The Truth About Depression Alliance's Funding
There have been recent articles in the press claiming that Depression Alliance receives 80% of its funding from the pharmaceutical industry. This is simply not true and despite our best efforts to have retractions printed we have now had to refer our complaints to the Press Complaints Commission.
The correct figure for pharmaceutical sector funding is no more than 25% for any given year since 2002. This funding comprises unrestricted grants, adheres to our policy on all donations, and complies with legal requirements set under Charity Law. Furthermore the accounts are published and readily available in the public domain.
In the last 3 years we have seen our government grants fall by half - that short-fall has to be bridged if Depression Alliance is to continue its work. Perhaps the question we need to be asking is not where funding is coming from but where it is not?
There are those who are trying to promote the message that depression is an invention of the pharmaceutical industry and that Depression Alliance is 'disease-mongering'. It is at worst mischievous, and, at best, naïve to deconstruct the reality of what is, for many, a severe and enduring mental illness and to question or undermine people's lives experience of it.
Depression Alliance, during its quarter century of work, has also consistently lobbied and advised against the inappropriate medicalisation of human distress. The charity works to help maintain a balanced view at all times and eliminate the stigma, discrimination and social exclusion experienced by people with this condition. We do not advocate any therapy over another but seek to provide information, support and understanding so that people are able to make their own, informed choices.
If you feel strongly about this issue please ameliam@depressionalliance.org and let us know what you think.
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Depression Alliance depends on donations to continue its vital work. To show your support please CLICK HERE to Donate using our secure donation page.