Tackling mental health stigma and discrimination

The national programme to eliminate mental health stigma and discrimination has been awarded £5 million of Scottish Government funding for five years.  

The continuing investment in See Me, which has been announced alongside the launch of their new strategy, With Fairness in Mind, will allow See Me to carry on their important work as part of the wider national response to the mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mental Wellbeing Minister Kevin Stewart said:

“I am pleased to announce continued funding for See Me of £1 million a year until March 2026. This is not only a sign of our trust and belief in See Me but also in recognition of the importance of tackling the stigma and discrimination.

“We know that the pandemic has had a substantial impact on the mental health of the population, and is likely to continue to do so. It has never been more important to look after our mental health. That is why we are working to create a Scotland where people can get the right help at the right time, and to fully enjoy their rights, free from stigma and discrimination.

“Tackling stigma is crucial to mental health improvement, because of the barriers it presents for recovery, prevention and early intervention. Reducing stigma creates the best conditions for positive mental wellbeing, enabling more people to access the support, care and treatment they need.”

Wendy Halliday, See Me Director, said:

“Stigma and discrimination can have a devastating impact on the lives of people with mental health problems. It can stop people from getting the right help and support, it can cause people to lose their jobs, it can leave people isolated and, for young people, they can find themselves being judged and dismissed when trying to reach out.

“That’s why the launch of our new five-year strategy, With Fairness in Mind, and the continued investment in the See Me Programme from the Scottish Government is so important. There must be this ongoing commitment to ending the deep rooted stigma that exists in Scottish society, especially in workplaces, education, health and social care and communities.

“At See Me we want to see a change in the way support and treatment for mental health is thought about, so tackling stigma and discrimination, and addressing the barriers they create, is seen as essential to any action to improve mental health.”

Background

You can read the strategy here https://www.seemescotland.org/about-see-me/.

Mental Health Transition and Recovery Plan

• We know that the Covid-19 pandemic in particular has had a substantial impact on the mental health of the population for a long period of time. Our Mental Health Transition & Recovery Plan was developed with stakeholders and third sector representatives and sets out the medium and long term actions we are taking to address the additional pressures on the population’s mental health, brought about by the pandemic. 

• Under Commitment 1.6 of the Mental Health Transition and Recovery Plan, the SG will continue to work with See Me to tackle the fundamental barriers of stigma and discrimination. The longer term approach to funding See Me will support delivery of this commitment. It also supports wider commitments around engaging people with lived experience, supporting mental health in the workplace and in local communities.