Mental Health Week
(Sunday 5 October to 11 October 2008)
Mental Health Week (MHW) is an annual statewide event that aims
to promote community awareness of mental health issues. A range
of activities are coordinated across the state by local community
groups and services and involves significant volunteer commitment.
The Mental Health Foundation of Victoria is funded by the Department
of Human Services’ Mental Health & Drugs Division to coordinate
these local mental health promotion events into a comprehensive
calendar of events that positively activate, educate and engage
Victorians.
The Mental Health Foundation activity is particularly significant
as it harnesses the involvement of many local self-help and other
community groups across Victoria.
The Mental Health & Drugs Division is currently progressing
reform of Victoria’s mental health system. A consultation
paper and consultation strategy is currently underway and it is
anticipated that a final Mental Health Reform Strategy will be available
at the end of the year. A significant focus of the strategy is the
development of a system that recognises mental health problems early
in life and acts to prevent chronic illness. A stronger focus on
prevention, early intervention and recovery will ensure people experiencing
mental illness have the opportunity to participate meaningfully
in community life.
The Mental Health & Drugs Division is eager to further raise
the profile and reach of mental health understanding across the
general community through increased promotional activity during
Mental Health Week.
The project aims to:
- Promote positive messages on mental health to the general community
- Encourage social inclusion for people with mental illness
- Promote the availability of support and services to people
with mental illness and their families
- Encourage increased community responsibility for understanding
mental illness
For Details and Information on Mental Health Week Events, please
visit the Mental
Health Foundation of Australia (Victoria) website. |
