Raising Voices Against Stigma and Discrimination
New posters to spark important conversations about stigma, discrimination and the role we all play in creating welcoming and inclusive environments are appearing across Odyssey services.
The poster series is the result of work led by the National Lived Experience and Whānau Forum, a unique network that brings together members of the consumer, peer support and lived experience workforce from across Aotearoa. The Forum works to ensure the voices of people and their whānau who have experienced mental distress and addiction are at the centre of conversations about service development and system change.
Approved by Te Whatu Ora, the posters have been carefully designed to encourage reflection and challenge assumptions that can contribute to stigma and discrimination within communities, workplaces and health services.
The official launch was during the National Lived Experience and Whānau Forum hui in Auckland. It also included presentations from lived experience and health sector leaders, highlighting the ongoing importance of partnership and collaboration in improving outcomes for people accessing mental health and addiction services.
For Odyssey, this campaign aligns closely with our commitment to person-centred support. Stigma and discrimination can create barriers for people seeking help, engaging with services, and participating fully in their communities. Challenging these attitudes is an important part of supporting recovery and wellbeing. Together, we can help build a future where lived experience is recognised as a source of knowledge, strength, and leadership rather than judgement or exclusion.
“It was great to connect, speak about the bigger picture and reflect on the importance of having lived experience advocating in all levels. Love the posters and super excited for the directory.”
“It was such a positive day, and it was great to see so many people sharing ideas, experiences, and perspectives.”
“The energy in the room and the quality of the discussions made it a really valuable and enjoyable day.”
“I really enjoyed being part of this hui, made me realize how important lived experience is, and also the importance of having a lived experience lead in all levels, the posters are awesome. Makes me reflect that although we have different experiences we all are human and the same.”