Shift

Shift closes on 31 March 2011

shift@csip.org.uk — 2011-03-15T10:30:45+00:00

Shift will be coming to an end on 31 March 2011. We'd like to thank everyone who we have worked with over the past seven years, particularly those of you who helped shape our work through your comments, feedback and direct involvement.

The Shift website will be online until at least 2013, but we would recommend downloading any materials to make sure you have continued access.

You can also find our resources on these third-party websites:

Our resources on DocStoc: http://www.docstoc.com/profile/shiftstigma
Shift's videos and short films: http://www.youtube.com/user/shiftcsip
Shift's photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/shiftstigma
Shift's links: http://delicious.com/shiftstigma

Independent reviews of employment resources by the Shift Review Panel are now hosted on the Centre for Mental Health's website.

Time to Change, the charity sector anti-stigma campaign, is expected to continue - go to http://www.time-to-change.org.uk for more information

Thank you for all of your support,

The staff and experts at Shift

New Shift report looks at mental illness in TV drama

shift@csip.org.uk — 2010-11-22T09:12:44+00:00

Making Drama out of a Crisis: Authentic Portrayals of Mental Illness in TV Drama

A new study published by Shift finds that, despite clear improvements over recent years, prime time TV drama struggles to present an accurate picture of mental illness.

Making Drama out of a Crisis aims to encourage writers, producers, directors and commissioners of television drama to enter into a debate about these issues and how they portray mental illness on TV. Mental health charities, experts and people with mental health problems are keen to join this discussion.

Making Drama out of a Crisis looks at three months of TV drama broadcast between 4pm and 11pm on UK terrestrial channels.

Researchers found 74 episodes from 34 different programmes that contained mental illness-related storylines.

Researchers also spoke to programme makers and members of the public - both with and without personal experience of mental health problems - about protrayals of mental illness in TV drama.

The report finds that:

45% of peak-time programmes with mental illness storylines portrayed people with mental health problems as posing a threat to others.
63% of references to mental health were pejorative, flippant or unsympathetic.
45% of programmes had sympathetic portrayals, but these often portrayed the characters as tragic victims.

Download the Making Drama out of a Crisis summary report
Download the Making Drama out of a Crisis full report
Find out more about Shift's work with the media
Find out more about research commissioned by Shift

Ethnicity and use of the Mental Health Act conference

shift@csip.org.uk — 2010-03-15T11:28:44+00:00

Shift will be supporting a conference examining ethnicity and the use of the Mental Health Act.

The conference is taking place in London on 24 May and speakers include Melba Wilson, National Director of our partner organisation the National Equalities in Mental Health Programme.

More information about the event, including a flyer and booking forms, can be found here.

Free managing stress business breakfast for London-based small employers

shift@csip.org.uk — 2010-01-25T10:55:14+00:00

Managing Stress: The Reality for Small Businesses Business Breakfast

Our partners at Working for Wellness, the London Mental Health and Employment Partnership, are organising a free business breakfast for small businesses looking at issues surrounding stress. The breakfast will take place on Tuesday 2nd March, 8am - 10am at Broadway House, London, SW1H 9NQ

Shift are supporting the event and will be on hand to show our free tools for employers.

If you'd like to find out more about the event, download the flyer here.

You can book your free place here

Help change the way mental health appears on TV!

shift@csip.org.uk — 2009-12-14T11:56:47+00:00

Do you watch TV and ever want to scream at the television because the portrayals of mental health and mental illness are so terrible? Or have you seen something that you thought was really good?

Shift has commissioned research into TV portrayals of mental health problems. The researchers want to hear from you about what drama or entertainment programmes in particular you think they should look at. The research is going to be used to persuade programme-makers to portray mental health problems more realistically and avoid relying on stereotypes.

Email antonia.furmston@nmhdu.org.uk with your suggestions. Make sure you include the programme name, what happened, and as much detail as you can about what channel it was on and when it was broadcast.

Also, if you'd like to speak to the researchers as part of their investigation into people's views about TV portrayals, let us know.

Television photograph by Stefan Holodnick. Used under a Creative Commons licence.

Media Coverage of Mental Health Found to Stigmatise People with Mental Health Problems

shift@csip.org.uk — 2006-01-24T11:19:22+00:00

Media reporting can reinforce the prejudice suffered by people with severe mental health problems, according to a report published today.

Shift, a Government programme to reduce this stigma and discrimination, commissioned a survey of media coverage to establish whether changes in reporting could improve the lives of people with mental health problems.

The report, Mind Over Matter: Media Reporting of Mental Health, finds that common illnesses like depression and anxiety are covered in much the same way as other health conditions. However, media coverage of severe mental illness is still stigmatising.

The media tend to focus on rare incidents of violence linked to people with a mental health problem, feeding exaggerated public fears. The vast majority of people with severe mental health problems pose no threat to anyone.

Launching the report, Health Minister Rosie Winterton, said:

"Journalists can be in the vanguard of change, driving a cultural shift in attitudes about mental health throughout society. But they can't do this alone."We all need to work to make change happen - the Government, mental health charities and the media. We in the Government are trying to do our part: we are working with young people in schools, with public services like the NHS and with employers to reduce discrimination against people with mental health problems."The challenge is now for us to work together to provide better and more balanced overall coverage of mental health problems. Together we can make a real difference to a great many people's lives."

The report found that people with a mental health problem were only quoted in six percent of stories. Raza Griffiths, 34, a mental health campaigner with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, said:

"Coping with a mental health problem is difficult enough, but dealing with stigma makes it ten times harder."

Shift, a five-year programme run by the National Institute for Mental Health in England (NIMHE), is taking a series of steps to improve media reporting. They include:

giving people with mental health problems a voice by setting up a bureau of speakers who will speak to the media about their mental health
producing guidelines for journalists on how to report mental health issues without causing offence
working with the Department of Health to make it clear in public statements that violent crimes involving people with mental health issues are rare and need to be seen in perspective
monitoring media coverage, praising good and challenging bad coverage, and measuring against the benchmark of this report to see if there is any improvement over time

The report, an analysis of print and broadcast media coverage, was carried out on behalf of Shift by three national mental health charities, the Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health, Mental Health Media and Rethink.

Paul Corry, head of campaigns at Rethink, said:

"This report poses a real challenge that mental health organisations must rise to - helping the media to create space for the real-life experiences and views of people with severe mental illness to be heard."

Jeremy Dear, general secretary of the National Union of Journalists, said:

"Stigma blights the lives of far too many people experiencing mental ill health. The media have a vital role to play in helping reduce stigma and improving people's understanding of mental illness. The NUJ is committed to making this happen."

Notes to Editors:
1. The full report and the summary version will be published on the Shift website www.shift.org.uk on January 24.
2. Shift's mission is to work towards creating a society where people with mental health problems do not experience stigma or discrimination and enjoy the same rights as other citizens.
3. One in four people will at some time experience a mental health problem. Some 630,000 people in England are today in regular contact with mental health services. People with long-term mental health problems are one of the most excluded groups in society. They are often excluded from jobs, education and healthcare, and from playing a full part in our communities.

Contact: Robert Westhead, Project Manager
Tel: 0845 2235447
Email: Robert.westhead@csip.org.uk

Four new Government mental health and employment publications

shift@csip.org.uk — 2009-12-08T07:51:37+00:00

This week sees the launch of four important publications that will shape how we approach mental health and employment over the coming years.

Working our way to better mental health: a framework for action

Working our way to better mental health is the first ever Great Britain-wide mental health and employment strategy, addressing well-being at work for all and better employment results for people with mental health conditions in and out of work.
For more information and to download a copy of the document, visit the Health, Work and Well-being website

Realising ambitions: Better employment support for people with a mental health condition

Realising ambitions: Better employment support for people with a mental health condition is a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)-commissioned, independent review led by Rachel Perkins. It examines how we can strengthen employment, health and wider state support to help people with mental conditions on out of work benefits.
Download the review and related documents from the DWP website.

Work, Recovery and Inclusion

Work, Recovery and Inclusion is a new government delivery strategy that responds and builds on the recommendations from Realising ambitions. The report is the culmination of the Cabinet Office's Social Exclusion Task Force's work with three other Government departments – Business, Innovation and Skills, the Department of Health and the Department of Work and Pensions. For more information and to download the Work, Recovery and Inclusion report, visit the Cabinet Office website.

New Horizons: A shared vision for mental health

New Horizons: A shared vision for mental health is a cross-government report produced by the Department of Health including commitments to action by 11 government departments. For the first time it sets out a new approach with the twin aims of improving people’s quality of life and well-being, and improving the quality and accessibility of services for people with poor mental health.
For more information and to download a copy of New Horizons, visit the DH website.

Shift's employment resources

Shift has a range of resources to help employers talk about mental health in the workplace and to support and manage staff who have mental health conditions. Shift's resources include:

Companion guide to Working our way to better mental health: a framework for action
The companion guide to Working our way to better mental health was produced by Shift and Health, Work and Well-being (HWWB) and contains a summary of the strategy commitments and up-to-date links to relevant online resources.
Download the document from the HWWB website

Life in the Office films and learning tools
Life in the Office is a series short films designed to promote discussion of mental health and mental illness in the workplace. Employers can also download quizzes and worksheets that can be used as part of education and awareness raising programmes.

Shift Review Panel
The independent Shift Review Panel helps you find the best quality-checked mental health information for employers. The panel can also help organisations looking to produce new materials about mental health and employment.

Shift Line Managers' Resource
Shift's recently updated Line Managers' Resource gives practical advice for managing and supporting people with mental health conditions in the workplace.

Shift Video Seminar
Graham Thornicroft and Diana Rose of the Institute of Psychiatry discuss mental health and employment. Graham and Diana also take part in a role play of a meeting to scope reasonable adjustments for an employee returning to work after a period of illness.

Employment film update

shift@csip.org.uk — 2009-11-11T13:41:59+00:00

Shift have commissioned the production of a second set of employment films that will be available in the New Year to be used alongside our Life in the Office videos.

The aim of the films is to capture positive stories where employers have effectively supported employees who have or are experiencing mental health problems.

By viewing the films we hope to spread best practice and inform and educate employers on how best to look after the mental well-being of their staff.

January 2010 update
Thank you to everyone who got in touch offering to help us with this project. The response has been fantastic with over 20 people coming forward with positive stories. The filming has now started and the first edits are due to be looked at over the next few weeks. The stories that have been captured on film are inspirational and we hope they will help others see mental health in the workplace in a new light.

If you have any questions about this project, please contact Claire Newall at Shift on 020 7307 2445 or by emailing claire.newall@nmhdu.org.uk.

National Stress Awareness Day

shift@csip.org.uk — 2009-11-03T09:41:39+00:00

Tomorrow (4th November 2009) is National Stress Awareness Day. You can help get yourself prepared with Shift's employment materials.

Click the link below for details.

NMHDU Briefing: October 2009

shift@csip.org.uk — 2009-10-14T08:37:55+01:00

The National Mental Health Development Unit (NMHDU), Shift's parent organisation, has published the first issue of its 'Briefing' newsletter.

The news briefing gives updates on programme developments and related policy and practice news.

You can download Briefing here (PDF)

New Shift film project: Do you have positive mental health and employment experiences to share?

shift@csip.org.uk — 2009-10-20T08:51:00+01:00

Shift are looking for real life accounts from either employees or employers who can talk about what works when managing mental health in the workplace.

These accounts will be filmed and put on our website and on to DVDs for distribution to employers in England.

The films will aim to reduce the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health and are a means to educate, inform and spread best practice. By being filmed you will be making a real contribution towards creating change.

Click here for more about information about the films and to find out how you can get involved.

Do you want to speak out about mental health?

shift@csip.org.uk — 2009-08-18T10:26:51+01:00

The Shift Speakers' Bureau is looking for new members to talk to journalists and to take part in public events. You will join a team of 50 volunteers who tackle the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental ill health. Training and ongoing support will be provided and all expenses will be paid.

Update: Applications are now closed. Thank you very much for your interest.

Find out more about the Shift Speakers' Bureau here

Open Up Initiatives Scheme - applications close 15th August

shift@csip.org.uk — 2009-07-29T08:16:30+01:00

Our partners at Open Up have asked us to pass on the following message about the Open Up Initiatives Scheme - Time to Change's programme for people with experience of mental health problems who want to challenge mental health discrimination in their area.

Open Up Initiatives Scheme - applications close 15th August

A reminder to all people with experience of mental distress who want to speak out about discrimination - you still have just over 2 weeks left to get your applications in for the Open Up Initiatives Scheme. The Open Up Initiatives Scheme, run by Mind's Open Up project, provides training promotions support, mentoring and help with expenses (around £2500) to people with direct experience who want to get their ideas for challenging mental health discrimination off the ground.

You can download an application pack from the Open Up website - www.open-up.org.uk/initiatives. Flyers are also available for you to distribute if you'd like some. For further information email ouinitiatives@mind.org or call Mind on 020 8519 2122 and ask to speak to a member of the Open Up team.

Open Up is funded by the Big Lottery Fund and is part of Time to Change.

New Horizons: Government consults on mental health and well-being

shift@csip.org.uk — 2009-07-23T09:48:02+01:00

New vision to make mental health everyone’s business

Urban allotments, reading groups and computer training for the over 50s are just some of the good practice initiatives featured as part of a new approach to public mental health and well-being, announced by Care Services Minister Phil Hope today.

‘New Horizons’ marks a new era in mental health. It sets out a dynamic new approach to improving well-being for the whole population, aiming for the first time to create a powerful alliance that can target the root causes of poor mental health.

The consultation launched today was developed with a wide range of partners, all of whom have a vital role to play. As well as health services, the response of local authorities and education will be critical. From schools to employers, and the NHS to the criminal justice system, New Horizons makes mental health everyone’s business.

Click the 'Read More' link below for more information

Shift Videocast 3: Jane

shift@csip.org.uk — 2009-07-22T11:01:00+01:00

A change in Jane's diagnosis highlights the stigma surrounding mental health problems.

If you live in England and would like to find out how you can share your experiences of the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health, email us at shift@nmhdu.org.uk.

Click the 'read more' link below to watch the video and for more information.

Shift wants your employment case studies

shift@csip.org.uk — 2009-07-17T15:42:46+01:00

We're currently updating our Line Managers' Resource booklet and website to further improve the guidance we give to people managing and supporting people with mental health problems in the workplace.

As part of this work, we are looking for real life accounts from either employees or employers who can talk about times where employers have put into practice measures that have promoted and supported the mental well-being of staff. These accounts will be included in the resource and/or website.

Click the 'read more' link below for further information.

Applications now open for the Tony Adams Award

shift@csip.org.uk — 2009-06-04T09:40:58+01:00

Are you involved in a project that uses football to help support people with experience of mental health problems and spread positive messages about mental health?

The Tony Adams Award will be awarded to the organisation, project or team judged to have made the most significant progress since the Mad About Football tournament and conference in October 2008.

Find out more about the Tony Adams Award and how to nominate your organisation, project or team.

Make your nomination for the 2009 The Guardian Public Services Awards

shift@csip.org.uk — 2009-05-21T10:42:07+01:00

Our parent organisation, the National Mental Health Delivery Unit, are sponsoring the complex needs category at this year's Guardian Public Service Awards.

Find out more about the event and the complex needs category on the NMHDU website.

Community Channel showing Shift's employment films

shift@csip.org.uk — 2009-04-15T13:05:18+01:00

The Community Channel will be broadcasting Shift's Life in the Office short films, starting today. The channel will also be showing a new programme in which actor Brett Findlay talks about his role in the films and his own experience of mental health problems.

You can tune in to the Community Channel on Sky channel 539, Virgin TV channel 233 and, between the hours of 6-9am, on Freeview channel 87.

Life in the Office now available on DVD

shift@csip.org.uk — 2009-04-06T15:58:05+01:00

Shift's Life in the Office films are now available free on DVD to employers based in England.

The three short films are designed to promote discussion of mental health and mental illness in the workplace.

Employers based in England can request a free copy of the Life in the Office DVD by emailing employment@nmhdu.org.uk with your postal address.

Online versions of the films, along with quiz sheets and other materials that support the films, can be accessed here.

Shift supports local World Mental Health Day event in Waltham Forest

shift@csip.org.uk — 2008-10-10T08:23:17+01:00

Events celebrating World Mental Health Day took place all over the country. Members of the Shift team were on hand to help with an event in Waltham Forest, north east London.

Click the link below to see some video from the day.

Shift's presentation to the International Stigma Conference

shift@csip.org.uk — 2009-01-26T09:25:10+00:00

Shift took part in last week’s International Stigma Conference in central London. Organised by the Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London and the World Psychiatric Association Scientific Section on Stigma and Mental Illness, the conference brought together service users, carers, practitioners and researchers interested in stigma and discrimination.

Shift showed attendees the following presentation on our current areas of work:

Shift: An Introduction, January 2009 from Shift on Vimeo.

You can also see some photos of our stand at the conference on our Flickr pages.

Shift's 'Life in the Office' employment films now available

shift@csip.org.uk — 2008-12-03T12:57:14+00:00

Shift has launched three short films to encourage staff and employers to think about mental health at work.

The films can be viewed online at http://shift.org.uk/employers

Watch Bernies reaction to someone with ‘problems upstairs’
See if you can relate to Pauls frustration at the photocopier
Feel the anxiety when Sarah returns to work and finds that not everyone is as welcoming as she had hoped.

The films are aimed at employers and employees who do not consider mental health problems to be a workplace issue. We hope that the films will reach new audiences and link more people in to the existing support structures.

We are very interested to hear any feedback about these films. If you have any comments or suggestions, please contact claire.newall@csip.org.uk

To watch the films, visit http://www.shift.org.uk/employers

The FA's mental health and learning difficulties survey

shift@csip.org.uk — 2008-11-25T10:12:49+00:00

Our partners at the Football Association have asked us to pass on details of a survey looking into awareness of mental health and learning difficulties in football. People completing the survey will be entered into a draw for free tickets to England vs Slovakia.

You can access the survey by following the link in the second news item on this page.

Find out more about our work with the FA here.

Shift Review Panel

shift@csip.org.uk — 2008-10-14T13:54:15+01:00

The Shift Review Panel's first set of reviews are now available.

The Shift Review Panel assesses the quality and impact of materials designed to help employers promote mental wellbeing and manage mental ill health in the workplace. The panel is funded by Shift, but operates independently.

Find out more about the Shift Review Panel here

Mad About Football

shift@csip.org.uk — 2008-10-01T14:19:09+01:00

Thank you to everyone who attended the Mad About Football tournament and conference and helped make these events such a success.

You can now see photos and video from the tournament and conference on the Mad About Football pages.

Find out more about Mad About Football

Shift Update: August 2008

shift@csip.org.uk — 2008-08-12T09:28:48+01:00

Click the link below to read this Shift Update newsletter.

New look website launched

shift@csip.org.uk — 2008-08-11T14:43:41+01:00

If you've recently visited the Shift website, you will have noticed that we have made some big changes to how the site looks and works.

We hope that you find the new site easier to navigate and more pleasant to use.

Behind the scenes we've also improved things so we can add information and new features much more quickly and easily. In the coming months, you can expect us to add photographic exhibitions, videos and other materials that we would not have been able to make available using our old system. We're also looking to link in with other sites and services like YouTube, Flickr, Facebook and Twitter to help us spread news about Shift and other anti-stigma messages much further than was possible before.

For the moment, the big changes are as follows:

News section

We've added a news section to the site. This will allow new visitors to find out about our recent publications and work, and also keep people updated with other important anti-stigma and discrimination news and events. We'll still be using the Shift Update mailing list to alert you to important news from Shift.

Bookmark button

We've added a bookmark button to the foot of every page. Use the Email option to send the web address of a page to a friend or colleague. If you use a social bookmarking website like Digg, Delicious or StumbleUpon, you can help spread the word about our work with this new feature.

TV listings

We've improved the way that the TV listings page works. We'll now be able to add much more information about each programme. In the future, we'll be looking to add contact information for many of the programmes that we feature, meaning you'll be able to get in touch directly with the programme makers to let them know if you thought the programme was particularly good or bad.

Better organisation

We've grouped together all the areas in which we work into one place. If you want to find out about all the areas in which we work, visit the Our Work section.

Improved microsites

The Shift Line Managers' Web Resource and What's The Story Media Handbook microsites have also been upgraded. The changes will allow us to add extra information and case studies to these sites.

http://www.shift.org.uk/employers

http://shift.org.uk/mediahandbook

The changes mean that the web addresses of some of our pages have now changed so you may have to update some of your old bookmarks. If you know of a publication or website that is linking to a page that has now moved, please let us know and we will do what we can to fix it for you.

We’d love to know what you think about the new site. Please visit the Get Involved section to find out how you can give your feedback.

Shift's 'Attitudes to Mental Illness 2008' research report published

shift@csip.org.uk — 2008-05-08T16:16:53+01:00

Shift's national survey into attitudes towards mental illness has been published. The full report can be downloaded from the Department of Health website at the following address:

http://snipurl.com/attitudes08

UPDATE: The 2009 report has now been published. See our Research page for more information and to download a copy of the full report.

Shift Update: June 2008

shift@csip.org.uk — 2008-06-05T14:04:09+01:00

Click the link below to read this Shift Update newsletter.

Mind Over Matter 2 media research published

shift@csip.org.uk — 2008-04-15T14:01:33+01:00

Mind Over Matter 2 is Shift's second report analysing media reporting of mental illness, following on from the first report which looked at news coverage in 2005. It serves as a benchmark to show whether reporting is improving. This report, which looks at coverage from March and October 2006, shows there is a long way to go.

A follow up report will be published later in 2008.

Download Mind Over Matter 2 from the Shift Media Network.
Download Mind Over Matter 1 from the Shift Media Network.

Find out more about research commissioned by Shift.

Shift's Line Managers' Resource published

shift@csip.org.uk — 2007-10-10T16:27:07+01:00

Shift has published the Line Managers' Resource, a document that gives practical advice to managing and supporting people with mental health problems in the workplace.

The Line Managers' Resource is a booklet and website that gives advice and information for managing and supporting people with mental health problems in the workplace.

The Line Managers' Web Resource website also gives advice and information for employees to help them assess their own needs and plan for meetings with their manager.

See the Line Managers' Resource website for more information.

Shift launches 'What's the Story?'

shift@csip.org.uk — 2008-02-18T16:14:44+00:00

Shift has today published a new handbook that will help the media improve public understanding of mental illness.

The handbook, 'What's the Story?: Reporting Mental Health and Suicide', gives practical guidance to the media on covering suicide, mental illness and violent crime by psychiatric patients.

It follows a survey which found three out of four people think the media fails to properly inform the public about mental illness.

It focuses particularly on setting rare but sensational murders carried out by a small number of people with mental health problems in a wider context. It is believed that coverage of these cases contributes to the widespread misconception that many people with experience of mental health problems are violent. In fact, millions of people have mental health problems and very few are violent.

The guidance gives journalists advice on how to avoid causing needless offence to the many readers, viewers and listeners affected by mental health problems. It highlights international evidence that careless reporting of suicides triggers copycat suicides and encourages the media to include helpline details - 'sensitive' reporting can literally save lives.

For more information and to download a copy of What's the Story, go here:
http://shift.org.uk/mediahandbook

Shift Update: October 2007

shift@csip.org.uk — 2007-10-03T14:04:09+01:00

World Mental Health Day

Shift is due to publish a new Line Managers’ Resource, a handbook for managers about managing mental health problems among staff. The booklet will be published on World Mental Health Day, October 10.

Shift will also be producing a CV/Poster with basic information about mental health and employment for the day.

We will also be announcing the set-up of the Shift ‘Review Panel managed by the Sainsbury’s Centre for Mental Health.

Shift will also be operating stands in a number of Government departments to promote the handbook and raise awareness of ‘Action on Stigma’ in the public sector first.

Employment

1. ‘Action on Stigma’ is an initiative is to help private and public sector employers reduce the impact of mental illness by changing the way they respond to the issue and making a positive commitment to:
* Helping employees maintain their mental wellbeing
* Supporting employees if they develop a problem
* Making sure their employees understand mental health issues
* Not discriminating against an employee or customer because they have a mental health problem.
2. Shift’s ‘Action on Stigma’ Action plan, detailing what other resources will be made available by Shift is due before the end of October.
3. Shift has helped to set-up a Cross-Government Strategy Group for Mental Health and Employment. The group includes colleagues from, Departments of Health, Work and Pensions, Children, Education and Skills, Buisness, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform and Communities and Local Government. The Health and Safety executive, Health Work and Well-Being, National Social Inclusion Programme and the Office for Disability Issues, are also represented. The group has produced a core-script for use across these departments and is undertaking a scoping/mapping exercise to bring together all of the work undertaken by these organizations that has a significant effect on the number of people with mental health problems at work.

Find out more about Action on Stigma here: http://shift.org.uk/employment

Media

Shift is working to improve media reporting of mental illness.

1. The contract for running the Shift Speakers Bureau – a bank of people willing to talk to the media or at public events about mental health issues – has been extended. More speakers from a BME background are now being recruited.
2. A handbook for the reporting of mental illness will be published at the end of November.
3. Money and support is being made available for the Shift Regional Media teams to help improve media reporting of mental health in the regions.
4. Mind Over Matter II, analysis of media reporting of mental health in 2006, is due to be published this Autumn.
5. Shift has engaged Forsters Agency to do some PR work with the media in relation to the reporting of mental health and suicide – this involves promoting the handbook and tackling the issues of violence and suicide.
6. Shift is in the process of commissioning two new projects: one looking at media research around the coverage of people from BME communities; and another using the arts to promote understanding of mental health issues within BME communities.

Find out more about our work with the media here: http://shift.org.uk/media

Get Involved

The Shift website lists a number of ways in which you can help us with the work that we do.

To find out more, please visit: http://www.shift.org.uk/getinvolved

Contact Shift

If you want to get in touch with Shift, you can email us at shift@csip.org.uk or call us on 0845 223 5447

Shift Update: November 2008

shift@csip.org.uk — 2008-11-05T13:24:04+00:00

Click the link below to read this Shift Update newsletter.

New Shift leaflet published

shift@csip.org.uk — 2009-07-01T11:47:05+01:00

We've just published a new leaflet that gives people an introduction to the problem of stigma and discrimination, talks about Shift and the work that we do and tells people how they can get in touch and get involved.

If you would like to take a look at the leaflet, you can download a PDF version from the Shift Library.

Paper copies of the leaflet can be requested by emailing us at shift@nmhdu.org.uk.

Shift Update: December 2008

shift@csip.org.uk — 2008-12-12T08:12:23+00:00

Click the link below to read this Shift Update newsletter.

Shift Update: February 2009

shift@csip.org.uk — 2009-02-10T13:19:03+00:00

Click the link below to read this Shift Update newsletter.

Shift's 'Attitudes to Mental Illness 2010' research report published

shift@csip.org.uk — 2010-03-31T09:08:50+01:00

Shift's national survey into attitudes towards mental illness has been published.

Since March 1994, the Department of Health has placed a set of questions on TNS’s Face-to-Face Consumer Omnibus about public attitudes towards mental illness. From 1994 to 1997 the questions were asked on an annual basis and then every third year up until 2003.

Since 2007 Shift has carried out the survey annually. The surveys serve as a benchmark, enabling measurement of whether attitudes are improving or worsening over time. The questionnaire included a number of statements about mental illness. Respondents were asked to indicate how much they agreed or disagreed with each statement.

Key points from the report:

People are broadly sympathetic towards people with a mental illness.
However, some attitudes towards people with mental illness are worse compared to when the Department of Health first commissioned the poll in 1994 whilst a number have improved. Several attitudes that had worsened over the period up until 1997 have since improved.
Attitudes to a number of statements have changed between 2009 and 2010.
Opinions on some statements changed towards greater tolerance, for example:
‘Locating mental health facilities in a residential area downgrades the neighbourhood’ - agreement with this statement decreased from 21% to 18%.
Some opinions moved more in favour of integrating people with mental illness into the community, for example: ‘Residents have nothing to fear from people coming into their neighbourhood to obtain mental health services’ – agreement with this statement increased from 62% to 66%.
On one item though, opinions moved less in favour of integration: ‘Mental hospitals are an outdated means of treating people with mental illness’ – agreement with this statement fell from 37% in 2009 to 33% in 2010.

Find out more about research commissioned by Shift.

Download the full 2010 report from the Department of Health website
See our Research page for links to the full versions of previous attitude surveys

Shift Update: April 2009

shift@csip.org.uk — 2009-04-20T10:01:21+01:00

Click the link below to read this Shift Update newsletter.

Shift Line Managers' Resource updated

shift@csip.org.uk — 2009-10-07T10:33:07+01:00

Shift has published an updated version of the Line Managers' Resource, a document that gives practical advice to managing and supporting people with mental health conditions in the workplace.

The resource is written for managers and recognises that workplace settings are vast and very diverse. It offers practical advice on managing and supporting people who are experiencing stress, distress and mental health conditions.

You can use it both to learn good practice in preparation for when an employee or employees are off on mental health grounds and to support their return to work.

The resource aims to directly address the fear, ignorance and stigma around engaging with someone experiencing mental health problems. The key message is that it is important to talk openly and with trust. The guide suggests practical steps that you and your employees can take together to:

match the job requirements with the employee’s capabilities
maintain regular contact with staff to identify any problems early
talk at an early stage of distress to prevent the problem escalating
keep in touch during sickness absence to offer support and plan for the return to work
achieve a successful return to work
manage a long-term illness whilst remaining in work, and
access sources of support and information.

The accompanying website also provides advice and information for employees to help them to assess their own needs and plan for meetings with their manager.

It is part of Shift’s Action on Stigma initiative aimed at supporting employers to promote good mental health and reduce discrimination and is a revised edition of the original Line Managers’ Resource (LMR) published in 2007. The original LMR was itself an update of the Mind Out for Mental Health Line Managers’ Resource published in 2003.

We have produced the resource in partnership with the Department of Health, Department for Work and Pensions, Health and Safety Executive, Cross-Government Health Work Wellbeing Delivery Unit and the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. Find out more about these partners.

Visit the Shift Line Managers' Web Resource to read the resource online and to download electronic copies.

Shift team up with the Teacher Support Network

shift@csip.org.uk — 2009-07-01T11:47:05+01:00

Shift and the Teacher Support Network are teaming up to produce short, video-diary style films that can be used to give positive examples of schools promoting the mental health of their staff, and also reduce the stigma directed towards people with experience of mental health problems.

If you would like to find out how you can get involved, visit the Teacher Support Network's website.

The Teacher Support Network is a group of independent charities and a social enterprise that provide practical and emotional support to staff in the education sector and their families

Shift Videocast 1: Paul

shift@csip.org.uk — 2009-07-16T09:09:19+01:00

In our first Shift Videocast, Paul talks about his diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and the attitudes of the general public towards mental illness.

If you live in England and would like to find out how you can share your experiences of the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health, email us at shift@nmhdu.org.uk.

Click the 'read more' link below to watch the video and for more information.

Shift Videocast 9: Jeff

shift@csip.org.uk — 2009-08-27T10:49:53+01:00

Jeff talks about the reactions of others when they hear about his experience of mental health problems.

Click here to watch the video.

Would you like to be in one of our videocasts?

If you live in England and would like to find out how you can share your experiences of the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health, email us at shift@nmhdu.org.uk.

Shift Videocast 2: Nick talks about employment experiences

shift@csip.org.uk — 2009-07-20T11:01:19+01:00

Nick is a consultant psychiatrist and clinical director working in the mental health trust where he was once a patient.

In this first video from Nick, he talks about his experiences in the workplace.

If you live in England and would like to find out how you can share your experiences of the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health, email us at shift@nmhdu.org.uk.

Click the 'read more' link below to watch the video and for more information.

Shift Videocast 10: Donna talks about fears surrounding mental health

shift@csip.org.uk — 2009-09-09T08:30:19+01:00

In this second video from Donna, she talks about the tearful reaction of a school friend.

Click here to watch the video.

Would you like to be in one of our videocasts?

If you live in England and would like to find out how you can share your experiences of the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health, email us at shift@nmhdu.org.uk.

Shift Videocast 5: Chris

shift@csip.org.uk — 2009-08-03T09:36:32+01:00

Chris speaks about the need to properly support mental health in the workplace. He goes on to talk about the ways in which the media can stigmatise people with experience of mental health problems.

If you live in England and would like to find out how you can share your experiences of the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health, email us at shift@nmhdu.org.uk.

Click the 'read more' link below to watch the video and for more information.

Shift Videocast 7: Gina

shift@csip.org.uk — 2009-08-12T13:51:44+01:00

Gina talks about how her anxiety can affect relationships with friends, and also about how the media covers people with experience of mental health problems.

Click the 'read more' link below to watch the video and for more information.

Would you like to be in one of our videocasts?

If you live in England and would like to find out how you can share your experiences of the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health, email us at shift@nmhdu.org.uk.

Shift Review Panel publish independent review of Shaw Trust's Tackle Mental Health website

shift@csip.org.uk — 2009-08-14T09:08:41+01:00

The Shift Review Panel have published their independent review of Shaw Trust's Tackle Mental Health website.

The Shift Review Panel assesses the quality and impact of materials designed to help employers promote mental wellbeing and manage mental ill health in the workplace. The panel is funded by Shift, but operates independently.

The review found that the Tackle Mental Health website:

Is an excellent one-stop shop packed full of practical information and easy-to-use solutions to help managers to support staff who are dealing with mental health issues.
Is very well designed and easy to use.
The website is aimed at employers of any size, and from all sectors.
The content is factually correct and evidence-based.
There is a comprehensive section about the DDA and employers’ legal duties related to mental health issues in the workplace, and a full explanation about reasonable adjustments.
There is a section on creating a healthy workplace, including information about HSE Management Standards and how to tackle stress at work; and guidance on developing a mental health policy. However, there are some gaps in evidence-based good practice here – the section could be revised when the NICE Guidelines on this are published in October 2009.
Overall a valuable website providing practical and affordable solutions for employers and employees and helping raise awareness about mental health issues in the workplace.

You can download the full review of the Tackle Mental Health website here

Visit Shaw Trust's Tackle Mental Health website

Find out more about the Shift Review Panel here

Shift Videocast 4: Nick talks about media coverage

shift@csip.org.uk — 2009-07-28T09:53:01+01:00

Nick is a consultant psychiatrist and clinical director who works in the mental health trust where he was once a patient.

In this video, Nick talks about positive and negative reporting of mental health issues, and how famous people talking about their experiences of mental health problems have helped increase public understanding.

If you live in England and would like to find out how you can share your experiences of the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health, email us at shift@nmhdu.org.uk.

Click the 'read more' link below to watch the video and for more information.

Shift Videocast 8: Nick talks about reactions from friends

shift@csip.org.uk — 2009-08-19T10:24:52+01:00

Nick is a consultant psychiatrist and clinical director who works in the mental health trust where he was once a patient.

In this video, Nick talks about the reactions of friends and colleagues when he tells them of his experience of mental health problems.

Click here to watch the video.

Would you like to be in one of our videocasts?

If you live in England and would like to find out how you can share your experiences of the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health, email us at shift@nmhdu.org.uk.

Shift Videocast 6: Donna talks about stigma

shift@csip.org.uk — 2009-08-07T08:59:49+01:00

In this first video from Donna, she talks about how people treat her differently when they find out that she has experience of mental health problems.

Click the 'read more' link below to watch the video and for more information.

Would you like to be in one of our videocasts?

If you live in England and would like to find out how you can share your experiences of the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health, email us at shift@nmhdu.org.uk.

Shift Videocast 20: Graham - Working it Out personal stories

shift@csip.org.uk — 2010-11-12T10:45:59+00:00

Graham talks about how flexible hours and other adjustments have helped him back to work.

Click here to watch the video.

This video is included in Shift's Working it Out DVD resource for employers. To find out more about Working it Out, including how to request your own copy, visit http://shift.org.uk/workingitout

Would you like to be in one of our videocasts?

If you live in England and would like to find out how you can share your experiences of the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health, email us at shift@nmhdu.org.uk.

Shift Update: June 2009

shift@csip.org.uk — 2009-06-25T14:55:00+01:00

Click the link below to read this Shift Update newsletter.

Shift Update: February 2010

shift@csip.org.uk — 2010-02-03T15:47:10+00:00

Click the "Read More..." link below to read this Shift Update newsletter.

If you would like to be sent our Shift Update newsletter by email, send a blank message to: shift-update+subscribe@googlegroups.com.

World Mental Health Day event

shift@csip.org.uk — 2009-10-12T10:27:16+01:00

Shift took part in a World Mental Health Day event in Walthamstow, north-east London.

You can see a selection of photos from the day on our Flickr pages.

Gordon Brown also made a statement about the stigma directed towards people with experience of mental health problems:

"The day when anyone with mental illness can live free of the fear of stigma is coming but it is the responsibility of all of us to bring that day about as quickly as possible."

You can read the full statement from the Prime Minister on the official 10 Downing Street website.

Working it Out: Shift's new free resource for employers

shift@csip.org.uk — 2010-09-30T09:35:47+01:00

Shift are taking requests for copies of Working it Out, a new DVD-based resource for employers.

Working it Out is a comprehensive new resource pack designed to help raise awareness of mental health conditions in the
workplace and provide employers with practical advice and guidance on how best to support and manage a member of staff should they become unwell.

The DVD, free to employers and organisations based in England, includes a brand new set of short employment films with accompanying training notes and other resources.

The Working it Out DVD contains:

Working It Out employment films

The five short films show employees recounting their real-life experiences of mental health conditions within the workplace, mixed with dramatic reconstructions. The films also feature managers who describe how they effectively managed and supported their staff using best practice approaches.

Training notes that accompany the ‘Working it Out’ employment films. (PDF format)

These notes are to be used in conjunction with the five Working it Out film modules. They suggest discussion topics and activities for a facilitated training session.

The Shift Line Managers’ Resource (PDF format)

A 32-page practical guide to managing and supporting people with mental health problems in the workplace. It is recommended that this resource is used in conjunction with the training notes.

‘Life in the Office’ employment films.

Shift’s original employment films. A series fictional short films designed to raise awareness and encourage discussion of mental health in the workplace. The films also include an interview with one of the actors, who talks about his own personal experience of mental health problems.

Personal Stories.

Short film clips in which people talk about their real-life experience of mental health conditions at work and what has helped them to manage their condition and remain in work.

Working it Out is being made available for World Mental Health Day and will be distributed through-out England until Shift ends in March 2011. To request a free copy of the DVD, order them directly online by going to http://shift.org.uk/workingitout

You can also view the films and resources online at: http://shift.org.uk/workingitout

Shift Update: October 2009

shift@csip.org.uk — 2009-10-02T08:31:14+01:00

Shift Videocast 11: Malcolm

shift@csip.org.uk — 2009-09-25T11:43:45+01:00

Malcolm talks about mental health and takes us on a night out.

Click here to watch the video.

Would you like to be in one of our videocasts?

If you live in England and would like to find out how you can share your experiences of the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health, email us at shift@nmhdu.org.uk.

Shift Videocast 13: Nick talks about breaking down 'us and them' attitudes

shift@csip.org.uk — 2010-03-12T11:00:50+00:00

Nick is a consultant psychiatrist and clinical director who works in the mental health trust where he was once a patient.

In this video, Nick talks about the breaking down of 'us and them' attitudes.

Click here to watch the video.

Would you like to be in one of our videocasts?

If you live in England and would like to find out how you can share your experiences of the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health, email us at shift@nmhdu.org.uk.

Shift Videocast 15: Tim tells his story

shift@csip.org.uk — 2010-04-09T10:41:45+01:00

Tim talks about his experience of depression and how this has affected his home and work life.

Click here to watch the video.

Would you like to be in one of our videocasts?

If you live in England and would like to find out how you can share your experiences of the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health, email us at shift@nmhdu.org.uk.

Shift's 'Attitudes to Mental Illness 2009' research report published

shift@csip.org.uk — 2009-06-12T15:03:35+01:00

Shift's national survey into attitudes towards mental illness has been published.

Find out more about research commissioned by Shift.

Download the full 2009 report from the Department of Health website
See our Research page for links to the full versions of previous attitude surveys

Shift Videocast 14: Kate's poems about attitudes towards anorexia and mental illness

shift@csip.org.uk — 2010-03-23T10:08:43+00:00

Kate writes poems influenced by her experience of anorexia and depression. In this video she reads two of her poems.

Click here to watch the video.

Would you like to be in one of our videocasts?

If you live in England and would like to find out how you can share your experiences of the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health, email us at shift@nmhdu.org.uk.

Shift Videocast 12: Rachael talks about depression

shift@csip.org.uk — 2010-02-26T08:40:31+00:00

Rachael talks about her experience of depression and about the attitudes of others.

Click here to watch the video.

Would you like to be in one of our videocasts?

If you live in England and would like to find out how you can share your experiences of the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health, email us at shift@nmhdu.org.uk.

Shift Review Panel publish independent review of MHF's What Works For You booklet

shift@csip.org.uk — 2010-01-28T10:15:40+00:00

The Shift Review Panel have published their independent review of the Mental Health Foundation's What Works for You? booklet for employers.

The Shift Review Panel assesses the quality and impact of materials designed to help employers promote mental wellbeing and manage mental ill health in the workplace. The panel is funded by Shift, but operates independently.

The review found that What Works for You?:

explains simple steps people at work can take to support a colleague who is experiencing a mental health problem. It is easy-to-read and engaging and the advice is practical and relevant.
It includes a short explanation about mental health, and more detail about some common mental health problems.
There is practical advice about how to talk to someone, listening tips, responding in a crisis and keeping in touch when someone is off sick with a mental health problem.
The brief section about what you can do as a manager provides some practical guidance on how to deal with someone they think has a mental health problem. It would be helpful to acknowledge in this section that there is much more that you need to do as a manager to support mental health and wellbeing in the workplace.
Overall, the booklet could provide a useful part of an organisations’ mental health management programme, but would probably need to be tailored to each organisation – for example, procedures around reasonable adjustments and Occupational Health advice would differ; and the image on the front would need to be less ‘industrial’ for some organisations. The resource should be made more generic, or alternatively targeted more specifically.
The leaflet could be useful as a stand-alone item to help ensure people experiencing mental health problems get valuable support from their colleagues.

You can download the full review of What Works for You? here

Visit the What Works for You? page on the MHF website

Find out more about the Shift Review Panel here

Shift Videocast 16: Rachael talks about employment

shift@csip.org.uk — 2010-06-07T11:36:47+01:00

Rachael talks about her experience of depression and about the attitudes of others.

Click here to watch the video.

Would you like to be in one of our videocasts?

If you live in England and would like to find out how you can share your experiences of the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health, email us at shift@nmhdu.org.uk.

Shift Review Panel publish independent reviews of two new employment resources

shift@csip.org.uk — 2010-06-24T12:01:58+01:00

The Shift Review Panel have published independent reviews of two new employment resources from Northumberland Tyne & Wear NHS Trust.

The Shift Review Panel assesses the quality and impact of materials designed to help employers promote mental wellbeing and manage mental ill health in the workplace. The panel is funded by Shift, but operates independently.

You can download the full review of the resource for all employees here
And download the full review of the resource for managers here

Find out more about the Shift Review Panel.

Shift Videocast 17: Lol - Working it Out personal stories

shift@csip.org.uk — 2010-09-23T15:19:50+01:00

Lol talks about how his employer and colleagues offered support and help during a period of illness.

Click here to watch the video.

This video is included in Shift's Working it Out DVD resource for employers. To find out more about Working it Out, including how to request your own copy, visit http://shift.org.uk/workingitout

Would you like to be in one of our videocasts?

If you live in England and would like to find out how you can share your experiences of the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health, email us at shift@nmhdu.org.uk.

Shift Videocast 18: Jeremy C - Working it Out personal stories

shift@csip.org.uk — 2010-10-19T09:57:47+01:00

Jeremy talks about how he disclosed his experience of bipolar disorder to his manager.

Click here to watch the video.

This video is included in Shift's Working it Out DVD resource for employers. To find out more about Working it Out, including how to request your own copy, visit http://shift.org.uk/workingitout

Would you like to be in one of our videocasts?

If you live in England and would like to find out how you can share your experiences of the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health, email us at shift@nmhdu.org.uk.

Shift Videocast 19: Richard - Working it Out personal stories

shift@csip.org.uk — 2010-10-27T14:54:14+01:00

Richard explains how volunteering helped him learn new skills and extend his social networks after a spell in hospital.

Click here to watch the video.

This video is included in Shift's Working it Out DVD resource for employers. To find out more about Working it Out, including how to request your own copy, visit http://shift.org.uk/workingitout

Would you like to be in one of our videocasts?

If you live in England and would like to find out how you can share your experiences of the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health, email us at shift@nmhdu.org.uk.

Shift Videocast 22: Jon - Working it Out personal stories

shift@csip.org.uk — 2011-01-31T11:33:03+00:00

"It's not about charity, it's an investment"

Jon talks about employing people with experience of mental health problems, as well as his own direct experience.

Click here to watch the video.

This video is included in Shift's Working it Out DVD resource for employers. To find out more about Working it Out, including how to request your own copy, visit http://shift.org.uk/workingitout

Would you like to be in one of our videocasts?

If you live in England and would like to find out how you can share your experiences of the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health, email us at shift@nmhdu.org.uk.

Shift Videocast 21: Jeremy C - Working it Out personal stories

shift@csip.org.uk — 2010-11-24T14:23:40+00:00

Jeremy gives his message to employers.

Click here to watch the video.

This video is included in Shift's Working it Out DVD resource for employers. To find out more about Working it Out, including how to request your own copy, visit http://shift.org.uk/workingitout

Would you like to be in one of our videocasts?

If you live in England and would like to find out how you can share your experiences of the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health, email us at shift@nmhdu.org.uk.

Shift Videocast 23: Vicki - Working it Out personal stories

shift@csip.org.uk — 2011-03-09T10:30:26+00:00

"Work brings a purpose... it's given me back my life... knowing other people believe in me and value my experiences."

Vicki talks about the support employers gave her during and after a period of illness, and the good that work does for her well-being and self-esteem.

Click here to watch the video.

This video is part of Shift's Working it Out resource for employers. To find out more about Working it Out, visit http://shift.org.uk/workingitout

Would you like to be in one of our videocasts?

If you live in England and would like to find out how you can share your experiences of the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health, email us at shift@nmhdu.org.uk.