§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to educate the public about mental illnesses to tackle the stigma associated with these illnesses. [178144]
§ Ms Rosie Winterton[holding answer 15 June 2004]: The National Institute for Mental Health in England (NIMHE) is about to publish a new five-year strategic plan to tackle stigma and discrimination on mental health grounds. The plan will be launched shortly and will build on the foundation of the Department's "Mind out for mental health" campaign and key recommendations of a scoping review commissioned by NIMHE of what works in anti stigma and discrimination. In line with the evidence, the programme will target key audiences and be underpinned by people affected by mental health problems being at the heart of all work. The brand and first resources and projects will be formally launched I on World Mental Health Day, 10 October 2004.
1129WThis work will support the implementation of the social exclusion unit's action plan on social exclusion and mental health that was launched on 14 June.