Stigma can influence how people are viewed, spoken about and supported. It can affect whether someone feels able to ask for help or engage with services. It can also reinforce inequalities and have a significant impact on physical health, emotional wellbeing and social inclusion.

This interactive half-day training is designed for anyone working with people or communities. It will help participants understand how stigma develops, the different forms it can take and how it may show up within everyday conversations, professional practice, services and wider systems.

Through group discussion, case studies and reflective activities, participants will explore:

• what stigma is and the relationship between stigma, prejudice and discrimination;
• how stigma is experienced and its impact on health, wellbeing and access to support;
• how our language, assumptions and working practices can unintentionally reinforce stigma;
• the different approaches that can be used to challenge stigma at individual, interpersonal, organisational, community and structural levels; and
  practical actions that participants can take within their own role, team or service.

The session provides a supportive space to reflect rather than blame. Participants will leave with greater awareness, increased confidence to recognise and challenge stigma, and a personal action plan for contributing to more inclusive, respectful and compassionate services.

Suitable for: frontline practitioners, administrative and support staff, managers, volunteers, community organisations and anyone whose work brings them into contact with members of the public.