The Upstairs Gallery proudly presents in MAY 2012:
The Upstairs Gallery presents StigmARTa in May 16th – 31st 2012.

A thought provoking look at arts and service users, arts and their uses in therapy and inclusion, and peoples opinions of the words Mental Health and the stigmas attached.

May – StigmARTa
June – Beccles Arts Show
July – Paul Garrod
August – Official Olympic Artist KEVIN WHITNEY, Olympian Arts Show. 

We are currently seeking sponsors for this event. If you are interested please place sponsor in the subject header when emailing [email protected]

We have spaces available in all galleried rooms for artists and craftsmakers, why not enquire today on 01502 717191. Limited spaces for the Olympian Show.

All other artists and new works in the galleried rooms: Jan Houchen, Mark Ward, Michelle Payne, Bill Titcombe, John Patchett, Graham Blackburn, Douglas Farthing, Rinat Baibekov, John Kiki, Paul Janssens, Nicola Lindow, Gillian Tapping, Rachel Brown, Josephine Fisk, Harley Hodges, Paul Griggs, Laina West, Shona Winter, Annie Mclean, Dave Golding, Stuart Clark, Sheila Ford, Buttonspoon, Tuliptree, Rob Rutterford, Eliz Dwyer, Elaine Martin, Thumbpots, Pia Zocca, As you like it, Natural Inspirations, BeeJay silver designs, Ken Rodgers, Sisters with scents, Granny grumps, Nelliebumpkins, Paddy Dean, Karen Conroy.

In August we have a special show featuring the Official Olympic Artist Kevin Whitney. If you would like to attend the special open evening for this event, or any other event, please contact The Upstairs Gallery on:01502 717191 or email [email protected]
StigmARTa
Michelle Payne is backing the StigmARTa exhibition because she has suffered depression, and with the support of the NHS and counselling was back on her feet within weeks. But it is always there, the fear she may fall down, because it was never expected. She is also an arts gallery owner, and many of her clients and exhibitors have been involved with mental health as the arts often touch on the subject in one way or another. Its hard to be involved, as mental health affects one in four.

Michelle says:‘A close family member ridiculed me for having counselling. I was quite angry, then I realised it was simply a case of ignorance on their part. They haven’t ever had face those issues, so why would they care or understand?. I am not afraid to go to counselling if I feel it is required, quite simply because when depression hit me, I didn’t recognise it for what it was, and it was awful! much worse than people imagine. Who says these things out loud?’


Arts are used in the mental health service to bring confidence and voluntary communication back into the public life and work situations for mental health users.

Michelle Payne is linking up with CAMHS the children and adult mental health service to bring an arts show to the general public, helping to dispel the myths and stigmas that surround the word MENTAL, and those service users who suffer with depression, bipolar, Anxiety disorders, eating disorders and schizophrenia and personalty disorders.

The Upstairs Gallery has regular volunteers who suffer with panic attacks, confidence issues, disorders or who just want to get back into employment. The volunteers also understand what the gallery is supporting. Its owner Michelle Payne does not discriminate.

The exhibition preview nite is May 16th 7pm onwards. The Exhibition will continue May 16th – May 31st 2012

Prejudice and discrimination

People with mental health problems experience prejudice and discrimination in almost every aspect of their lives. Many have said the stigma of mental ill health is more disabling than the illness itself.
Research has shown that people with mental health problems are pre-judged, find it hard to get jobs and sustain friendships and relationships. Research has also shown that ignorance, fear, and stereotypes presented in the newspapers, on the TV and at the cinema, all contribute to negative attitudes towards mental ill health. Most people have little knowledge about mental illness and their opinions are often factually incorrect.
People with mental illness also get a worse deal from some NHS services offering care for physical health problems, and from travel, insurance and financial services.
More than 700 people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia in 27 different countries were interviewed as part of INDIGO (International Study of Discrimination and Stigma Outcomes), a research study carried out by the Institute of Psychiatry in collaboration with the World Psychiatric Association’s (WPA) Global Programme Against Stigma and Discrimination because of Schizophrenia.
47 per cent of those interviewed said they had found it hard to make or keep friends, 43 per cent said they had experienced discrimination from family members, 29 per cent in finding a job, 29 per cent in keeping a job and 27 per cent said had experienced discrimination in intimate or sexual relationships. 64 per cent said the anticipation of discrimination stopped them applying for work, training or education programmes and 55 per cent said it stopped them looking for a close relationship. 72 per cent of those interviewed said they felt the need to conceal their diagnosis.
People who have experienced psychosis may also feel discriminated against because of mental health law, which allows compulsory treatment. Side effects of medication – such as involuntary movements – may also make them feel set apart and seen as ‘different’.
Language used to describe mental ill health also contributes to discriminatory attitudes. Research carried out by the Institute of Psychiatry and the charity Rethink Mental Illness asked nearly 500 secondary school students to describe people with mental health problems. They came up with 250 different words and phrases, most of them derogatory and used as insults in the playground.
Share some of the experiences that service users go through, and share some of the understanding.
Open Evening Wedsnesday 16th May 2012, 7pm. Reply [email protected]


Exchange Square Beccles Suffolk NR34 9HH
OPENING Hours 10 – 4.30 Tuesday-Saturday Closed Sun and Monday only

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