17–24 May | Theme: Beyond the Headlines
Each May, Schizophrenia Awareness Week (SAW) shines a spotlight on schizophrenia, a condition often misunderstood and surrounded by stigma. Proudly led by MIFA since 1986, the week leads up to World Schizophrenia Awareness Day on 24 May and aims to build understanding while sharing the experiences and perspectives of people with lived experience, along with their families, carers and kin.
In 2027, we continue our theme, Beyond the Headlines, building on the conversations started in 2026. Challenging stigma and improving understanding takes more than one awareness week. It’s an ongoing conversation, and the need for accurate information, education and greater understanding remains as important as ever.
Beyond the Headlines encourages us to look past assumptions and stereotypes, and better understand the experiences of people living with schizophrenia.
The campaign will continue to highlight the importance of early support, stable housing and coordinated care in helping people live better lives in their communities.
What is Schizophrenia Awareness Week?
Schizophrenia Awareness Week is about building understanding, challenging stigma and encouraging more informed conversations about schizophrenia.
Too often, public perceptions of schizophrenia are shaped by sensational headlines, inaccurate portrayals and stereotypes that create fear and misunderstanding. These narratives can have a real impact on people living with schizophrenia, their families, carers and kin.
Through Beyond the Headlines, we encourage people to question these assumptions, look beyond the diagnosis and better understand the experiences of people living with schizophrenia.
The campaign also highlights the important role of the media and the language we use in shaping public attitudes. Resources such as the Mindframe national guidelines provide practical guidance on safe, accurate and responsible reporting of mental health, helping to reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking.
Schizophrenia Awareness Week is an opportunity for everyone, from media professionals to the wider community, to think about how we talk about schizophrenia, the stories we share and the assumptions we make.
Because the way we talk about schizophrenia matters. And better understanding starts with looking beyond the headlines.
Events
Across Schizophrenia Awareness Week, MIFA and some of its members will be hosting events and activities around the country to spark conversations, share lived experience, and challenge stigma.
These events are a chance to connect, learn, and look beyond the headlines with a focus on understanding, community support, and respectful conversations about schizophrenia.
Where you can go for information and support:
Visit the Finding North website for information and resources about schizophrenia and other mental health conditions.
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Visit Finding North Network to explore a safe and welcoming online lived experience community of people supporting each other to amplify lived experience leadership.
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