The launch of the North West Hospital and Health Service’s “Shatter the Stigma” Campaign drew a large lunchtime crowd at Mount Isa Hospital last week as people discussed mental health matters over a snag or 200.
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The North West Hospital and Health Board Chair Paul Woodhouse was one of the lunchtime crowd, resplendent in a “Be the Change” cap, and said it was a great way to start the conversation about mental health.
“So many people don’t know how to broach the subject, even with their best friends or closest neighbours.
“We can talk easily about physical ailments – a hip replacement, a knee replacement or a heart stent.
“But we find it difficult to talk about how we’re feeling, and we’re in danger of leaving behind those who have issues the community often sees as hidden or sinister,” Mr Woodhouse said.
Campaign organiser, Carmen Lehtonen, Consumer Consultant for NWHHS Mental Health, said the launch was a big success with about 150 people turning up and consuming 200 sausages.
“We had earlier distributed 500 polo shirts with “Shatter the Mental Health Stigma” on them, and many staff wore these to the launch, which was attended by members of the public, visitors and patients at the hospital.
“They just help get the conversation going about mental health, and we’ve already had some good talks with members of the public, thanks to these shirts; they’re a great ice breaker,” Ms Lehtonen said.
NWHHS staff members wear the polo shirts every Friday – “Feel Good Friday”.
