Fighting Stigma

Stigma is a key driver of health inequality. Whether linked to poverty, mental health or sexual identity, the fear of judgment or discrimination can prevent individuals from seeking care. Stigma and shame around sexual and mental health silences conversations about everyday health issues, undermines trust in health promotion messaging and reinforces barriers to access. 

This pervasive issue is being exacerbated by regressive anti-trans, anti-LGBT+, and anti-EDI rhetoric and policy. Challenges to fundamental rights including access to abortion, contraception and Gillick competence threaten to undermine decades of progress in inclusive healthcare and youth autonomy.

These challenges extend into education. The reduction in clarity and content of LGBT+ identities in the updated Relationships, Sex and Health Education guidance is concerning, as is the lack of improvement in provision for young people experiencing SEND.

The need for reliable, accessible information and education has never been greater, yet false and deliberately misleading information is rife, and harmful online cultures and practices are growing. We will use our platform to actively counter the harms of disinformation and toxic narratives, expanding our reach and recognition so that more people can access reliable, evidence-based support. We will empower young people, and the adults who support them, with the tools and knowledge to confidently challenge misinformation and foster a culture of understanding, respect and inclusion.

We will continue to be resolute in standing our ground, fearless in defending those rights under attack and courageous in campaigning for societal and legislative change.

How we will achieve this

1. Amplify the voices of those that stigma can silence by fearlessly championing the rights of young people and other communities that are under attack.
2. Counter the harm caused by misinformation and disinformation by challenging damaging narratives and societal attitudes through reliable, trustworthy information and education.
3. Challenge societal prejudices by championing the development of clinical, education and wellbeing services that are accessible and welcoming to neurodivergent people and those experiencing SEND.
4. Speak out on the causes of health inequalities, using our data and evidence to champion the needs of underserved communities.
5. Grow our profile and brand visibility, enabling more people and communities to access support as an essential component of lifelong healthcare.