November 2009
Students help reduce mental illness stigma
Ms Neville named Ballarat High School
Year 12 student Ryan Bartok among three winners of the Victorian Schools
Creative Writing Competition at a ceremony in Federation Square.
‘One in five Victorians are
affected by mental illness each year and many more will feel its impact through
family, friends and colleagues.
‘The stigma associated with
mental illness can stop people seeking treatment and we know
accessing treatment early can make a big difference in recovery.
‘Ryan’s story depicts some of
the many issues affecting Victorian families living with a mental illness,
giving the community an insight into experiences and promoting
understanding—a key to driving social inclusion and reducing the stigma
of mental illness.’
Other winners of the creative
writing competition presented with awards at the launch were:
• Upper
primary: Julia Kerry of Aitken College, Greenvale;
• Lower
secondary: Chloe Morriss of Eltham Secondary College.
Participants who received a
special mention were;
• Upper
primary: Lauren Dunn of Rupanyup Primary School in Victoria’s western district
and Elizabeth Orritt of Braemar College, Woodend;
• Lower
secondary: Isabella Bolton of Gisborne Secondary College and Joshua Hayes of
Merbein Secondary College, Mildura;
• Upper
secondary: Bridget White of Ballarat High School and Alexandra Neylon of Ruyton
Girls School, Canterbury.
Ms Neville also announced Jodie
McConville as winner of the Mental Health Foundation of Australia (Victoria)
Consumer Art Competition.
As a part of the week there were 150 activities around the state to promote awareness of the impact of mental illness and reduce the stigma that surrounds it.
