy Bryant, from the cathedral.



“When someone breaks a leg, people understand how to talk to them. But if you say you are suffering with anxiety or depression, people are immediately wary and treat you differently. Often this distance can make the problems which the individual is suffering even worse.



“We hope that the cathedral will provide a comfortable, caring environment where people can talk openly and honestly about their experiences.”



NSFT Chair Gary Page, who helped organise the event, said: “We are delighted that NSFT has been able to contribute to what promises to be a fantastic event which will give people the chance to share their own experiences while also listening to others.



“We hope as many people as possible will come and show their support so that we can work together to tackle the stigma which unfortunately still exists around mental ill health.”



Both events are free and everyone is welcome to attend. To see the event flyer please click here.

For more information, contact Andy on 01603 218331 or by email at ABryant@cathedral.org.uk

[annie]

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