Students take centre stage for MindPlay final
20 July 2011
Six finalists in this year’s MindPlay grand final will take to the stage this weekend to put a voice to mental health issues facing young people.
The year-11 drama students from Hunter and Central Coast high schools are taking on the stigma and misunderstanding of mental illness which can prevent vulnerable young people from seeking help.
Hosted by the Hunter Institute of Mental Health (HIMH), the MindPlay drama competition also seeks to combat the media portrayal of mental illness on stage and screen that can reinforce negative perceptions.
HIMH Director Trevor Hazell says the program provides young people with a forum to expose the mental health dilemmas they witness, hear about and even experience first hand.
“Young people have an increased risk of developing mental illness and it is important that stigma associated with it is reduced to encourage early treatment.
“We all have a role to play in reducing stigma and misconception around mental illness and promote mental health well-being,” he said.
“We started MindPlay back in 1997 as a creative way to engage young people with the theme of mental illness and we hope that programs like ours really can make a positive difference in people’s lives. If we can achieve this then we are fulfilling part of our mission as an Institute,” he said.
Thirteen schools from across the region took part in this year’s competition to write, direct and perform a 15-minute play with a mental health theme.
Six finalists will perform their plays at the Hunter Theatre in Broadmeadow tackling issues as diverse as early psychosis, autism, personality disorders and anxiety.
Finalists include Lambton High, Rutherford Technology High, Warners Bay High, Toronto High, Gosford High and Lisarow High.
Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three schools, with first prizes sponsored by Newcastle Rotary Club Enterprises and Tantrum Theatre.
Entries are judged on the accuracy of the mental health message and the quality of their dramatic performance. The judges have either health or theatrical backgrounds.
Tickets to Saturday’s grand final (23 July) are available from www.himh.org.au/mindplay or by phoning HIMH on (02) 4924 6900.
Note: The Hunter Institute of Mental Health is a not-for-profit business unit of the Hunter New England Local Health District. The Institute exists to promote mental health in Australia and to improve life outcomes for people affected directly or indirectly by mental illness or suicide, through education and training, health promotion, research and evaluation. You can find out more about the Institute by visiting the website – www.himh.org.au
Contact: Frances Holz
Phone: 4939 2216