I hope this edition of Rethink News finds you well and enjoying the sun, when it decides to appear - I am recovering from running for Rethink in the BUPA London 10k. My legs are aching even though I didn't go very fast - at least my Rethink t-shirt spread the word amongst fellow cake fans at the back!

In this issue we are asking for your participation on a few issues. We really appreciate the fact that people give up spare time to help - if you do just one request in this email, you're a hero to us. Thank you!

Over the next few months, the government and local health trusts will be deciding what health services are to be prioritised and funded.

We need to tell them that mental health services are already under-resourced and should be protected. We need to hear about your experiences of accessing services and about any cuts in your area to campaign on this issue.

Please fill in our quick survey: www.rethink.org/2010campaignpoll

The new government's plans include Rethink's call for greater access to talking therapies but we need your help to keep the pressure on. Contact your MP now and ask them to urge the Chancellor to protect mental health services such as psychological therapies.

Do you or a loved one have a severe mental illness? Want to know more about the medication you take? Only the best is written by the Rethink Advice and Information Service in association with both medical and consumer experts. Download a free copy or call 0300 5000 927.

The pledge at time-to-change.org.uk is a big part of the Time to Change campaign and aims to be the biggest ever show of support for ending mental health prejudice. We want you to be part of it! Join thousands of others - including Frank Bruno and Trisha Goddard - in adding your photo and making your pledge.

We are proud to announce that Stuff Stigma, the Time to Change project based in Norwich and run by Rethink, has been shortlisted for a National Lottery Award!

Stuff Stigma challenges negative attitudes towards people with mental health problems, including organising ‘human library’ sessions, where over 800 members of the public have had one-to-one conversations with people with experience of mental health problems.

Please vote for Stuff Stigma to go through to the award finals!

You can also call 0844 686 5951to vote.

The deadline is midday on 18 June 2010.

Climbing Ben Nevis, Cycling from London to Paris and running through the The Virgin London Marathon 2011 are just a few things that our supporters have been doing to raise money for Rethink. Don't miss out! You can take a challenge like this too - check our fundraising pages or get in touch with Vikkie: events@rethink.org

What is recovery and how can mental health services support people's journey of recovery from, and with, mental illness? Find out at the Refocus on recovery conference, 20-22nd September 2010, London. Register online at researchintorecovery.com

So are we! We're also on Twitter, too.

Rethink in the news

May highlights include:

• Paul Jenkins, Rethink’s chief executive, talking to The Guardian about the criminal justice system.
  
• A member of Rethink’s Advice and Information Service provides financial help to carers via The Times.
• A Rethink media volunteer talked about her depression in popular women’s weekly Reveal.
• Local newspaper articles featuring Rethink included anti-stigma messages and readers’ letters urging MPs to protect vital mental health services.a published letter in Community Care.

National Carers Week, 14-20 June

Are you organising an event to coincide with National Carers Week? In response to a request from the Department of Health, we will be sharing details of events with ministers – to make sure your event is highlighted, please provide details of your event to the Communications Team (Rebecca.galbraith@rethink.org), who can also provide media and online support as required.

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