The launch of Mental Health DVD’s, books, and CD ROMs will occur at the Glen Innes Severn Learning Centre at 2 pm, on Thursday 22 May, making access to a broad range of information on mental health easier for members of the community.

Mental Health Nurse Malcolm Watts and Carer Support Officer Carmel McNeill both with Hunter New England Health, and Glen Innes Severn Learning Centre Librarian Kate Cooper, researched and ordered around $2000 worth of resources to create further diversity in the mental health collection.

Topics in the collection previously focused on depression, but now will include well known mental illnesses, eating disorders, carer/ family issues, sexual assault, gambling, domestic violence, borderline personality disorder, mindfulness, meditation and healing.

Malcolm Watts said in Australia mental illnesses and disorders affect one in five people, with further impact upon families, carers, and friends.

"One of the greatest challenges is to decrease the stigma of mental illness, and increase awareness of mental health and the issues involved.

"A key strategy in achieving this is the provision of accurate, up to date information for the whole community.

"Thanks to the project officers and local contributors this has been achieved in this local collection at the Glen Innes Severn Learning Centre," he said.

This project has been made possible through contributions from nine local businesses and organisations, with major contributions from Glen Innes Severn Learning Centre, Opportunity Shop, Lions Club, and Railway Refreshment Rooms Amateur Fishing Club.

The launch begins at 2pm with music from a Glen Innes High School duo, followed by Welcome to Country by local Aboriginal Elder John Kirk, and presentations by Moree Mental Health consumer Robert ‘Butch’ Young and Warialda Mental Health carer Janelle Smith.

Afternoon tea will then be made available while resources are perused.

People wishing to attend are asked to contact Kate Cooper on Ph. 6730 2600 by 15 May, which will assist with catering plans.