Campaign news

Going for Gold in the fight against stigma

News | 16 Comments 17th November 2010

Golden Gates Housing have dedicated the month of November to challenging mental health and learning disability-related stigma.

The organisation, which is responsible for managing 8,749 homes is currently undergoing a stock transfer process and will become a Housing Trust on 29 November, 2010. During this busy process, Golden Gates Housing say that equality is still at the forefront of their thinking and the organisation plans to engage its 306 staff members through a programme of activities.

At the end of the month the company’s Chief Executive Peter Mercer will sign 5 Boroughs Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s ‘Sticks and Stones’ petition on behalf of all members of staff.

“As an organisation, we understand that those coping with mental ill health and learning disabilities not only have to deal with their condition but also face prejudice on a daily basis,” he commented. “Working closely with our local specialist mental health and learning disabilities service provider, we believe we can change the way we see, think and talk about mental health by addressing people’s fears, breaking down walls and stamping out the stigma.”

The NHS Foundation trust’s campaign message – ‘Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will also hurt me’ – will be displayed on posters around GGHT throughout November. Members of staff will be wearing campaign badges and articles addressing the theme will feature across the organisations communications.

“Challenging stigma will appear as an agenda item on our team briefings throughout the month – giving our staff the opportunity to discuss the campaign message and what it means to them,” continues Peter. “As well as becoming Corporate Partners of ‘Sticks and Stones’, we hope to become an accredited ‘Mindful Employer’ so that current and future staff can see our commitment to equality for people with mental ill health or learning disabilities.”

 Simon Barber, Chief Executive of 5 Boroughs Partnership NHS Foundation Trust commented: “We are delighted that Golden Gates Housing joins us in recognising the importance of challenging mental health and learning disability stigma. By getting their staff to talk, think about and act on stigma, the company is demonstrating true commitment to not only the mental wellbeing of its employees but also that of its tenants.”

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