Art exhibition canvasses mental illness
13 May 2010
Schizophrenia Awareness Week – 16 to 22 May 2010
Life can be hard enough for people living with schizophrenia without the stigma and myths that surround this misunderstood condition.
Schizophrenia Awareness Week, from 16 to 22 May, provides an opportunity to raise community awareness of schizophrenia and mental illness in general, said Hunter New England Mental Health Promotions Officer Charmaine Alley.
In the New England North-West region, Hunter New England Mental Health is holding two free events to help raise awareness and lift the veil on schizophrenia.
• A creative art exhibition will showcase works by people living with schizophrenia is on daily at The Sleepy Monkey Café, 403 Peel Street, Tamworth from 18 to 22 May. Opening night is on Monday 17 May, with drinks and canapes from 6pm to 8.30pm.
• HNE Mental Health, in partnership with Centacare New England, will host an information session on Wednesday 19 May from 5.30-7.30pm as part of Schizophrenia Awareness Week. Contact Centacare on 6765 7896 to book your place.
“Schizophrenia will affect an estimated 1 in 100 Australian people at some time in their lives,” Ms Alley said. “Yet this complex condition is still often shrouded by myth, ignorance and misunderstanding.”
Rehabilitation Clinician with Hunter New England Mental Health at Tamworth Helen Carter said it was holding events such as the art exhibition was a chance to showcase people’s creative talent and raise and maintain the self esteem of people living with mental illness.
“Recovery is about hope and empowerment and having your work recognised goes a long way to help realising you are more than just a mental illness,” Ms Carter said.
“With good education, treatment and support, people can leady happy and meaningful lives and this is often disregarded when we think of schizophrenia.
“We have had wonderful support from our community partner The Sleepy Monkey Café and opening night on Monday will include live music, canapes and champagne to help celebrate the achievements and talents of those in our community,” Ms Carter said.
A consumer and carer will speak on opening night, providing insight into their recovery journey.
Ms Alley urged people to use Schizophrenia Awareness Week to learn more about the condition.
“Education plays an important role in dispelling these myths and moving on from the attitudes of the past,” she said.
The planned information session will provide an insight into schizophrenia, its causes, symptoms, available treatments and how to respond to someone experiencing early signs of schizophrenia. It is part of the Talking About It initiative, which aims to increase mental health literacy in the community.
If people are looking for more information on schizophrenia they can check out www.sane.org.au or www.eppic.org.au. If you are concerned about a family member or friend contact your GP or local mental health team through Mental Health Contact Centre on 1300 669 757. You can also contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline 1800 551 800 (for children and young people from 5-25 years).
Contact: Frances Holz
Phone: 4939 2216