Many people living with mental illness do not vote or take part in the democratic process. Society thinks that’s because they’re hard to reach. At Inspire, we think it’s because they are saying things that are hard for society to hear.
Hard to Reach or Hard to Hear? is a free and interactive workshop, which will explore the reality of mental illness in Northern Ireland and highlight the importance of uncomfortable conversations.
Inspire is an all-island charity and social enterprise and our mission is wellbeing for all. We work alongside people living with mental ill health, intellectual disability, autism and addictions. We ensure that they live with dignity and realise their full potential. And we campaign to create a community free from stigma and discrimination, and a culture of compassion that focuses on people and their abilities.
International law guarantees every person the freedom to participate in elections and civic life. However, studies show that people living with mental illness are less likely to do so. Much of this is down to an absence of support, accessible information and a sense of disconnect caused by stigma and discrimination. It is of fundamental importance that we all enjoy, and avail of, our political and social rights.
Inspire understands that the way in which government operates can greatly affect an individual’s choices, aspirations and quality of life. Hard to Reach or Hard to Hear? aims to promote democratic awareness and tackle stigma around the topic of mental illness.
Open to all members of the public interested in learning more about how mental health, culture and society intersect, the session will involve the voice of lived experience, conveying the priorities and insights of those who best understand this complex subject.
Age 18+.
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