A CAMPAIGN to stamp out the stigma often association with poor mental health has hit the streets of Dorset.

Throughout this week, which is Mental Health Awareness Week, charities, health professionals and educational organisations are urging people rethink their perceptions about mental health.

Dorset HealthCare and its partners are holding a series of events to promote this year’s theme, which is mindfulness.

David Corbin, equality and diversity manager at Dorset HealthCare, said his team have been promoting the Time To Change campaign, run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness.

He said: “We hope to speak with as many people as possible during this week to help spark conversations about the topic of mental illness.

“In starting these conversations we aim to reduce the stigma that is often associated with mental health issues, such as mild anxiety through to severe depression.

“This is because more than half (58 percent) of sufferers report that the discrimination associated with the illness is as bad, or worse, than the illness itself.”

Mindfulness is an holistic strategy which aims to help improve mental health wellbeing by encouraging people to focus on the present.

Mr Corbin said: “Mindfulness is a great way to help manage mental illness as it teaches people to focus on the present moment without being worried about the past or concerned about the future.”

He added: “Mental health problems are common – and yet almost nine out of ten people who experience them say they face stigma and discrimination as a result.

“This needs to change, and Dorset HealthCare is delighted to be part of this important week, which we hope will drive awareness amongst the local public.”

Dorset HealthCare’s Time To Change team, in partnership with South West Trains and Bournemouth University, have been at Bournemouth railway station to provide information about mental illness and guidance of where people can find support should they need help.

Throughout the week Dorset HealthCare will also have an information stand available at the Trust’s HQ at Sentinel House at the Nuffield Industrial Estate, Nuffield Road, Poole.

Bournemouth University Students will be on hand today to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease, which is now the most feared condition amongst people over 55 years in the UK.

For more information and advice about your mental health visit time-to-change.org.uk/what-we-do or steps2wellbeing.co.uk.