Nottingham Panthers - Its OK to Talk About It

Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and local ice hockey team the GMB Nottingham Panthers are working on an innovative partnership to challenge stigma around mental health and learning disability and highlight that 1 in 4 people can suffer from a mental illness.

Service users and volunteers are featured in match programmes along with ice hockey players talking about challenges and promoting a positive reflection of mental health and learning disabilities.

• Over 500 service users, carers and families will be going to the Nottingham Panthers games to increase social inclusion.

• 220 local school children and younger people will get to meet players who will encourage students to keep physically fit, talk about healthy eating and say no to substances.

• A credit-card sized leaflet with contact information and tips is being given out.

“This is an innovative way to challenge stigma, promote social inclusion and support young people who seldom access our services early enough when experiencing distress.

We believe the opportunity for existing service users is providing a positive experience (quality) and could prevent admissions which would be cost effective.”

Mike Cooke, Chief Executive, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust