Challenging Stigma in Inverclyde – A Free Online Event
CVS Inverclyde invites the community to join us for our free online event, Resilience Network: Challenge Stigma, 23rd February 2022 10am-3pm.
With funding from Inverclyde HSCP Public Mental Health Remobilisation Fund, this event will explore stigma in Inverclyde, its impact on different groups in our community, and what we can do to address its harmful effects.
The event will be interactive and bring together a wide range of partners from Inverclyde’s third and public sector and our community. We will hear from people in our community who have experienced different types of stigma and they will share their stories and perspectives.
CVS Inverclyde Partnerships Facilitator, Vicki Cloney, said: “Stigma is a problem in Inverclyde and more widely in Scotland. We know from recent listening events organised by Inverclyde Council that stigma was a common theme.
“Stigma can take different forms and affects already vulnerable people such as people with poor mental health, problem alcohol or drug use, refugees, carers, people in the LGBTQ+ community – there is no definitive list.
“It’s so important to challenge stigma because it has a negative effect on health and wellbeing as it can prevent people from accessing the support they need and creates negative stereotypes about conditions or groups of people.
“That’s the aim of this event. We’re thrilled to collaborate with leaders and guest speakers from across sectors to contribute to the discussion. We’re excited for the interactive workshops that we think will be really thought provoking and make people realise how prevalent stigma is in our community and why we need to challenge it.
“The stories from people with experience of stigma are especially powerful and we want to thank everyone who took part in recording interviews to share on the day.
“We also want to express our gratitude to everyone in the community, from local third sector organisations to the HSCP, who have worked so hard to make this event possible – it has been a terrific partnership!”
Louise Long, Inverclyde Council chief executive, agrees wholeheartedly, adding: “Stigma exists in various aspects of life, and it is so important that we do all we can to eliminate it to ensure we are, as a society, inclusive, respectful, caring and compassionate for everyone.
“Stigma is a barrier to progress and to accessing help, particularly with issues such as mental health and alcohol or drug use, so the sooner we can eliminate that the easier it will become for people to get the help they want and need but maybe feel embarrassed or ashamed to ask for.
“This event is a great way to bring together the council/HSCP, partner organisations and the wider Inverclyde community to work towards that aim and I encourage people to get involved and have their say to help us tackle this important issue.”
Sign up for free on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/resilience-network-challenge-stigma-tickets-242284017017
The Resilience Network is hosted by CVS Inverclyde and developed in partnership with Inverclyde HSCP and other local partners to help the people of Inverclyde build resilience and foster hope. For the past 2 years this network has offered a space for collaboration, knowledge exchange and partnership working to collectively support resilience in our community.