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National Schizophrenia Awareness Day

On 25 July, we celebrate National Schizophrenia Awareness Day to raise awareness and reduce stigma about schizophrenia.

Did you know that 1 in 100 people experience schizophrenia? 

People who are friends, colleagues, loved ones, parents, siblings and everything in between. People who have to deal with work stress, dodgy Wi-Fi, dating drama, the cost of living crisis – the 99 other problems everyone else does – alongside their condition. 

Schizophrenia is a mental health condition characterised by symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions and disorganised thinking. It typically emerges in young adulthood. Schizophrenia is a part of life for the people living with it, but it is not what defines them. Reducing someone to just their mental illness fuels stigma, misunderstanding and can create social isolation. 

This National Schizophrenia Awareness Day, it’s time to see the whole person – their ambitions, their sense of humour, their everyday problems – not just our perceptions of schizophrenia. 

Everyone has the right to be seen, supported and understood. National Schizophrenia Awareness Day is chance for all of us to learn the truth about a condition affecting so many. Let’s see the person, not just the diagnosis. 

Our history 

Change Mental Health was established over 50 years ago by families and individuals caring for loved ones with schizophrenia. The experiences and insights of carers and those living with schizophrenia have been crucial in shaping our charity’s mission to ensure no one faces mental illness alone. Over time, we have expanded our focus to severe and enduring mental illness and mental health conditions, not just schizophrenia. 

Hearing Voices 

We support individuals experiencing symptoms of psychosis and schizophrenia, including hearing voices and other sensory disturbances. Our Hearing Voices service is person-centred and developed by people with lived experience of hearing voices. Hearing Voices provides support to those dealing with voices, intrusive thoughts and sensory disturbances in Tayside and Fife. This service helps individuals understand their experiences and reassures them that they are not alone. 

“I have accessed support from the Hearing Voices service over many years. It helped me to understand that I am not on my own. I want someone who understands what I am experiencing and can support me. It’s reassuring to know people have experience and knowledge. I no longer feel dismissed. 

“My friend recently commented on how I was now talking more and felt able to do more. That felt good. I enjoy getting out to my group and know my outreach worker is there should I need further support when things are difficult.” 

Shona, diagnosed with schizophrenia, talks about her experience of being supported by the Hearing Voices service. Read more about Shona’s story.  

Signs, Stigma and Support is a mental health awareness course designed to foster inclusive and supportive workplace environments. Aimed at both team members and leaders, the session focuses on enhancing understanding of common mental health issues and their impact at work. 

  • Recognise early signs of mental health challenges 
  • Respond with empathy and confidence 
  • Understand the nature of stigma – social, internal and structural – and how to challenge it.

Your donation to Change Mental Health, big or small, can allow us to help more people impacted by schizophrenia to get the support they need, when they need it and in a way which works best for them. 

Take on a challenge event to have fun, raise awareness AND raise crucial funding for Change Mental Health all at the same time! From 5K Supernova runs to zipsliding over the Clyde, we can help you find the challenge event that suits you. Take on a challenge and help us support more people impacted by schizophrenia across Scotland. 

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support

Our Advice and Support Service is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm (closed for lunch between 12.30pm and 1.30pm), where advisers can signpost you to local support that most fits your needs, including our own Change Mental Health services. We offer initial advice on money worries and help to deal with emergencies.

Contact 0808 8010 515, email us at advice@changemh.org or fill out the enquiry form on the Advice and Support Service page.