September 2011

SMHRN and Science Media Centre Training day review

The SMHRN have been working with the Science Media Centre (SMC) over the last two years to increase the coverage of mental health research within the media. The accumulation of our working relationship resulted in a co-hosted media day on the 6th September, in Edinburgh. Around 30 delegates from across Scotland attended this interactive event. The main aims of this event were to increase the awareness of the media and how to engage with the media.

There were presentations from Claire Bithell (SMC), Katrina Nevin-Ridley (Wellcome Trust) and Robin McKie (Observer). Eleanor Bradford (BBC Scotland) and Lyndsay Buckland (Scotsman) joined the presenters for a panel discussion, where the attendees asked a variety of questions. The attendees were then invited to participate in practice media interviews, to gain some experience of bein interviewed by a journalist.

This was a very successful event, where the attendees were given an insight and some tips on engaging with the media. The take home message for all would be to contact your local press officer and/or the SMC, if you would like to start to engage with the media.

Feedback from the event

"A proper subject need, well addressed and worthy of repetition at appropriate intervals"

"Good intro which has given me lots to think about for my career further down the line"

"Reassurance that the network has an understanding of the interface with the media"

"Good tips for how to engage media - potentially turn a negative spin into a positive one"

"Insight into the process of getting involved in media"

For more information about the SMC please go to www.sciencemediacentre.org or get in contact at smc@sciencemediacentre.org or 0207 670 2980.

Past Updates

• January - March 2011