 |
 |
Hi all, I found this on the BBC Health page complete with webpage for further information: What is World Mental Health Day? World Mental Health Day is an annual health awareness campaign organised by various mental health organisations. It was started by the World Federation for Mental Health in 1992 - and aims to raise awareness of, de- stigmatise and promote mental well-being. The theme for World Mental Health Day 2003 will focus worldwide attention and concern on the identification, treatment, and prevention of emotional and behavioral disorders in children and adolescents. Mind Out for Mental Health Poll The Mind Out for Mental Health poll commissioned by the Department of Health (in association with the Mental Health Foundation, Mind and the National Schizophrenia Fellowship) reveals that: 78% of respondents expect the general public to discriminate on the grounds of mental health. 69% believe young people aged 16-24 would be likely to discriminate. 74% think employers would discriminate during recruitment and employment. Health Minister's Response to Poll Announcing the research Health Minister, Jacqui Smith, said: Discrimination on the grounds of mental health is totally unacceptable. Unfortunately, it is extremely common and it can stop people leading a full and active life. The Government is committed to tackling this problem through the mind out for mental health campaign in partnership with business, media, youth organisations and the voluntary sector. It is a clear sign of our determination to change people's attitudes towards mental health. Further Findings of the Poll The poll also revealed: 44% would expect someone with a mental health problem to be refused a job and 31% would expect them to be overlooked for promotion. 26% would expect someone with a mental health problem to be verbally abused in public and 16% would expect them to be physically attacked. 67% would expect someone not to disclose a mental health problem when applying for services such as a mortgage, insurance or credit cards. Interestingly, over one third (37%) of people questioned had experienced some kind of mental health problem demonstrating widespread prevalence. The scale of the problem According to the World Health Organisation mental health problems are set to increase by the year 2020, largely due to the pace of modern living. In the UK each year, over 4,000 people take their own lives and over 250,000 people are admitted into psychiatric hospitals. Mental health is a major health concern that impacts all of us, worldwide. Where can I find out more about mental health? More info about World Mental Health Day at http://www.wmhday.net. If you'd like to read the Mind Out for Mental Health poll in full telephone 020 8519 2122. In addition take a look at their website at www.mind.org.uk/. The website lists contact details for local support groups. For detailed information on mental well-being take a look at the following websites: BBC Health: Mental Health www.bbc.co.uk/health/mental/ World Federation for Mental Health http://www.wfmh.com Depression Alliance www.depressionalliance.org The Samaritans www.samaritans.org.uk/ Relate www.relate.org.uk/ World Health Organisation www.who.int/mental_health/ Kind regards David David Sloan Specialist Disability Adviser (Employment) Let's Work? Project Disability Services Queen's University Belfast Belfast BT7 1NN TEL: (028) 90973225 FAX: (028) 90975378 www.qub.ac.uk/disability