Stopping the stigma

A NEW mental health initiative aimed at reducing the stigma of mental illness has been launched by the Queensland Government.
News in Mind, a niche news website dedicated to all things mental health, was launched by local MP and Minister for Health Lawrence Springborg.
Established in Brisbane by Daniel and Kylie Hobbs, the platform will now go national through a partnership with the Mental Health Association Australia.
Health Minister Lawrence Springborg said News in Mind would help contribute to stigma reduction and early intervention and prevention.
“I am acutely aware of the importance of information and education, not only for reducing stigma in the broader community but also for empowering people with a mental illness to seek support and to gain a greater understanding of their illness,” Mr Springborg said.
“Through our mental health reforms, we are working towards a more integrated, evidence-based, recovery oriented system of support and treatment.
“It is great see initiatives like News in Mind complement the work we are doing.”
Site developer Daniel Hobbs said the platform published quality, professional news and information on all things mental health, with a strategic undertone of empowering people to seek help for themselves and reducing the stigma so often attached to mental illness.