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Chamber and committees

Marking National Schizophrenia Awareness Day

  • Submitted by: Mark Ruskell, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Green Party
  • Date lodged: Tuesday, 09 June 2026
  • Motion type: Standard Motion
  • Motion reference: S7M-00307

That the Parliament marks 25 July 2026 as National Schizophrenia Awareness Day; understands that over 600,000 people in the UK live with schizophrenia; believes that it remains one of the most misunderstood and stigmatised mental health conditions in Scotland; recognises that this year’s theme focuses on tackling misconceptions of schizophrenia in society and the media at large; considers that harmful stereotypes can shape public attitudes, deepen isolation, delay access to support and treatment and prevent people from being seen as whole individuals beyond their diagnosis; welcomes the work of Change Mental Health, which provides mental health and wellbeing support for over 11,000 people each year across Scotland, including people living with schizophrenia; notes that the charity is celebrating 54 years of supporting people; welcomes the work of its Hearing Voices groups across Fife, including in Kirkcaldy, Dunfermline and Glenrothes, which provide safe and supportive spaces for people to share experiences and receive peer support; supports the call to see the whole person, including their ambitions, relationships, humour, talents and everyday challenges, rather than defining anyone by a diagnosis, and wishes Change Mental Health, Mental Health UK and everyone taking part in National Schizophrenia Awareness Day well in their efforts to build greater understanding, inclusion and support for people living with the condition.


Supported by: Fulton MacGregor, Paul Sweeney