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Month-long campaign to promote mental health
The curtain for the Mental Health Month '96 will rise at the Metroplaza, Kwai Fong, on Saturday (October 26) with a simple ceremony and an exhibition on related themes and services.
Organised jointly by the Health and Welfare Branch, various government departments and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the event aims to increase public awareness of the importance of mental health, and to dispel prejudice and discrimination against the mentally ill.
It is also hoped that the campaign will enhance the understanding of and care for mental patients by the public through their participation in the some 80 programmes to be held until December 1.
The variety of activities will include talks, seminars, games, camps, exhibitions, quiz and essay competitions as well as visits to mental health institutions.
Officiating at the opening ceremony on Saturday will be Executive Council Member, Professor Felice Lieh-Mak; the Secretary for Health and Welfare, Mrs Katherine Fok; the Chief Executive of the Hospital Authority, Dr E K Yeoh; and the Chairman of the Rehabilitation Advisory Committee, Dr Raymond Wu.
The Director of Home Affairs, Mrs Shelley Lau, and the Chairmen or representatives of the territory's 18 district boards will sign for the support of the Proclamation for the World Mental Health Day during the ceremony.
Details of the Mental Health Month can be obtained at District Offices, regional offices of the Social Welfare Department, the Selective Placement Division of the Labour Department and participating NGOs.
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