Lesbian and bisexual women suffering from mental health problems are to gain support through a new scheme aiming to tackle the stigma surrounding mental illness.
‘Can You Hear Me?’ is being launched by The Lesbian and Gay Foundation and will culminate in an exhibition taking place through July and August, coinciding with Manchester Pride.
Participants will be asked to make their own kitchen space, and will be asked to share their experiences of mental health, which will be played through a radio throughout the display.
Lucy Rolfe, Wellbeing Manager at The Lesbian & Gay Foundation, said: “Many lesbian and bisexual women don’t feel they can speak up about having a mental health problem or feeling distressed.
“By being able to talk, listen to and share experiences, we hope that visitors will gain a better understanding of why so many lesbian and bisexual women experience mental illness and the impact stigma and discrimination can have.”
The campaign, which kicks-off this month, will be funded by Time to Change – England’s biggest programme helping end the discrimination faced by people with mental health problems.
Sue Baker, Director of Time to Change, said: “We know that one of the most powerful ways to change attitudes is when people take the lead in driving change within their own communities so we are very excited to be able to award these grant funds.
“What works in one community may not work in another, so through the grants fund we are putting the power to make change happen locally in the hands of the experts – the people who know their communities the best.”
On April 18 The LGF will be hosting an evening to recruit 20 lesbian and bisexual women with direct experience of mental health issues to take part in the project.
Picture courtesy of DeathByBokeh, with thanks.
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