Public Education About Real Life Stories - towards acceptance and understanding of mental illness
With funding from SA Health’s Mental Health Unit, HCA is implementing a consumer led mental illness stigma reduction campaign.
A consumer led Advisory group had been formed to offer information, and their lived experience, to guide some of the strategies and information for the campaign. After discussion with the Advisory group, the name ‘Pearls – Public education about real life stories, towards acceptance and understanding of mental illness’ was decided upon as the name and goal for the group.
Progress to date:
- 11 consumers/carers have completed “Confident and Persuasive Presentations” training;
- 10 consumers/carers have completed basic radio presentation and interviewing training with Radio Adelaide;
- 6 interviews were recorded with consumers with four of the interviews broadcast on Radio Adelaide during Mental Health Week.
We are currently in the process of producing a range of printed and other resources to be used by the speakers. The campaign will be launched in 2012.
As part of the project, Penny Parker (Master of Social Work student) has undertaken a comprehensive literature review on the topic of the stigma experienced by people with a mental illness. The literature review provides information on current research and consumers lived experiences. This review is a valuable resource for ongoing projects and for any further work, in this area, conducted by HCA.
For further information contact, Angelina Edwards, Senior Project Officer, on 08 8231 4169, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
