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Mental Health Month 2012 launched
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     More than 1 000 people from all walks of life attended the opening ceremony for Mental Health Month 2012 and the Mental Health Walk at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay today (October 7), launching a five-month series of activities.

     Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Carrie Lam, said that the Government has provided a spectrum of appropriate services for mentally ill people and those in need over the years. In addition, new service models have been launched in recent years to enhance community support for people recovering from mental illness, including setting up the Integrated Community Centres for Mental Wellness (ICCMWs) throughout the territory to provide a district-based, one-stop service.

     Since their inception, the ICCMWs have been involved in the organisation of public education activities connected with Mental Health Month to help raise public awareness of mental health and the acceptance of people recovering from mental illness.

     Mrs Lam noted that concerted efforts by the Government and various sectors of society are essential for the effective promotion of mental health. She urged members of the public to offer their support to help build a city of health, equality and inclusiveness.

     Also officiating at the ceremony were the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung; the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Paul Tang; the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Public Education on Rehabilitation of the Rehabilitation Advisory Committee, Mr Wilfred Ng; and the Mental Health Ambassador, Miss Amy Chan.

     Mr Cheung, Mr Ng and Miss Chan shared with the audience their advice on ways to maintain mental wellness.

     After the opening ceremony, the officiating guests launched the Mental Health Walk. Accompanied by the Police Band, they led more than 1 000 participants, including representatives of the business sector, rehabilitation sector and schools, as well as members of the public and civil service voluntary service teams, in a walk from Victoria Park to the Hennessy Road Government Primary School in Wan Chai. They did this to show their support for the event and to call on the public to pay more attention to their own mental health and that of their families and friends.

     Mental Health Month is jointly organised by the Labour and Welfare Bureau, government departments, public organisations and non-governmental organisations. Details of the activities being held during Mental Health Month can be found on the Labour and Welfare Bureau website (www.lwb.gov.hk).

Ends/Sunday, October 7, 2012
Issued at HKT 15:20

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