7 September 2009

NHSG/133/09

Budding photographers asked to put themselves in the frame for national recognition

A national photography competition 'A positive frame of mind' has been launched by campaigners against stigma and discrimination in mental ill-health.

The 'see me' campaign is running its successful competition for a second successive year. Its theme is "Be there. Be yourself" and the group is calling on budding photographers to send in captioned photos that illustrate their interpretation of the theme.

One winner from each region will be entered into the national final where they will be in with the chance to win some great prizes and see their work displayed at a public exhibition.

David Alexander is Health Improvement Officer for NHS Grampian and local competition host.  He said: "We all use photos to capture the most important moments in our lives, and this is a great opportunity for the people to be creative with their cameras and show us what this year's theme means to them.

"We are looking forward to welcoming photographs from across the north east, no matter your age, where you are or how experienced at photography you are."

Suzie Vestri, the "see me" campaign director, added: "At 'see me' we know that minds are changed with pictures as much as words.

"The photo competition allows the whole community to get involved, giving them the chance to show off their skills and stir ideas in others."

Tony Marsh, a noted photographer and competition judge, said: "The great thing about photography competitions is that everyone sees the world in a slightly different way and can bring their own background and circumstance to the fore.

"We want people to get out there with their camera and share their best shots with us.

"Take lots of pics, be honest in your photography and challenge yourself - but most importantly, enjoy it!"

The closing date for all entries is 18th September 2009.  For more information on how you can enter, please go to www.seemescotland.org.

• The "see me" anti-stigma campaign is owned and run by an alliance of five Scottish mental health organisations: Highland Users Group (HUG), National Schizophrenia Fellowship (Scotland), Penumbra, Royal College of Psychiatrists (Scottish Division) and Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH).
  
  
• "see me" is fully funded by the Scottish Government
  
  
• The "see me" campaign features a programme of events and local and national initiatives to reduce the stigma faced by people with mental health problems throughout Scotland.
  
  
• The "see me" website www.seemescotland.org acts as a signpost site for those seeking information on stigma, mental health problems and support services in Scotland.

For more information or images please contact David Alexander at Denburn Health Centre, Aberdeen on 01224 555254 or d.alexander2@nhs.net