Mary Weir joined Support in Mind Scotland as Chief Executive in October 1994.A graduate in Social Science from the University of Edinburgh, she has worked in the fields of physical disability, volunteering, information provision and mental health.
“The ‘see me’ campaign is a tremendous achievement and shows just what can be achieved when organisations work together and have committed Government support. Stigma and discrimination blight the lives and prospects of people with mental health problems, as well as their families and friends. Scotland can show the way forward and be amongst the first to say that we will not tolerate the stigma of mental ill-health”
Mary served from 1999 – 2001 on the Millan Committee, which undertook the review of the Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984. Through her work with the Fellowship she has been involved in many other organisations and groups, including the Mental Health Legislation Reference Group of the Scottish Government, NHS Quality Improvement Scotland, the Steering Group for the Implementation of Scotland’s Mental Health Nursing Review and the Advisory Group of the ESTEEM, Glasgow’s Early Intervention Service for First Episode Psychosis.
Michael Smith represents the Scottish Division of the Royal College of Psychiatrists on the 'see me' Management Group.
" When people with mental disorders are asked to name the greatest obstacle to recovery, discrimination and stigma is by far the most common response. The RCPsych is committed to improving the lives of people affected by mental illness, and so knows how important it is to combat stigma, wherever it might arise. The College’s “Fair Deal” manifesto describes what psychiatrists are doing to reduce stigma."
Michael Smith trained in Psychiatry in the West of Scotland and Australia before taking up post as a Consultant Psychiatrist in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde in 2000. He is currently also Clinical Director for mental health services in South Clyde & Senior Research Fellow at the University of Glasgow. He is the clinical lead for "Doing Well", an award-winning programme to improve support for people with depression.
Charlie McMillan is the Director of Research, Influence and Change for SAMH, Scotland’s leading mental health non-governmental organisation. Within this role, Charlie is responsible for lobbying and campaigning, research, equality and diversity and voluntary fundraising.
“I believe the ‘see me’ campaign is critical to ensuring that everything is done to challenge the stigma and discrimination faced by people who have experience of mental health problems. SAMH is delighted to be part of the ‘see me’ partnership and to contribute to achieving the aims of the campaign.”
Previously, Charlie worked within the Scottish Executive Health Department, where he was part of the Involving People Team focussing on the implementation of Patient Focus and Public Involvement (PFPI) and the Health Department’s equality and diversity strategy – Fair for All. Prior to this, Charlie trained as a social worker and worked in a variety of settings with young people in crisis before moving on to work in the HIV/AIDS field.