McGimpsey congratulates Public Health Agency on winning award

Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey has congratulated the Public Health Agency for winning a major mental health media award.

The Public Health Agency’s (PHA) campaign, 'Don’t Cover Up Your Problems', won the Raising Public Awareness category in the recent Mind Mental Health Media Awards. The campaign was taken forward as part of the implementation of the Northern Ireland Suicide Prevention Strategy and included TV, radio, outdoor and washroom advertising.

The PHA campaign was to target young men to raise awareness of mental health and encourage a positive attitude to seeking help.

Congratulating the PHA, Michael McGimpsey said: "The Public Health Agency is a worthy winner of this award for their campaign to raise awareness of mental health issues.

"This campaign focused on young men who tend to hide how they are feeling. Men seem to bottle up their problems and do not look for help, but this campaign by looking at this very issue has shown men that they can seek help and that they should discuss their problems.

"It is fitting that the PHA have now been recognised for their hard work and honoured with such a prestigious award."

The Mind Mental Health Media Awards is sponsored by Comic Relief and Shift. The awards celebrate the best portrayals and reporting of mental distress on TV and radio over the last year. This is the first year the prestigious awards were hosted by Mind following its merger with Mental Health Media earlier this year.

Dr Eddie Rooney, Chief Executive of the Public Health Agency, said: "We are delighted to have won this award which recognises the best portrayal and reporting of mental health in the media. The campaign was developed to help de-stigmatise mental health and encourage young men in particular to open up about their problems and talk to someone. Research suggests that men are less likely than women to recognise the signs and symptoms of a possible mental health problem and less likely to seek help, which is why it is so important to raise awareness through the media.

"The results from the evaluation of the campaign were very positive and this award is another indication that the message is getting through that protecting our mental wellbeing is just as important as looking after our physical health."

Paul Farmer, Chief Executive of Mind said: "The quality of entries for the Raising Public Awareness award was incredibly high this year, but 'Don't Cover Up Your Problems', really stood out for the judges as it attempted to break down the stigma that stops young men from opening up about their feelings, addressing a problem that takes the lives of so many young men.

"This award recognises the innovation and success of the PHA in raising awareness of mental health amongst young men and encouraging a positive attitude to seeking help for themselves and for others."

Notes to editors:

1. Press enquiries to the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0579. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
2. Photo available of the Minister with the award winner on request from 028 9052 0579.