Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

News Video | Policy | GPs | Hospitals | Medical | Mental Health | Welfare | Search

 

Mental Health Day : Attitudes changing for better


MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
World Mental Health Day 2008:
Attitudes are changing for the better

The way New Zealanders view and treat people experiencing mental illness is changing, and high-profile public campaigns have an important role to play, says the Mental Health Foundation.

The work of two such ongoing campaigns, Like Minds, Like Mine and the National Depression Initiative (featuring John Kirwan) were last night recognised at the 2008 CAANZ EFFIE® Awards, which honours creative achievement in meeting and exceeding advertising objectives.

The Ministry of Health and advertising agency DraftFCB were winners in the “Sustained Success” category for their entry ‘Changing the way New Zealanders view and treat people with mental illness’.

Their case study presented evidence for success, including improving levels of public acceptance of people experiencing mental illness, more people seeking help, and recognition from the World Health Organisation, who cited the campaigns as examples of global best practice.

“We would like to add our congratulations to the Ministry and Draft FCB for their work on these campaigns, which show clear evidence of changing attitudes,” says Judi Clements, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation. “The award is timely as we celebrate World Mental Health Day today, for which our chosen theme is ‘Make your mark for mental health’.”

The Foundation is also celebrating its 30th year of operation this evening in Wellington at Te Papa, with the launch of a history book called ‘Change In Mind: A History of the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand’.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

“These campaigns are part of a huge social movement toward greater awareness of mental health and better treatment for those experiencing mental illness which has been building in New Zealand for the last three decades,” says Judi Clements.

“There is much work still to do, and the creativity and consistent excellence of campaigns such as Like Minds, Like Mine and the National Depression Initiative lend great weight to the Foundation’s ongoing mission to make mental health everybody’s business.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Culture Headlines | Health Headlines | Education Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • CULTURE
  • HEALTH
  • EDUCATION
 
 
  • Wellington
  • Christchurch
  • Auckland
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.