Singer/songwriter Billie Myers, best known for the rock anthem Kiss the Rain, is supporting Time to Change, England’s mental health and anti-stigma programme run by charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, with its latest campaign and work with LGBT communities. The singer tweeted a picture of her
Singer/songwriter Billie Myers, best known for the rock anthem Kiss the Rain, is supporting Time to Change, England’s mental health and anti-stigma programme run by charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, with its latest campaign and work with LGBT communities.
The singer tweeted a picture of herself wearing a ‘Time to Talk’ tattoo, designed by contemporary British artist Stuart Semple, in a bid to get people talking about their own personal experiences of mental health problems and to break the taboo that still sadly surrounds the subject.
Billie has spoken out about her own experience of mental health problems as well as talking openly about her bisexuality and the stigma she has personally faced.
She said:
“As a proud member of the LGBT community and a person who lives with depression I know first hand the importance of reaching out. Fighting the dangerous and often invisible nature of stigma isn’t an option, it’s a must.”
As well as receiving funding from the Department of Health and Comic Relief, Time to Change also received an additional Big Lottery Fund grant of £3.6 million to build on the existing anti-stigma work. As part of this grant the programme is aiming to reach LGBTs, through their collaborative work with Brighton & Hove-based organisation MindOut and other national events.
Sue Baker, Director of Time to Change, said:
“Mental health problems affect so many of us and unfortunately, people from certain communities including LGB&T people, can face multiple levels of stigma and discrimination. We are really pleased to have Billie on board and we hope that the fantastic work taking place in the coming months will really make a difference in breaking the stigma that many of us with mental health problems face on daily basis.
“Just a few small words and starting the conversation around mental health can make all the difference to those of us who may be struggling in silence.”
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