New mental health campaign aims to tackle stigma and support people in crisis

A new campaign has been launched to improve the support available to people living with mental health problems across North Wales.

The ‘I CAN’ campaign, which was launched to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week at the start of May, will aim to raise awareness, tackle stigma, and encourage open conversations about mental health.

Money raised via the campaign will help fund community projects which provide support closer to home for people experiencing a mental health crisis, as well as schools based programmes and improved early intervention.

It is being led by a coalition which includes Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board, NHS charity Awyr Las, third sector organisations and people with lived experience of mental health problems.

The 2017 North Wales Population Needs Assessment estimates that around 93,000 people aged 16 and over have a common mental health problem. Forecasts suggest that number will increase to 99,000 by 2035.

Lesley Singleton, Director of Partnerships for Mental Health & Learning Disabilities at BCUHB, said: “Too often, people are afraid to admit that they are struggling with their mental health.

“This fear of prejudice and judgement can stop them from getting help in a timely way, which further exacerbates their problems.

“Through the I CAN campaign we want to build resilience within communities by supporting people to look after their own mental wellbeing and encouraging open conversations about mental health.”

The campaign has received the backing of a number of organisations including Caniad, which represents people who have a lived experience of mental health problems and their carers.

Caniad Chair Stephen Beach, from Ruthin, is a carer for somebody with mental health problems. He said: “This long term project is much needed and the funds that are raised to support local communities will make a huge difference.”

Another mental health carer, Peter Williams, from Kinmel Bay, said: “I’m supporting the I CAN campaign because it’s important to highlight mental health issues. It’s important that the message reaches rural areas where stigma around mental health is still an issue.”

Donations given to support the campaign will be ring fenced for local mental health projects by the North Wales NHS Charity, Awyr Las.

Kirsty Thomson, head of fundraising at Awyr Las, said: “Despite the prevalence of mental health problems and a growing understanding of their impact, only a small percentage of donations to NHS charities are given specifically for mental health projects, with other areas of healthcare far better supported.

“We hope that people across North Wales will get behind this new and exciting campaign which has the potential to make a huge difference to local people living with mental health problems.”

To get involved or find out more please visit www.awyrlas.org.uk/ICAN