Trisha Goddard has given the thumbs up to new greeting cards developed in Leeds to support people who are experiencing mental ill-health.
The cards have been developed by local volunteers through the Time to Change campaign developed to tackle discrimination and stigma faced by people who have mental health problems. The campaign, including the greeting cards project, is supported by Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and NHS Airedale, Bradford and Leeds.
In Leeds a group of volunteers have been working on developing greeting cards that would be appropriate to give to people experiencing mental health problems. These cards are now available to buy from a small number of premises in Leeds and early signs are that they are proving popular with local people.
Research shows that people who are unwell with mental health problems receive far fewer cards or messages of support than people with physical health problems. A Royal College of Psychiatrists survey shows that 8 out 10 service users say that receiving a 'get well' card would improve their recovery.
Trisha Goddard reflects on her personal experience of a breakdown when she received no cards from well wishers. She compares this to the messages of support and cards she received when news came out that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Trisha Goddard sums up why she is supporting the development of the greeting cards: “When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I was inundated with ‘get well soon’ cards, all of which were really touching. If you’re thinking I only got those cards because I’m in the public eye, let me just tell you this: when I lived in Australia, I was equally in the public eye and yet when news leaked out that I was in a psychiatric hospital following a breakdown – not a peep! No cards and certainly no flowers.
“In Leeds, volunteers and members of community groups have created some fantastic card designs for people in hospital with a mental illness. The cards offer kind and thoughtful messages to offer support and let your friend, colleague, family member or loved one know you care. Please don’t hold back because you’re unsure of what to say. Buy a card and show that you are thinking of them.”
Tricia Thorpe, Time to Change (Leeds) Project Worker, adds: “It is fantastic that Trisha Goddard has endorsed our greeting cards. People, like Trisha, who have experienced mental health problems know the feelings of isolation that accompany any bouts of illness. This is great news for the volunteers who have worked so hard to come up with some innovative and heart touching designs. Sometimes just a simple card saying ‘thinking of you’ can really make all the difference. Now we want to make it easier for people in Leeds to support anyone they know who is going through a tough time by sending them a card.”
Campaigners from the Time to Change project in Leeds now need the help of local businesses to sell the cards. If you would like to stock and sell the cards please get in touch with Charlotte Hanson: charlotte.hanson@nhsleeds.nhs.uk or 0113 84 35015.
Notes
Purchasing greeting cards
The Time to Change in Leeds greeting cards can currently be purchased from the following premises:
Becklin Centre
Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Alma Street
Leeds
LS9 7BE
The Mount
Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
44 Hyde Terrace
Leeds
LS2 9LN
Copy Centre ****from 9 March 2012****
19a North Lane
Headingley
Leeds
LS6 3HW
About Time to Change in Leeds
Time to Change is England's most ambitious programme to end discrimination faced by people who experience mental health problems.
Time to Change in Leeds was launched on Thursday 25 June 2009.
Organisations that are currently involved in the project are Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust; NHS Airedale, Bradford and Leeds; Volition; Leeds Mind; Community Links; Touchstone; Leeds City Council and a range of commercial partners.
Become a friend of Time to Change Leeds: www.facebook.com/timetochangeinleeds
To find out more about Time to Change visit: www.time-to-change.org.uk
