Swansea University Student Stands Up for Schizophrenia

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A student at Swansea University’s College of Human and Health Sciences has pledged to “do something” for schizophrenia after being inspired by a twitter campaign.

Lauren Piercy

Lauren Piercy, who is in the first year of her Mental Health Nursing degree, has organised an evening of entertainment after the charity Rethink Mental Illness ran a campaign for its Twitter followers to become involved in their plans for the Stand Up for Schizophrenia week which is being held between 11th and 17th November.

The event, entitled Voices Against Stigma, will be held at 7pm on Saturday 16th November at Swansea Dockers Club and will feature musical entertainment, a quiz and a raffle.

Lauren, who has organised the event with the help of her course mates and lecturers from the Department of Nursing, said: “On the night we’ll have performances from the Swansea University Choral Society as well as a range of acoustic performances including a set from Dai Sharkey, a musician who has struggled with schizophrenia."

Dai is a champion for Time to Change Wales, a national campaign that aims to end the stigma and discrimination faced by people with mental health problems.  He'll be speaking about his experiences as well as playing music."

Lauren added: "This is a very personal cause. I have had family member who is schizophrenic so I really wanted to do something to make a difference.”

Admission to Voices Against Stigma is free but a collection will be made on the night. All proceeds will go to local mental health charity, Swansea Mind.

For more information about Swansea Mind go to http://www.swanseamind.org.uk