MindOut, the LGBT mental health project are thrilled to have the support of singer and songwriter Billie Myers in their work to end mental health stigma and discrimination.
As part of a two year anti-stigma project funded by Time to Change, MindOut are running a series of events to engage the public in open and meaningful conversations about mental health.
Singer and songwriter Billie Myers, best known for her rock anthem Kiss the Rain is supporting Time to Change, England’s mental health anti-stigma programme run by charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, with its latest campaign and work with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities..
Last week Billie tweeted a picture of herself wearing a ‘Time to Talk’ tattoo, designed by contemporary British artist Stuart Semple, in a bid to get people talking about their own personal experiences of mental health problems and break the taboo that still sadly surrounds the subject.
Billie has spoken out about her own experience of mental health problems as well as talking openly about her bisexuality and the stigma she has personally faced.
She said:
“It is a real honour to wear the Time to Change tattoo and start to break the intangible silence that builds walls around the subject of mental health. The heart tattoo is a perfect visual for such an important campaign. The key is to get the conversation started somewhere and the tattoo is a fantastic way of doing that.
“As a proud member of the LGB&T community and a person who lives with depression I know first hand the importance of reaching out. Fighting the dangerous and often invisible nature of stigma isn’t an option, it’s a must.”
Time to Change recently received an additional Big Lottery Fund grant of £3.6 million to build on their existing anti-stigma work. As part of this grant the programme is aiming to reach lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities through their collaborative work with Brighton and Hove based organisation MindOut.
Sue Baker, Director of Time to Change said:
“Mental health problems affect so many of us and unfortunately, people from certain communities including LGB&T people, can face multiple levels of stigma and discrimination. We are really pleased to have Billie on board and we hope that the fantastic work taking place in the coming months will really make a difference in breaking the stigma that many of us with mental health problems face on daily basis.
“Just a few small words and starting the conversation around mental health can make all the difference to those of us who may be struggling in silence.”
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