Compassionate initiatives in St Helens Borough to tackle stigma

Article date: 5 November 2024

This initiative was developed by people with lived experience of stigma and calls on organizations, businesses, communities and individuals to understand the impact of stigma of people with drug or alcohol related problems and the services that support them, recognising stigma as one of the greatest barriers to people getting the support and treatment they need.

An Inequalities Commission workshop event held at the Mansion House promoted the charter as part of a wider discussion around the impact of stigma in the community.

Alongside discussions of drug and alcohol related stigmas, parallels were drawn with the discrimination seen during the violent disorder that gripped parts of Merseyside earlier this year, and the stigma felt by local people when accessing food banks during lockdown, circumvented in part through the introduction of food pantries - a concept where anyone can access food and also help prevent food waste.

Drawing on learning from the charter and its development, and discussions from the day, members of the council, local organisations and charities agreed on the need for humility, bravery and compassion to understand one another better, to tackle the issue of stigma in all areas, and to create a more equal society.

The Anti Stigma Charter is accompanied by a film, showcased at the event, which was made by people with lived experience telling their stories of how stigma has affected them and their families.

The powerful film 'Sticks and Stones' was requested by the local Combatting Drugs and Alcohol Partnership and features powerful and thought-provoking real-life stories told by people who have experienced stigma connected to their addiction to alcohol or drugs.

The film, which was produced by the talented Andrew Bourne and Change Grow Live, is intended to help the viewer see the people first, and to understand more about the impact of negative views, judgements and words relating to people who use alcohol or drugs. The film is available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/30i4-kJgYak?si=UwsruX1N1hFMX6wM.

Councillor Sue Murphy, St Helens Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health, said:

"Stigma remains one of the greatest barriers to recovery and well-being for individuals living with drug or alcohol related health issues. Stigma can also be experienced by many of us and can include thinks like weight stigma, mental health stigma, and racism.  It's a powerful negative force which often leads to social isolation, discrimination, and delays in seeking support or treatment. People's lives are judged by others. People become labelled and the language used about them, their families and even services that support them can be harmful.

"It's time to break down these misconceptions and embrace a more compassionate approach. The Anti-Stigma Charter represents a significant step towards creating a society where everyone can feel heard and valued, rather than shamed for their struggles.

"By signing on the charter, we can help redefine how people understand and talk about drug and alcohol use and the stories behind that - ensuring that individuals are met with empathy, not prejudice."

By signing up to the charter, organizations will agree to four key commitments:

1. Treat people who use drugs or alcohol with compassion and without judgment
2. See people as individuals first, rather than being defined by their drug or alcohol use
3. Ensure language used is free of negative labels or stereotypes
4. Promote visible recovery and challenge harmful, unfair beliefs about people who use drugs or alcohol

For more information about the Anti-Stigma Charter and to sign up, please visit https://eu.jotform.com/sign/242964514103048/invite/01jax35t75ef14d8146551c520.

And for further support with drugs and alcohol, visit www.sthelens.gov.uk/article/2784/Drugs-and-alcohol-support