Findings relating to Public and Recreational Spaces

55.0% of Our Turn to Speak participants reported experiencing some level of stigma or discrimination in public and recreational spaces during the last 12 months.

Of the 98 participants who selected public and recreational spaces as one of their top three most affected life domains, 35.7% reported ‘frequent’ or ‘very frequent’ rates of stigma and discrimination in this area. 

 

"If you’re recognised in public as someone with a mental illness they might point and laugh at you, which is an experience of stigma and discrimination that I’ve had. If you’re not recognised, then you can be another normal person in the crowd and go about your business."

– Our Turn to Speak participant, New South Wales
 

On average, 31.6% of participants said they had experienced stigma and discrimination when accessing or using public transport, public spaces or attending public events. 

On average, 33.7% of participants said they anticipated stigma and discrimination when accessing or using public transport, public spaces or attending public events. 

On average, 62.4% of participants said that they have stopped themselves from accessing or using public transport, public spaces or attending public events because of stigma about mental health issues.

50.0% of participants said they have had positive experiences in connection with their complex mental health issues when accessing or using public transport, public spaces or attending public events. 

 

Explore the findings in more detail