The Empire Schizophrenia Trust was established by Hayden Chittell and sets out to support and promote endeavours made by individuals or organisations whose efforts will lead to a better understanding of schizophrenia, increase awareness and reduce the stigma and fear surrounding this illness.

Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe relapsing mental illness that affects about 1% of the population. It is characterised by disturbances of thinking, feeling, perception and behaviour and usually grossly and globally impairs individual social, occupational, interpersonal, psychological and physical well being.

The government has identified mental illness as a priority target for action. While their work and that of mental health and social services and voluntary sector bodies are making progress there remains a gap in the current planning and strategy in terms of increasing awareness and improving people’s access to leisure and occupational activities.