Mental health

Changing minds and influencing the media - launched October 1999

One in four Britons will suffer from it at some time in their life, but mental illness remains the last office taboo.

Once, people with mental illness were kept locked away from the rest of society, often in the most appalling conditions. Today, more subtly but just as effectively, they are imprisoned by negative attitudes which deepen their distress and deprive them of opportunities for living happy, productive lives. Our 'Changing Minds About Mental Health' campaign aimed to tackle these destructive prejudices, both in the media and in the workplace.

Over the years, our campaigns have reflected issues of concern to our customers through our Ethical Policy. Through the campaigns, we can often bring light to relatively 'undercover' subjects and this time was no exception. By tackling some of the prejudices and taboos around mental health, our campaign aimed to make a real difference to the lives of the millions of people suffering from mental disorders.

Action, not words

As part of our campaign, we worked in partnership with the Royal College of Psychiatrists to mail a 'stigma pill box' to opinion formers in politics, the media and marketing. The box contained eight pills representing stigma: '60% ignorance, 30% fear, 10% apathy'. It was designed by Anne McCormack of Edinburgh College of Art & Design in response to a bank-sponsored in the 1999 British Design & Art Direction Student Awards.

You voted, we donated

As part of our campaign we donated to the following four charities, according to the percentage of customer votes each received:

National Schizophrenic Fellowship

Challenges discrimination against people with schizophrenia and supports people in their journey towards discovery. Received £11,815

MIND

Works for a better life for people with mental health problems and campaigns with opinion formers to overcome stigma and raise awareness of mental health issues. Received £17,096

Samaritans

Provide a round-the-clock befriending service for all those passing through personal crisis and risk of suicide. Volunteers are trained to listen, without judgement and in total confidence to help callers work through their feelings. Received £20,799

SANE

Established the only national out of hours telephone helpline for sufferers of mental health, their families and carers. Saneline has proved to be a lifeline for many people. Received £16,290

Find out about our campaigns.