Letter Templates

Name of recipient
Job title
Organisation
Address

Dear [Insert name],

I was just [reading/watching/listening] to your [state the article/TV programme/radio show] that was featured in/on the [state name of publication, TV channel, radio station] on [add date]. [Amend all as necessary]

I was very impressed with the way you reported what can often be a difficult subject to [write about/report - amend as necessary and then go on to add why the media item impressed you].

Coverage like this helps to inform and educate the public in a useful way about mental illness. This in turn helps to reduce the stigma and discrimination that is often faced by people with experience of mental illness, something the Like Minds, Like Mine programme has been working to reduce for more than 10 years.

All too often, mental illness is reported in a sensationalist way, and uses language and a tone that can cause offence and upset to those who have experience of mental illness.

I will recommend your [article / TV programme / radio item] to the Like Minds, Like Mine Media-Watch project as a positive example of mental health coverage.

Thank you once again for producing an informative and constructive piece about mental illness.

Yours sincerely,

[sign]

[your name]

Name of recipient
Job title
Organisation
Address

Dear [Insert name],

I was [disappointed/concerned] by the way that mental illness was represented in the [article/programme/show] due to [insert here what it was that disappointed/concerned you and why this is of concern]

With more than 47% of New Zealanders likely to experience a mental illness at some point in their lives, it is vital we talk about this topic in an informative and constructive way.

Discrimination is the biggest barrier to recovery for people with experience of mental illness, and coverage such as this only adds to the misconceptions and consequent discrimination towards those living with mental illness.

I look forward to your response,

Yours sincerely,

[sign]

[your name]