To celebrate Mental Health Awareness Week (14-20 May 2018), South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust is launching its annual digital #upliftingimage photography competition which, open to schools, staff, patients and the public in Tooting and South West London.

The theme for this year is: Contentment - what does it mean to you?

Now in its fourth year, the competition is open to everyone living across the five boroughs covered by the Trust – Kingston, Merton, Richmond, Sutton and Wandsworth. The closing date for entries is 10 October 2018, to coincide with World Mental Health Day. Further details and the submission form are available here.

Mental illness is far more common than many people think, yet it is still often met with ignorance and discrimination. Imagery is a great way of stimulating discussion, promoting understanding and changing attitudes. 

This is your chance to talk positively about mental health and go into the running to win a prize. The idea is to inspire, explore and talk about it. The competition is already proving to be incredibly popular across South West London, with entries from schools, the public and Trust staff.
 

Chief Executive David Bradley said, “We want #upliftingimage to help raise awareness of peoples’ connection with mental health through photography. The aim of the campaign is to get as many people to share a picture that helps to promote a better understanding of mental health.

“We know that one in four Londoners will experience a diagnosable mental health condition in a year. We shouldn’t be afraid to talk about mental health – we should give our mental health as much attention as we give our bodies.

“Through getting people involved in #upliftingimage, we want to reach out to more people than ever before to challenge the stigma and discrimination still associated with mental health.”