Āta whakarongo - listen carefully
Many people experiencing mental health and addiction issues die much earlier than the general population, with a two to three times greater risk of premature death (defined as dying before the age of 65). Two-thirds of this is due to cardiovascular disease, cancer and other physical illnesses. Determined to impact this imbalance, the Equally Well Collaborative has launched the SEE US activation campaign.
Designed to overcome diagnostic overshadowing (when mental health and addictions health histories overshadow physical health needs) the campaign draws attention to it by giving a platform to the voice of lived experience and provides a multimedia toolkit for Equally Well partners. This toolkit includes:
- video clips and web banners to raise awareness of the challenge
- communication templates for electronic media and printed communications that will allow sector organisations to incorporate the key message of “SEE US – Look beyond the health history – see the person” as part of their own marketing activations.
Central to the campaign are the stories of Rika, Jess and Ross for whom diagnostic overshadowing is all too familiar. Their stories can be viewed below. They volunteered to be part of the campaign through the good work of Drive Consumer Direction.
The SEE US toolkit provides a templated platform to merge those communications with a call to action to be deliberately active about those experiencing mental health and addiction issues.
A downloadable user guide and resources can be accessed for use by your organisation. This content includes website banners, flyers, posters, social media images and videos.
Download the SEE US resources and user guide here
