Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service (WBHHS) implemented the Shatter the Stigma (STS) program to address widespread misunderstanding about mental illness. We embedded within the Wide Bay HHS a sustainable movement to shatter mental health stigma. The HHS aligned the program with our existing mental health governance model and implemented an STS steering committee to oversee the program.
Shatter the Stigma raises awareness of the negative impact that the stigma relating to mental illness has on individuals, their families and their recovery. It also recognises that, by feeling stigmatised or ashamed, people may be less inclined to seek support or access services when they’re experiencing challenges.
The initiative is focused on key target areas: raising awareness through promotion activities; ongoing meaningful education; and supporting our staff. One of the key strategies of success has been the STS champion program, that has enabled the program to be led and promoted by our staff on the ground, and provide genuine education and support to all the teams across the HHS.
