Stuart Semple : Why I’m backing mental health campaign (From Bournemouth Echo)

Stuart Semple : Why I’m backing mental health campaign

1:00pm Monday 11th March 2013 in News By Nicky Findley

A BOURNEMOUTH artist has put paintbrush to paper to support a major new mental health awareness campaign.

Time to Change aims to encourage people to be more supportive of someone experiencing a mental health issue.

It follows new research that shows only one in four people across the region have received a get well card during their illness, even though 82 per cent say that a card would be a good way for others to let them know they are thinking of them.

Contemporary British artist Stuart Semple and cartoonist Stephen Collins have created exclusive ‘get well soon’ cards, which will be used as part of the Time to Change campaign, run by the charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness.

“There is still so much silence around the subject of mental health, yet it’s something that can affect all of us at some point in our lives,” said Stuart.

“People don’t seem to receive get well cards when they have a mental health problem and it’s a shame that it’s still such a taboo subject. Whether it’s a note of support, or just reminding someone you care, these small things can make a big difference.

“I hope the designs I've made help those who receive them know that they are loved and that there are people around them that care.

“That's such a simple yet powerful thing.”

The new card designs are now available as downloadable e-cards on the website time-to-change.org.uk/talk-about-mental-health or tweet #timeto talk.

Survey

According to a survey, although 82 per cent of people in the south west would consider sending a card to someone with a physical health problem, only 49 per cent would do the same if it related to mental health. Nearly half (44 per cent) wouldn’t know if it were appropriate.