Enabling access to support through inclusive language
At Turning Point, we know people we support often face stigma in their lives - around mental health challenges, living with a learning disability, or because of drug and alcohol use. We are committed to doing all we can to reduce stigma through the support we provide, in the communities we work in and wider society.
Mental Health
Speaking Without Stigma around mental health
This guidance is aimed at people working in mental health settings and other health and social care settings. It may also be of interest to the wider public.
It intends to help us think about the language we use around mental health and consider small changes to help reduce stigma people experience. It offers a set of principles and poses questions to ask ourselves - either individually, as part of a group or in a team discussion. A PDF version and a slide deck is available.
Words and phrases related to mental health are used regularly in everyday language – often without us consideration of the meaning and the impact they may have. By bringing attention to this through the guide, we hope to spark conversations and encourage small changes that can have a big impact.
The guidance was co-produced with people with lived experience and colleagues at Turning Point who explored this topic and drafted it together.
Substance Use
Speaking Without Stigma around drugs and alcohol
This guidance is aimed at people working in drug and alcohol support and other health and social care settings. It may also be useful for family members, friends and colleagues of people who have challenges around drugs and alcohol.
It offers some key principles to help us reduce stigma through the language we use around drugs and alcohol. It also provides some alternative words and phrases to consider, replacing those which may contribute to people feeling stigmatised, with more up-to-date, inclusive language. It can be used to read through and reflect on personally, or to share with others and discuss together.
It was co-produced with people with lived experience and colleagues at Turning Point who worked together to explore this topic and draft the guidance.
You can also view our animated series sharing key messages from the guide on Youtube.
Learning Disabilities
This guide is currently being finalised and will be released soon.
If you'd like to be notified when we launch our new "Learning Disabilities - Speaking without Stigma" Guide register your interest below and we will email you a copy when it's released.