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You've Made a Difference Mental Health Campaign

Published: Wed 4 Oct 2017 09:28 AM
You've Made a Difference Mental Health Campaign
Awareness Canterbury, a network of mental health consumers whose focus is systemic advocacy, will launch the ‘You’ve Made a Difference’ initiative at the next meeting of the network on Monday 9th October to coincide with the start of Mental Health Week. The focus of initiative is to show appreciation to mental health staff and volunteers who have made a positive impact, particularly at times of difficulty and distress.
The idea came into mind during a discussion in which some members of the network expressed concern that the public’s perception of the mental health system was growing increasingly negative, particularly in the run-up to the 2017 election. Awareness believes that mental health services in Canterbury are in definite need of improvement, but also recognise that the positive actions of staff working within these systems can make a huge difference to the lives of people seeking support, and want to acknowledge this.
The ‘You’ve Made a Difference’ campaign will give people the opportunity to send postcards to staff and volunteers who have worked with them on their journey towards wellness. Awareness hopes that this will encourage these people to continue the valuable work they do. The postcards will be available at the network meeting and Awareness would love to see a big turnout to support the initiative.
Though the focus of campaign is acknowledging those working within mental health, people are welcome to take additional cards if they want to recognise others such as friends, family members, or employers.
With mental health challenges widespread in Canterbury, and roughly half the population experiencing mental illness at some point in their lives, a campaign to acknowledge those who have helped out in difficult times will resonate with many Cantabrians. In addition to the postcards, Awareness invites people to acknowledge those who have made a difference to their mental health via social media hashtag #Youvemadeadifference.
If the event proves popular during Mental Health Week, Awareness will consider turning it into a long term project, which they believe will be a positive move for both mental health staff and people who have experienced distress.
To find out more about this campaign or the Awareness network, contact awareness@mhaps.org.nz or 366 8288
ENDS

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