AEPCC is pleased to announce it has received a grant from the Telematics Trust to deliver an important new anti-stigma and education campaign in Greater Geelong.
Psychosis affects around 1 in 30 people, often before the age of 25. Yet stigma, fear and misinformation continue to delay recognition, treatment and recovery.
The project will build on the success of Psychosis Understood – Australia’s only Instagram account led by multiple people with lived experience of psychosis, supported by AEPCC.
Through compelling personal stories and accessible educational content, the campaign will aim to:
- Increase understanding of early psychosis among young people aged 16–25 and their parents/carers.
- Reduce stigma and misinformation, which are major barriers to early treatment and recovery.
- Foster community conversation and compassion for those affected by psychosis so they are better supported.
Delivered through Instagram and Facebook, the campaign will use geo-targeted advertising to reach young people aged 16–25 and their parents, carers, teachers and youth workers across Greater Geelong. Content will be created by lived experience ambassadors, clinicians, researchers and marketing experts.
“This campaign gives young people with lived experience of early psychosis a platform to lead change,” said Dee Carr, AEPCC Lived Experience Coordinator.
“By normalising conversations about psychosis and promoting hope and recovery, we can reduce stigma and help young people get support sooner.”
Geelong was selected for the pilot because it reflects the diversity of the broader Australian population and has well-established early psychosis services. Insights from the campaign will inform a future national rollout, pending additional funding, helping to shape how psychosis is understood and discussed across Australia.
We are currently looking for suggestions for local people with lived experience, including support people and celebrities, who would feel confident sharing their story through social media videos for the campaign. Please share any ideas with our AEPCC Senior Communications Advisor, Kate James: [email protected]. Note we can’t guarantee that everyone who is suggested will feature in the campaign.
