Making the Message Matter (November 1998)

Complete document: Making the message matter November 1998 (pdf file 411k)

Preface

Breaking down stigma and exposing the myths that surround mental illness are ongoing tasks that require commitment, dedication and skill. It is not enough to merely send the message about mental illness out into the community-public education must aim to make the message matter!

Consumers and carers are very active in public education. Relating their own experiences of mental illness to the broader community has proven to be a highly effective means of changing society's views and perceptions of mental illness.

Making the Message Matter has been produced to assist consumer, carer and organisational speakers to both expand their audiences and refine their presentation skills. Making the Message Matter is about clear messages to bigger audiences resulting in greater understanding of mental illness.

Making the Message Matter is based on the principles of access to information and clear communication, therefore it is written in plain easy-to-read language. It provides information on all facets of public education, from presentation skills and techniques, through to working with the media.

Making the Message Matter acknowledges the differences between rural and metropolitan public education and provides strategies to meet the needs of rural presenters. It also provides strategies to meet the needs of those from non-English- speaking backgrounds.

Making the Message Matter has been designed to act as a quick reference guide to particular areas of interest. It has nine sections that the reader can use independently, or it can be read from cover to cover.

The goal of Making the Message Matter is to be the resource that consumer and carer presenters turn to in their public education activities.