Art and elephants are set to help The Sunshine Coast Private Hospital at Buderim break down the stigma of mental illness during Mental Health Week 2014.
With one in five Australians suffering from mental illness each year, mental health truly is Australia’s ‘Elephant in the Room’. The hospital is committed to engaging the people of the Sunshine Coast in matters of mental health to help create a healthier community.
Wallis Westbrook, General Manager, said the hospital was excited to be holding its second annual art exhibition, as well as participating in the Australian Private Hospital Association’s (APHA) ‘Elephant in the room’ campaign.
“Mental Health Week gives us the chance to focus on spreading the word about mental health issues,” Mr Westbrook said.
“At The Sunshine Coast Private Hospital, we will mark Mental Health Week with our Cooinda Mental Health Service’s Art Exhibition on Thursday 9 October.
Sunshine Coast artists, who are also mental health consumers or carers of a person who has experienced mental health issues, have submitted more than 60 pieces to be showcased at the event.
“Mental health is too often misunderstood and hidden away behind closed doors and as a result people are made to feel embarrassed or ashamed,” Mr Westbrook said.
“This event serves an important role in helping to bring people together to raise the profile of mental health in the community,” he said.
The hospital has also partnered with local community group Suncare to produce a permanent Indigenous-inspired artwork of hands, which symbolises inclusiveness and peace throughout the world for all people.
The APHA seeks to get people talking about mental illness through its eye catching and thought provoking new ‘Elephant in the room’ campaign.
The campaign showcases the impact of mental health issues on all Australians and how common mental illness is in everyday life, despite many people ignoring the signals.
“Everyone knows someone who may suffer from mental health issues,” said Michael Roff, CEO of Australian Private Hospitals Association. “Our campaign seeks to raise awareness and to get people talking with colleagues, friends and family about their mental health.”
The Cooinda Mental Health Service is an $11 million 33-bed facility which The Sunshine Coast Private Hospital at Buderim opened in 2013 to meet the growing need for mental health services on the Sunshine Coast.
As part of UnitingCare Health, The Sunshine Coast Private Hospital is a not-for-profit private healthcare provider owned by the Uniting Church and is the only not-for-profit provider of private hospital services on the Sunshine Coast.