MY grandfather suffered from manic depression throughout the years I knew him. Since his death, I have undertaken voluntary work and have become increasingly conscious of the need to counter media misrepresentation and public myths about mental illness.

I am also aware of the sense of isolation that the mentally-ill and their carers experience.

I am researching a book intended to address the above issues and promote greater understanding of mental health, and would like to hear from readers with a personal history of mental illness, their relatives and carers, who would be willing to speak to me about their experiences.

I promise to respect the privacy of all contributors.

CLAIRE KILNER, Wentworth

College, University of York

Heslington, York, YO1 5DD.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.