15 million reasons why mental health matters in (North) Wales

Area:

Wales

Programme:

Mental Health Matters

Release date:

28 2 2007

On Tuesday February 27, representatives of various mental health organisations in Wales will come together at the Galeri Centre in Caernarfon, North Wales, for the launch of BIG’s new ‘Mental Health Matters’ (MHM) programme. (For picture, filming and interview opportunities, please see end of release).

One-in-four adults will have mental health problems at some time in their lives and one in ten children will need professional help for a mental health disorder. One-in-20 people over 65 are also affected by dementia. People with mental health problems are some of the most disadvantaged people in society and often experience multiple deprivation.  Many are isolated and have low self-esteem and low aspirations. Their condition is made worse by the stigma, lack of understanding and discrimination they face daily.

The MHM programme will support people with serious mental health problems to live fulfilling lives in their communities and reduce incidence of relapse or crises. As well as supporting projects that raise awareness of mental illnesses, the programme will help improve access to appropriate support for those at greatest risk of serious mental health problems or suicide.

A glowing example for people set to benefit from this new programme is 56-year-old Jane Williams from Denbigh, North Wales. Jane was once a beneficiary of mental health services, but has now devoted her own life to helping people who have suffered similar problems. She is one of numerous people who has received support from the Vale of Clwyd MIND organisation, which recently received £222,525 from the Big Lottery Fund to develop its Rural Outreach Service.

When her first marriage broke up, Jane ended up seeing a psychologist and was prescribed anti-depressants.  Jane said: “It can happen to anyone at any time and suddenly, you just feel that you’re not coping anymore. At my lowest point, I felt isolated, lonely and absolutely worthless. I blamed everything on myself, including the collapse of my marriage. The support I received from MIND made me feel like a valued person again and the holistic therapy they offer is fantastic.

“It takes time for someone to realise that they’re depressed and it took 12 months for me to get my life together again.  People are scared of mental health problems because they can’t see them. It’s not something there is a simple treatment for, like a broken leg. Attitudes towards mental health must change if we want to move forward. If people are better educated about mental health, it will get rid of the stigma attached.”  

Jane re-married 10 years ago and now devotes her time to caring for her husband, who suffers with Schizophrenia, as well as two other people who suffer with the illness. She said: “It’s not easy to deal with, but with good support and everyone working as a team, we’re having a good life,” she explained. “I’m qualified to give advice because I’ve been there. Organisations like MIND show you that there is still purpose in your life and they help you regain your independence. For me, caring isn’t a job, it’s a way of life.”

Highlighting the importance of the programme, Big Lottery Fund Wales Country Chair, Huw Vaughan Thomas, said: “During our consultations, the lack of mental health provision in Wales was a subject that came up time and time again. We have been working closely with specialists in the field of mental health to provide a clear focus for the programme. As we developed the programme we tried to understand the issues facing mental health practitioners and service users.”

Huw added: “This programme will have a significant impact on the lives of people who suffer with mental health problems in Wales. Our funding will make an important strategic contribution to developing mental health services across the country, by helping people with mental health problems and supporting projects that try to overcome the barriers that they face.”

The MHM programme complements the Welsh Assembly Government’s Mental Health Action plan. In a show of support for the programme, the Welsh Assembly Government Health Minister, Brian Gibbons, said: “I would like to thank the Big Lottery Fund for this important contribution to the development of mental health services in Wales. The Welsh Assembly Government is committed to making sure mental health becomes a firm part of the modernisation agenda. The Big Lottery Fund’s Mental Health Matters programme will provide added and much valued support to many initiatives that are currently being carried out in Wales. In particular for those who are working to address the social exclusion and discrimination still faced by many people in our society.“

FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE LAUNCH EVENT AND THE PROGRAMME

During the launch, a service user, Llanelli’s Gerwyn Jenkins, will be available to talk about his experiences of dealing with mental health problems. Caernarfon MP, Hywel Williams, who is a strong advocate of mental health issues, will also be giving a talk. Those attending the launch will also be able to see and hear, for the first time, a piece of poetry commissioned by Big Lottery Fund to raise awareness of mental health issues, which has been created especially for the occasion by a young Welsh poet from Carmarthen, Catrin Dafydd.

BIG is also developing a series of initiatives during the year to raise awareness about mental health issues. These will include research projects, general events and resources. With a theme of “More than a number”, the initiatives aim to inform people about the prevalence of mental health issues, how illnesses can affect us all and how we can all play a part in removing stigmatisms. Catrin Dafydd will hold workshops with young people to help them develop their creative skills and her poetry will also be used in BIG’s publications during the year as part of the awareness campaign.

For further information about the ‘Mental Health Matters’ programme and how your group can apply for funding, log onto the Big Lottery Fund website www.biglotteryfund.org.uk.

To find out more about interview, photo and filming opportunities, see information below and contact Oswyn Hughes at the Big Lottery Fund press office by e- mail or on the numbers below.

Big Lottery Fund Press Office: 02920 678 207
Out of hours contact: 07760171431
Public Enquiries Line: 08454 102030
Textphone:  845 6021 659
Full details of the Big Lottery Fund programmes and grant awards are available on the website: www.biglotteryfund.org.uk

PICTURE, FILMING AND INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:

Notes to Editors:

• The Big Lottery Fund rolls out close to £2 million in Lottery good cause money every 24 hours which together with other Lottery distributors means that across the UK most people are within a few miles of a Lottery-funded project.
• The Big Lottery Fund, the largest of the National Lottery good cause distributors, has been rolling out grants to health, education, environment and charitable causes across the UK since its inception in June 2004.
• On 1 December 2006 the Big Lottery Fund was officially established by Parliament and at the same time assumed the residual responsibilities of the dissolved National Lottery Charities Board (Community Fund) the New Opportunities Fund, and the Millennium Commission. The Fund is building on the experience and best practice of the merged bodies to simplify funding in those areas where they overlap and to ensure Lottery funding provides the best possible value for money.

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