The “Beside the Plate” campaign, launched by the Falret Foundation this Monday July 6, 2026 on display in the Paris metro and then very quickly in bus shelters, reminds us that a psychological disorder never defines either a person or their future. 6 authentic testimonies crossed with the journeys of 6 illustrious personalities remind us that a psychological disorder sums up neither a person nor their future.
A campaign to break preconceived ideas
The title Beside the plate echoes both the street signs which pay tribute to personalities who have lived with mental disorders – Winston Churchill, Niki de Saint-Phalle, Marie Curie, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Blaise Pascal, Marguerite Duras – and our preconceived ideas about mental health. Through this campaign, the desire is to make one single conviction heard: a psychological disorder does not define a person or their future. This is what El’, Timothée, Yann, Florent, Rose and Nicolas argue, who agreed to share their story with authenticity and generosity.. 6 authentic testimonies crossed with the journeys of 6 illustrious personalities. A message of hope for a more inclusive society. Indeed, by sharing a part of their lives, they help to open up a space of hope.
This awareness campaign on mental disorders entitled “Aside from the plate” is the result of a collaboration between the Falret Foundation and the BETC agency. Jean-Yves Larrouturoupresident of the Foundation underlines that “ mental disorders do not prevent one from finding one’s place in society. It is time to make mental health a real public policy, meeting the challenges. » The figures bear this out: one in five French people today live with a mental disorder, 21% of 18-24 year olds are affected by depression and between 40 and 60% of those affected do not benefit from any care or support. For Mercedes Erra president of the BETC Agency, -“ The stigma of mental illness is a barrier to patient care and inclusion. Who they are is not reduced to their illness. The mirror effect of great historical, artistic and scientific personalities tells it so well. »
This campaign carries the message of the Falret Foundation: « lPeople living with a mental disorder face numerous prejudices that hinder their access to employment and care. Recovery is possible. It is a unique path that is built with others, thanks to support, solidarity, rights, but also to a society that accepts difference and fights against discrimination.« .
• Learn more about the “Aside from the Plate” campaign.
