World Mental Health Day

The theme for this year's World Mental Health Day is "mental health and long-term illness: The need for continued and integrated care".

Physical and mental health are intertwined and here is a real need to deal with mental health problems of people with chronic physical illnesses and physical care of mental health consumers through a continued and integrated care.

This year, World Mental Health Day will take place on Sunday October 10.

World Mental Health Day was started by the World Federation for Mental Health in 1992.  It is a unified effort to promote greater public awareness and understanding of mental health and mental illness. Every year, thousands of people across the world raise awareness and funds for mental health causes.

The Bethlem Tapestry, featuring the work of patients at the Bethlem Royal Hospital's Psychosis Unit, has been unveiled in a new exhibition for World Mental Health Day 2010.

Led by artist Mark McGowan, the tapestry project involved patients, staff, volunteers and carers will be on display at the Bethlem Gallery.

The tapestry is comprised of images and text made by the participants depicting experiences, thoughts and feelings in their daily lives over the period of the project and will be permanently installed on the ward for the long-term enjoyment of patients, visitors and staff.

The Bethlem Tapestry is on display at the Bethlem Gallery until 15 October.  The gallery is open Wed, Thurs, Friday, 11am - 6pm, (including Saturday 9 October 11am - 6pm, celebrating World Mental Health Day 2010).

The gallery is located at Bethlem Royal Hospital, Monks Orchard Road, Beckenham, BR3 3BX.  Nearest British Rail: Eden Park / East Croydon

For further information contact Beth Elliott, Gallery Co-ordinator, 020 3228 4835 or email  thebethlemgallery@gmail.com

Website: www.bethlemgallery.com