StigmaBeat: end stigma associated with mental ill health

StigmaBeat is a dynamic, youth-led, storytelling project that aims to create positive social change to end the stigma that is often associated with mental ill health. Co-created with young people from Gippsland, Monash University (Monash Rural Health) and Satellite Foundation, these films share the participants’ insights and perspectives on the various kinds of stigma they experience day-to-day.

These films are designed to help those who live and work alongside young people to understand the challenges young people can face, including from those who mean well. Use them in your workplace, schools, universities and any settings with young people.

What are the three Stigmabeat films?

1. An Introduction to Stigmabeat

This film provides an overview of the project, including insights directly from young people about the experience of StigmaBeat.

2. Stigma Stevie

An animation about a young person’s experiences of stigma and a stigma-fighting superhero that needs a hand. The story and characters were developed from StigmaBeat participants’ ideas and tested with them in the creation process.

3. Photo stories

Where StigmaBeat participants share photos they have taken of something or someplace that represents being free of judgement and stigma.

Can I use the films in my classroom?

Absolutely! We want – and more importantly the young people want – these resources to be shared widely. These films are designed to help those who live and work alongside young people to understand the challenges young people can face, including from those who mean well.

Use these prompts and questions to guide deeper thinking about each film.

The introduction to StigmaBeat:

• What surprised you about what was shared on the film?
• What do you think young people in your local area would say about judgement and stigma?

Stigma Stevie:

• Can you think of other places where stigma can occur? From who?
• Where do you think you can help point out stigma more?
• Where do you think you can check on your own stigma?

Photo stories:

• What would you take a photo of to represent a world free of stigma?
• What themes did you notice between different photo stories?
• How can I share this video with my workplace or community?

In mental health services / programs:

Sharing the photo stories and the voices of young people directly can show other young people that they’re not alone in how they feel or what they experience

In workplaces:

StigmaBeat participants noted that many of the places they experienced stigma were locations where they should be safe, e.g. schools, workplaces, healthcare and social support services. Any workplaces, but especially those listed above would benefit from watching the introduction to StigmaBeat and Stigma Stevie to understand some of the seemingly innocuous ways judgement and fear can affect conversations and relationships.

In schools / classrooms:

Teachers and or/student wellbeing staff may want to share Stigma Stevie and photo stories with other staff, and any of the videos with students to spark conversations

In family and friends:

These videos can be a great prompt for conversations with loved ones about how stigma exists in communities, and the collective effort needed to address it.