05 October 2008

Meditation and Movies among the activities planned for Mental Health Week

Film screenings, meditation, yoga, and a photography competition are among the many activities set to take place across the State for NSW Mental Health Week that begins today.

More than 100 events are planned in NSW to promote awareness about a broad spectrum of mental health issues from anxiety and depression to schizophrenia, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Mental Health) Barbara Perry said.

With one in five Australians experiencing a mental illness during their lifetime, these events are important in helping promote social and emotional wellbeing, Ms Perry said.

“All of these innovative events are designed to encourage everyone to maximise their health potential,” Ms Perry said.

“This includes enhancing the coping skills of communities, families and individuals and increasing mental health literacy.”

Improving mental health in NSW is a key focus of the State Government, Ms Perry said.

“In the last budget the State Government invested a record $1.09 billion in mental health services.

“We are seeing some impressive improvements in this field including a significant focus on community based care for mental health patients. There has been a growth of more than 1000 community mental health clinical staff since 1994/95.”

Some of the Mental Health Week events include:

• The official launch of Mental Health Week on October 8 in Martin Place at 12noon. This will include the Healthy Mind Festival.
• Stress Less Day on October 8 with various venues running activities to promote a healthy, calm lifestyle.
• Laughter yoga workshop at Kempsey Shire Library, Kempsey on October 10
• Free tai chi class at Mona Vale Library, Mona Vale on October 10

The week is coordinated by the Mental Health Association NSW.

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au