Events to mark Mental Health Day

Elaborate arrangements have been made by various organisations in the country to mark the World Mental Health Day today.

The theme of this year's event is 'Loving hearts can change minds.'

Volunteer Service Overseas (VOS), an institution funded by the European Union, has organised several events countrywide to mark the day.

VSO launched a new handbook for journalists, 'Mental Health and the Media', which aims to raise awareness and increasing positive reporting of mental health issues.

The Badulla General Hospital will hold a 'Mental Health Camp' on Friday in the local library hall. Clinic patients, their families and care givers from the district will take part.

In Batticaloa district, teaching hospital will conduct a month-long program of activities, including a survey of consumers and family members; the preparation and release of a new DVD on 'Healing, Family and Mental Health; and a series of programs in hospital wards, institutions and in nursing and medical schools. The Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre in Mavadivempu will exhibit their arts and handicrafts while the Base Hospital in Valaichenai will organise street dramas and awareness raising programs.

In Kandy, the General Hospital's activities include a mental health exhibition, awareness and education programs and an art competition for schoolchildren.

Meanwhile the National Council for Mental Health - Sahanaya will join the international community in commemorating the occasion this year as well by organising a series of events, including a meeting and an exhibition on health and arts and handicrafts produced by clients of its resource centres at Borella and Gorakana.

The Chief Guest would be Secretary, Ministry of Health Dr. Ravindra Ruberu and the Guest of Honour would be Member of Parliament Malini Fonseka.