Rotary, through the Australian Rotary Health Research Fund is organising a series of Community Forums on Mental Illness throughout Australia.

The aim of the forums is as follows:

1. To help de-stigmatise mental illness

2. To bring the community in contact with mental health services and support groups to enable members of the community to develop their own resources

3. To stress the importance of early recognition and treatment

4. To clear up the myths and misunderstandings of mental illness

5. To offer future hope for consumers and carers and better under­standing from others

6. To form ongoing partnerships between Rotary clubs and mental health services and support groups

Who should attend these Forums?

All members of the general public are invited to attend these forums but they will no doubt have particular interest for anyone with a close friend or family member who is suffering from a mental illness.

People experiencing mental illness, health professionals and carers will be invited to attend the forums to present an informed point of view and answer your questions.

Key note speakers will undermine some of the existing prejudices commonly associated with mental illness.

How, When, Where and Who

Our forum on 22nd June attracted nearly 270 attendees and was a great success.

The next forum is yet to be announced but it is anticipated that the Rotary Club of Toronto will be holding one at the end of August 2009.