'Get well soon' cards available to
buy now!
The Royal College of Psychiatrists is selling a brand
new range of 'Get well soon' cards designed specifically for
people who are unwell with mental ill health. These cards have
been designed in collaboration with service users, carers,
psychiatrists and other mental health professionals.
The cards come in
two striking and colourful designs. Inside the greeting
reads:
"Thinking of you at this time. Hope things improve soon."
Research shows that people who are unwell with mental
problems receive far fewer cards or messages of support than people
with physical health problems, but a College survey shows that 8
out 10 service users say that receiving a 'Get well' card
would improve their recovery.
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How to order 'Get well soon' cards
- 1 card and envelope (including p + p): £2.25.
Please specify which card you would prefer.
- 2 cards and 2 envelopes (including p + p):
£4.00. Please specify if you would prefer a
set of both cards, or two of one type.
- If you are interested in larger orders, please contact the
Leaflets Department.
- 'Get
well soon' card order form
Order your cards from: Leaflets Department
Royal College of Psychiatrists, 17 Belgrave Square, London SW1X
8PG Tel: 020 7235 2351 ext. 259].
The cards have received celebrity backing from TV
personality, Trisha Goddard:
"When I was diagnosed
with breast cancer last year, I was inundated with ‘Get Well Soon’
cards, all of which were really touching. If you’re thinking
I only got those cards because I’m in the public eye, let me just
tell you this: when I lived in Australia, I was equally in the
public eye and yet when news leaked out that I was in a psychiatric
hospital following a breakdown – not a peep! No cards and
certainly no flowers.
If anything increases
feelings of isolation and unworthiness just when you’re at your
lowest ebb, this does. Feeling ‘invisible’ because people avoid you
not knowing what to say rubs salt into a wound, which sometimes
takes a long time to heal. That’s why I support this brilliant idea
from the College. It’s a great way of reminding people that a
few kind words and card can help you deal with the pain; whether
the hurt is in your heart or your head!"
Further endorsements of the cards by service
users.
Proceeds from sales of the cards will help to continue producing
the College’s award-winning mental
health information, particularly in paper form. Many
people, including the elderly or people from disadvantaged
backgrounds, don't have access to the internet and value our
printed materials. The College does not receive any government
funding towards the production of its materials.
The cards form part of the
College's current Fair Deal
campaign as they promote the concept that you can
recover from mental ill health and that service users rarely
receive cards, flowers, chocolates or grapes.
Illustrations by Lo
Cole
October 2009