Video to spark talk on mental health

• Mental Health Week - October 7-14, 2012
• Video broadcast all week at Northbridge Piazza tells positive stories
• First screening tonight 6.30pm-7.30pm

A new video featuring people with lived experience of mental illness will be broadcast on the big screen at Northbridge Piazza as part of Mental Health Week celebrations.

Focusing on positive mental health messages from sports broadcaster Glenn Mitchell; a carer; peer support workers; and executive director of the Western Australian Association for Mental Health (WAAMH), Rod Astbury, the five-minute video encourages people to talk openly about mental health and seek help when needed.

Mental Health Minister Helen Morton said this year's theme of 'Connect, Celebrate, Grow' had been incorporated in the production of the video and was a wonderful example of strong partnerships and focus on positive mental health.

"Mental Health Week encourages all of us to act on the big and small things that we can do to increase our own wellbeing, as well as those around us," Mrs Morton said.

"Conversations about mental health are increasingly entering the mainstream.  Videos like these spark dialogue, reduce ignorance, assist viewers and fight stigma."

The Minister said the way mental illness touched so many people demanded it be demystified and de-stigmatised so people sought and received support earlier.

"The State Government is dedicated to delivering the best mental health services possible and we can all be part of it by removing the stigma often attached to mental illness," she said.

The video initiative is supported by the Mental Health Commission; WAAMH; Ruah Community Services; Arafmi; Mental Illness Fellowship of WA; and Act Belong Commit.

      Fact File

• On average, 240 West Australians take their own life each year
• One in four young people will experience a mental illness
• More information about Mental Health Week at http://www.waamh.org.au

Minister's office - 6552 6900