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November 2002 Teddy bears set new world record
A record number of teddy bears and their owners lined up in support of Australians directly affected by mental illness during a family fun day to close Mental Health Week. More than 3,000 people enjoyed music and entertainment—provided by people with a mental illness, their family and friends—in Fairfield Park, Heidelberg, throughout Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria’s Open Mind Day. The event brought the issue of mental health into the community with the message ‘mental illness remains the last great taboo of society—for everybody’s sake we must stop the stigma.’ President of the Mental Illness Fellowship Rob Knowles was delighted the way the community had embraced people affected by mental illness despite the stigma surrounding it. Mental Illness Fellowship Chief Executive Elizabeth Crowther said it was great to see mental illness associated with fun, joy and acceptance. ‘It’s been a fantastic day.’ The Mental Illness Fellowship is Victoria’s leading membership-based, not-for-profit organisation working with people with a mental illness, their families and friends to improve their wellbeing. • For more information on mental illness contact the Mental Illness Fellowship Helpline on 9482 4189 or Lifeline on 13 11 14 or email help@mifellowship.org |
