20 November 2009

NHSG/167/09

Mental health anti stigma winners

The award ceremony for the north east winners of a national photography competition run by the 'see me' mental health anti stigma campaign took place on Friday 20 November at Mental Health Aberdeen Centre, 1 Albyn Place, Aberdeen.

The 'Positive frame of mind' competition called on budding photographers to submit photographs that illustrate their interpretation of the theme 'be there, be yourself.' The aim was to get them to capture important moments in their life, and provide an opportunity for people to be creative with their cameras.

The joint winners selected by the judging panel were Rachel Milne and Ross Chouman from Bridge of Don in the under 18 category, and Michelle Jones from Kemnay in the adult competition.

The 32 entries went on public display at a series of venues in Grampian. The winner of the public vote was Brian Duncan from Bridge of Don.

The adult winners received £50 gift vouchers and the under 18s received £25 vouchers.

The winning entries go forward to the national finals where the public will be asked to vote through the 'see me' website, 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.