New Conference to Challenge the Stigma of Psychosis
Booking is now open for “Challenging the Stigma of Psychosis: Advances in Theory, Research & Practice conference”, held by Greater Manchester West Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMW) and the Psychosis Research Unit (PRU).
This conference will take place on 3rd and 4th March 2016 at The Curve on GMW’s Prestwich site.
The two-day conference will bring together people with lived experience of psychosis, clinicians, academics and researchers to exchange and present cutting edge research, theory and practice on the topic of stigma and empowerment.
Those attending can come to one or both days and can register online via: www.psychosisresearch.com/news/events-and-conferences/. Demand is expected to be high, so please book early to avoid disappointment.
GMW and the PRU are hosting the conference to create awareness about psychosis and help reduce stigma and discrimination of the illness. It is generally accepted that widely held stigmatising beliefs about psychosis and schizophrenia contribute to social exclusion and the distress experienced by people with these difficulties.
The conference aims to share good practice and scientific research. Professional speakers at the event, both national and international are heavily involved in mental health. Key speakers include:
- Keynote lectures from Professor Patrick Corrigan from the University of Illinois and Professor Graham Thornicroft from King’s College London
- Workshops delivered by Professor Anthony Morrison from Manchester University and Professor Patrick Corrigan
Dr Melissa Pyle, Research Fellow and Trial Manager for the Psychosis Research Unit said,
“Research clearly indicates that stigma impacts people’s lives in many ways including leading to isolation, exclusion from day to day activities, problems getting and keeping a job, reduced help-seeking and poorer physical health.
“This year’s conference has been designed with significant input from distinguished professors of psychiatry from around the world. The mission of the conference is to share promising practice and disseminate scientific research. The event will raise awareness of how societal and internalised stigma affects the lives of people who experience psychosis and increase skills to challenge and overcome stigma.
“Stigma is a major barrier to people recovering from their mental health difficulties. Reducing stigma and its negative effects is a key concern and priority for service users, the NHS and the government alike.”
Workshops will be held on the first day with presentations from keynote speakers on the second day.
The conference will cost £275 for those who would like attend both days. It will cost £155 for those attending the first day only and £145 for the second day.
For more information and to register, please visit: www.psychosisresearch.com/news/events-and-conferences/
