Celebrating World Mental Health Day: Prioritising mental health in the workplace
Friday 10 October 2025: Bermuda joins citizens around the globe in marking World Mental Health Day today. Minister of Health Kim Wilson encourages island residents to take full advantage of Government and other community resources to safeguard and build mental health resilience. Although she is not on the island today, Minister Wilson has issued this video message:
Bermuda Hospitals Board’s Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute is the lead provider of mental health services locally.
BHB Chief of Psychiatry and Chief of Staff Anna Neilson-Williams commented: “Thanks to a Government grant, our services for both children and adults are provided at no cost to the client.”
BHB’s mental health services include:
- inpatient psychiatric and psychological care
- outpatient psychiatric and psychological support
- community-based psychiatric and psychological support
- community-based support for those with intellectual disabilities
- drug treatment programmes
- public education
“The public is invited to learn more about our services at our free Mental Health Expo on Saturday 25 October,” said Dr Neilson-Williams. “It will take place in the Social Centre at MWI from 10am-12pm.
“The theme for World Mental Health Day this year is ‘It’s time to prioritise mental health in the workplace.’ We provide mental health first aid courses regularly at MWI in Devonshire, and we are happy to provide them elsewhere in the community, including where you work.”
BHB’s interactive mental health first aid course allows participants to learn a little about specific mental health conditions and gives them a better understanding of how to recognise and interact with those who may have these conditions.
“The more people who take the course in a workplace, the more likely that work environment will be supportive of employee mental health and wellbeing,” Dr Neilson-Williams added.
Karen Grant-Simmons, clinical director of mental health services, said: “We at BHB join the Health Minister’s call for employers to provide training for their managers and staff in mental wellness and in identifying the early signs of mental distress.
“Email us today at mhfa@bhb.bm about providing mental health first aid education at your job or community group. Courses take place every month, and the next one is 14-15 October from 9:30am-5pm at MWI. To register, visit our website at bermudahospitals.bm/mhfa.”
Director of Allied Health Services Angela Gilbert said: “We’re also encouraging the public to attend the current MindFrame PhotoVoice Exhibition at Bermuda Society of Arts, with submissions from our clients. The exhibit ends on Monday 13 October, so if you haven’t seen it yet, today is a great day to stop in and celebrate mental health.”
Bermuda Society of Arts is located on the top floor of City Hall. Opening hours are 10am-4pm Monday to Friday and 10am-2pm on Saturdays. Entry is free and much of the artwork is available for purchase.