Suzanne Vogel-Scibilia, former President of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – the largest mental health organisation in the world – visited Hafal today.
Suzanne, a service user and psychiatrist, was instrumental in the success of “In Our Own Voice”, the unique US public education programme which is the key inspiration behind the training programme being delivered by Hafal on behalf of Time to Change Wales, the service user-led campaign which aims to reduce the stigma and discrimination faced by people with mental health problems.
During her visit Suzanne, who is currently the President of NAMI Pennsylvania and Assistant Clinical Professor at University of Pittsburgh, gave a presentation to service users, carers and staff about the work of NAMI.
Suzanne said: “Time to Change Wales presents a wonderful opportunity to change the lives of people with mental illness and their families by reducing stigma.
“As a service user myself, I appreciate your approach. It is a time-tested, thoughtful educational programme that impacts the lives of people who live every day with mental health needs and the wider public.
“I am very impressed with Time To Change Wales – its design, staff and presenters are all very knowledgeable. The programme is perfect to reduce stigma and discrimination.
Commenting on Suzanne’s visit Kevin Mort, Manager, Hafal National Learning Centre, said:“Suzanne’s presentation gave us both invaluable practical advice and huge inspiration. Above all she validated our conviction that in order to be effective the anti-discrimination message must be delivered personally by those with the real expertise – people with lived experience of mental illness.”
For more information on NAMI please visit: http://www.nami.org/
For more information on Time to Change Wales please visit: http://timetochangewales.org.uk/