BORDERERS are being encouraged to join a national programme working on tackling mental health discrimination.

The See Me, programme is looking to train people to be leaders in changing attitudes around mental health and the "Community Champions" programme allows them to make positive changes in the community.

The scheme has Champions in various parts of Scotland, and the organisation has been working with New Horizon Borders to tackle the problem in the region. 

Rebekah Moore from See Me, who runs the Community Champions programme, said: "Whatever you are passionate about, or whatever motivates you, we can help and support you to use that, to take action against mental health stigma, which can change lives.

"Whether you have an idea for a project, or you want to do something but you’re not sure what, through the training we can develop a plan which can help you to make a positive change in your community," she added.

"We really believe that the only way to make a real difference to communities is to have people who know the area leading in making the changes."

The group are looking for Champions who have personal experience of mental health conditions, who could challenge discrimination in workplaces, in health and social care, with children and young people or by bringing their own ideas to engage their local community.

Jane Hornby, who is a Champion for the organisation, said: “I wanted to bring something to my local community, tackling stigma and discrimination with a focus on the family and home environment.

“It makes the issue of stigma and discrimination much more personal for people when it is someone within their own local community and I believe it produces sustained change.”

Champions receive three, one and a half day training sessions, which will be held in Perth. The deadline for applications is the 15th August at 5pm.

More information is available at: https://www.seemescotland.org/our-movement-for-change/supporters/champions/