Birchwood Highland Walk a Mile mental health awareness event attracts more than 200 walkers in Inverness
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AN awareness walk aimed at ending stigmas surrounding mental health attracted more than 200 people in Inverness, organisers have revealed.
Birchwood Highland revealed the scale of the sizeable turnout for its fourth annual Walk a Mile event in the city.
Led by members of the Northern Constabulary Community Pipe Band, the event last Saturday followed on from Mental Health Awareness Week and was intended to encourage positive discussion around mental health throughout the Highlands.
"Mental ill health affects one-in-three people in any one year in Scotland and over 450 million people worldwide," said David Brookfield, acting chief executive for Birchwood Highland.
"We know that people with mental health problems are amongst the least likely group with a long term health condition or disability to find work, be in steady long term relationships, live in decent housing and be socially included in mainstream society.
"Stigma and discrimination can also worsen the conditions. The media often link mental ill health with violence or portray people with mental ill health as dangerous criminals.
"The only way to challenge these negative stereotypes is through first hand contact with people who experience mental ill health and through raising awareness. We hope this event will raise awareness and help to tackle and stamp out misunderstandings around mental ill health."
