National Schizophrenia Awareness Day 2025

On 25th July, we mark National Schizophrenia Awareness Day—a day dedicated to challenging stigma, raising awareness, and standing in solidarity with the over 600,000 people in the UK living with schizophrenia

Too often, schizophrenia is misunderstood. It’s not a “split personality,” nor does it define the person who lives with it. People with schizophrenia are parents, friends, colleagues, creatives, and carers. They face the same everyday challenges as anyone else—work stress, family life, and the ups and downs of modern living—alongside managing their mental health.

This year’s message is clear: see the person, not the diagnosis. By learning the facts, listening to lived experiences, and speaking out against stigma, we can help build a more compassionate and informed society.

How You Can Support:

Educate yourself: Learn about the realities of schizophrenia from trusted sources like Rethink Mental Illness.

Challenge myths: Speak up when you hear misinformation.

Show compassion: A little understanding can go a long way in someone’s recovery journey.

St Martin’s:

On Friday, the 25^th, residents and staff at CHR got together to acknowledge Schizophrenia. Hosting this event was a message from staff to simply say: ‘We understand’. It is hard to talk about. On the day staff tried to talk to some residents 1-2-1.

One resident asked if Schizophrenia is the same as depression. Staff explained that they are not the same but have some similarities. The same resident said that he had suffered from schizophrenia when he was a teenager.

Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. Not everyone has the same symptoms of Schizophrenia. Some of the common symptoms are: Hallucinations (hearing voices) and delusions (having false beliefs or ideas).

Medication alone will not treat Schizophrenia. Activities such as: Talking therapies, CBT, Art therapy, and self-care are also very important.

Having schizophrenia can be very traumatic. Days like this are important, so you can relax your mind and let go. This day also sends a message that you are not alone. There are many people who have suffered or are still suffering. People are more aware now of what you are going through.

Activities on the day

A BBQ was organized for the day. Luckily, the weather was beautiful. We also held a Table tennis competition. This was won by Satpal. He played very well.

On the day we were joined by Leah (our pet therapist). Her dog Murphy was overwhelmed with all the food around. It is the first time he has ever barked. Leah tried to play table tennis with Murphy’s lead attached to her belt!

The event ran through the whole afternoon. We had music playing, and residents relaxed and socialized in the garden.