Experiencing Stigma and Discrimination in Health and Social Care

While there are lots of amazing and compassionate people working in health and social care, unfortunately we know that sometimes people do experience stigma and discrimination when trying to get help and support.

This can happen at all levels of health and social care, in both general and psychiatric hospitals, Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) appointments and when people attend A&E or GPs. This may be down to lack of resources, education or even understanding. Sometimes people aren't trying to treat someone in a discriminatory or stigmatising way and it can happen unintentionally, but that doesn't make it any less painful for the person experiencing it.

But going to seek professional advice is a big step for many to take, so we need health and social care professionals to get it right.

If you're not sure if you have experienced stigma or discrimination, our volunteers chatted to us about their experiences of stigma and discrimination, to help others recognise how it looks.