Walk aims to raise awareness of mental health services

Doctors, nurses, therapy assistants, patients and former patients gathered on Thursday to celebrate Mental Health Week at Rockingham General Hospital.

Participants made the most of the sunshine and took part in a walk to raise awareness of mental illness and to promote a message of hope.

Former patient Tara Kenny was part of the group and spoke about her time in the RGH mental health inpatient unit.

“I have battled a mental illness since I was 17 and I was moved to Rockingham about six years ago,” she said.

“I spent five months on the ward and found that the Rockingham staff were some of the best I had ever seen.

“They really listened and engaged more with my treatment, and the continuity of care I received made a really big difference.

“I am now recovered and try to spend as much time as I can helping others and giving back to the programs that helped me so much.”

Ms Kenny said she believed the stigma around mental health had reduced in the years since she was first diagnosed.

“It is still there of course but more people are talking about their issues,” she said. “This is why Mental Health Week is so important— we need to spread awareness and encourage anyone suffering to seek support and help.”