New mental health alliance attracts cross party support

An alliance of Scottish mental health organisations has received
cross party political support for a new campaign aimed at educating
people on mental health. People Too, launched at the Scottish
parliament is led by the Scottish Association for Mental Health
(SAMH), the Royal College of Psychiatrists, National Schizophrenia
Fellowship (Scotland) and Penumbra (a voluntary organisation
specialising in the mental health of young people).

Shona Barcus, chief executive of SAMH, said: “One in four Scots
will experience mental illness at some point in their lives. Most
will try to keep it secret, even from family and friends. Most will
only seek help when their problems become unbearable. Many will be
discriminated against at work, face widespread exclusion and almost
all will feel guilty and ashamed.”

The campaign’s aims include ensuring that mental health
legislation treats people with mental illness fairly, tackling
stigma, and educating the public on good mental health.