Challenge Stigma
Challenging Stigma in Inverclyde
Stigma remains a significant barrier for people and families affected by justice involvement, alcohol and drug use, and related mental health challenges. Negative attitudes, assumptions and language can cause real harm. They can affect wellbeing, limit access to support and reinforce exclusion at a community level.
Through the Challenging Stigma Training Programme, partners across Inverclyde have come together to respond to this issue. Rooted in lived and living experience, the programme takes a public health approach, recognising that reducing stigma strengthens recovery, resilience and safer, healthier communities.
Two e-learning modules have been developed through local partnership working and the Resilience Network. While each module focuses on a distinct experience, both of them encourage reflection, compassion and practical action. More information and access links can be found below.
Challenging Stigma: Justice System Involvement E-Module
Through the Resilience Network, funded by Inverclyde HSCP’s Health Improvement Team, partners have developed an e-learning module focused on stigma and the justice system.
The module:
Shares key learning about stigma and justice involvement
Includes a locally produced film featuring real experiences of stigma in Inverclyde
Highlights the impact of stigma on individuals and families
Offers practical ideas for how services and communities can respond differently
The module is being shared widely across Inverclyde and promoted through local channels, including CVS Inverclyde and Inverclyde Council. This collaborative work supports a shared set of values and aims to change the local narrative around justice involvement and stigma.
Who is involved?
The working group includes:
People with lived experience of the justice system and their families
Third sector organisations, including members of the Third Sector Community Justice Forum
Public sector partners, including the Health Improvement Team, recognising the strong link between stigma reduction and public health
Challenging Stigma: Alcohol and Drug Use and Recovery E-Module
This module explores the stigma experienced by people affected by problematic alcohol and drug use, as well as their families and loved ones. It has been co-produced with people who have lived and living experience of recovery in Inverclyde. The module:
· Examines how stigma impacts mental health, recovery and people’s ability to seek support
· Encourages reflection on language, attitudes and behaviours
· Offers practical ways services, communities and individuals can challenge stigma locally
Who is involved?
This work has been developed in partnership with third sector organisations, the Inverclyde Alcohol and Drug Partnership and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Improvement Team, recognising the strong link between stigma reduction, recovery and public health outcomes.
Start the training by taking the pre-test, work your way through the modules, and complete the training with the post-test.