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.

10 October 2025 Home Page, News

Bermuda Public Services Union partners with BHB for Mental Health Expo

Thursday 10 October 2024: Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB) has partnered with the Bermuda Public Services Union (BPSU) for its upcoming Mental Health Expo, scheduled for Saturday 12 October 2024 from 1pm to 4:30pm at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI).

The two organisations joined forces after BHB’s planned Mental Health Awareness Fair, set for World Mental Health Day on Thursday, was cancelled due to forecasted heavy winds. The joint event on Saturday will now feature a broader range of participation from mental health professionals, expanding the scope and impact of the Expo.

“We’re delighted that the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute team will have a greater presence than initially planned,” said Karen Grant-Simmons, BHB clinical director of mental health and BPSU chairperson of the Mental Health Campaign Committee. “We look forward to continuing this collaboration to benefit our Bermuda community.”

Psychiatric nurse Rebecca Fisayo, chair of BHB’s Mental Health Awareness Committee and clinical manager of community mental health, expressed similar sentiments: “Our disappointment with the cancellation of Thursday’s fair was quickly reversed at the BPSU’s  willingness for us to partner with them for Saturday’s event.”

Bro. Armell Thomas, President of the BPSU, emphasised the importance of unity in these efforts: “As a union, we believe in the strength of collaboration. When BHB, one of our largest bargaining units, approached us, we did not hesitate to join forces. Together, we are stronger, and we believe this partnership will greatly benefit Bermuda.”

BHB CEO & President Scott Pearman agreed.

“Efforts like this strengthen our community partnerships and ultimately benefit Bermuda as a whole,” he said. “We are proud to work alongside the BPSU for the Mental Health Expo.”

The Expo will offer various interactive booths, providing resources and support to address workplace and community mental health challenges. The collaboration between BPSU and BHB ensures an even more comprehensive and impactful event for the community.

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10 October 2024 Home Page, News