Leicester City Council has launched a new campaign to raise awareness and understanding of mental illness in the city.
The initiative is being kicked off with a poster campaign encouraging people to start talking about the issue. They have been placed at ten sites across the city and highlight that one in four people suffer from mental ill health and urge people not to suffer in silence.
Deputy City Mayor, Councillor Rory Palmer said, “There is still a stigma surrounding mental illness, despite it being a widespread issue affecting a quarter of the population.
“I am determined that we tackle stigma and discrimination and that we make clear, as a city, we are serious in doing this.
“We want to start by breaking down these barriers and get people talking about mental health. There is nothing to be ashamed of in seeking help or talking about mental health.
“Over this next year we want Leicester to be a city that is more confident in talking about mental health. To do this we aim to raise awareness and to deliver a series of activities to empower and support individuals and communities.”
The council say they will be working with a number of community groups to improve mental health, including young people, older people and people in the workplace.
They have also delivered the first phase of a mental health first aid training course to faith groups in the city, which teaches people to recognise the warning signs of mental ill health.
In addition, the council has recently renewed its commitment to suicide prevention by providing suicide awareness training.
Last year Leicester City Council signed up to the Local Authorities Mental Health Challenge, which included commitments to focus on improving mental health awareness, opportunities and support services across the county.
More information on mental health can be found at: www.leicester.gov.uk/ourhealthycity
