Launch of poster aimed at increasing awareness about Mental Health Law Centre

3/2/99

A poster launched in Perth today aims to increase awareness in the community about the Mental Health Law Centre and patients' rights.

Health Minister John Day said the introduction of the new Mental Health Act in November 1997 brought much-needed reform in the delivery of mental health care.

"A person who is detained involuntarily is now afforded protection under the Act," Mr Day said.

"This protection includes access to legal rights while detained, and guarantees automatic review of a person's status by the Mental Health Review Board within eight weeks of admission, if not sooner."

Mr Day said that since 1997 the Law Centre had provided support for patients seeking review of their status under the provisions of the Mental Health Act.

While people using mental health services had more than average contact with matters of law and policy they were still faced enormous difficulties in trying to present a case without any assistance.

"The effects of illness and medication can severely disadvantage people in putting a case forward cogently and effectively," the Minister said.

"There also exists strong community prejudice about people with a psychiatric history, and they often feel their concerns have not been taken seriously."

Mr Day said there was clearly an increasing awareness of the Law Centre in the community as contacts at the centre had risen by 70 per cent over the last 12 months.

The new poster was designed to attract the attention of people who might not read information provided by the centre.

"Artist Carey Merten has provided a powerful and visually exciting image for the poster which will attract a wide range of people," the Minister said.

The poster will be placed in hospitals, mental health clinics, community support services, residential facilities, community legal services and other specialist agencies.

Media contact: Mark Thompson on 9213 6600