Information Guides

With support from Lloyds Banking Group, we have been able to invest in projects addressing our workstreams of support, advice and information.

Alongside Lloyds Banking Group, we recognise that there is a clear demand for easily accessible mental health information. It was decided to develop a resource to increase mental health literacy across the UK.

1 in 4 people has experienced a mental health problem. The number of adults seeking help for a mental health problem is rising rapidly. During 2018/19, Rethink Mental Illness’s information factsheets were downloaded almost 1.5 million times while their information pages were viewed over 3.5 million times. The Rethink Advice and Information Service phone line is consistently stretched, where numbers of people needing access to support often outweighs resource.

The stigma and lack of understanding prevent over 50% of those who need it from seeking advice from their GP. As a result, there are thousands of people reaching crisis point without support.

  • 40% of people would feel uncomfortable having a conversation with someone about their mental health

  • 56% of people worry they might embarrass of offend (58%) them

    [*Sources: 2015-16 NHS Quality & Outcomes Framework & Lloyds Bank & Mental health UK Research]

The outcome

We developed a new mental health information guide called ‘How Does it Really Feel on the Inside?’ and an interactive website. It outlines 6 of the most common mental health conditions as well as where to seek support.

The information uses real people’s stories to help increase understanding about mental illness, as well as reducing the stigma attached to talking about mental health. The website has an interactive myth-busting quiz to test people’s knowledge and challenge the user’s preconceptions.

To date, we have distributed over 700,000 guides through GP surgeries waiting rooms and first-year university students with an estimated reach of over 5.4 million people. GPs were also given training on how to best use the guide in their surgeries.

The impact

Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, 99% of people said they found the guide informative. It was mainly used for the reader themselves (93%) but 1 in 5 also selected to share with a partner, which suggests that it will have started important conversations about mental health.

It has been used as a useful educational material. Over half of patients consulted with their doctor or nurse about questions and concerns the leaflet raised and 44% stated they were intending to research online as a result of reading the leaflet.

Overall, the guide worked well at getting the information across in a way that patients understand and relate to.

If you are interested in purchasing some of our information guides please contact [email protected].

Partner with us

Our partnerships team are on hand to help you through your journey. Call 0207 840 3008 or email [email protected] today.

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