January 16.
I write on behalf of the members of the Ayrshire National
Schizophrenia Fellowship, the majority of whom are people who have been
diagnosed as suffering from schizophrenia.
At our recent meeting strong views were expressed on two issues.
First, the only time schizophrenia is mentioned in the media is in
connection with a ''shock horror'' story. Many people with this illness
lead constructive, non-traumatic lives.
Secondly, the media coverage of the Ben Sillcock case gave the
viewpoints of psychiatrists, politicians, nurses, etc. on the
possibility of changes in the Mental Health Act, but what it didn't do
was consult the sufferers themselves for their viewpoints.
Louise Parker,
Co-ordinator,
10 Dean Terrace,
Kilmarnock.
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