HEALTH bosses are backing a campaign to tackle the stigma surrounding people with mental health problems.

Time to Change is a nationwide awareness campaign, designed to end discrimination and improve attitudes to mental health.

In south Essex, an event involving schoolchildren at Southend United’s ground is being planned to launch the campaign and send the message out that discrimination is not acceptable.

Dr Patrick Geoghegan, chief executive of South Essex Partnership Trust, which helps people with mental health problems, said: “I am 100 per cent behind this campaign to change attitudes towards mental health issues.

“Those with mental health issues should not be afraid to talk about their problems or fear losing their jobs, not getting an interview, or even losing their friends because they fear how other people will react to their news.”

Andrew Pike, chief executive of NHS South East Essex, said: “Any period of illness can be stressful and worrying, but the stigma attached to mental health problems can be particularly difficult for sufferers and their families.”