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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

BHB to host Mental Health Awareness Fair

Sunday 6 October 2024: Bermuda Hospitals Board will host a mental health awareness fair on Thursday 10 October 2024 to celebrate World Mental Health Day. The free public event will take place on the grounds of City Hall in Hamilton. Health Minister Kim Wilson will lead the opening ceremony at 11:45am.

The theme for mental health awareness this year is ‘Movement: Moving more for our mental health.’

Fair attendees will enjoy fun activities many based on the movement theme. They will also be able to access mental health information from our Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute team members and from community agencies.

“We are pleased to see that the emphasis is growing in our community of the importance in caring for our mental wellness just as we care for our physical bodies,” said BHB Acting Chief of Staff and Chief of Psychiatry Dr Anna Neilson Williams. “Our teams both at the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute and in the community are dedicated to assisting those with mental illness and those with mental health challenges, to live as independently as they can, through various treatment therapies and support.

“Every one of us has mental health and should do all they can to safeguard it,” she said. “We are working hard to rid our community of any stigma about mental illness. This will pave the way for all of us to be comfortable sharing how we feel with friends and family and to have no apprehension when we need to seek professional assistance.

‘We invite the entire community to increase their knowledge about mental health and mental illnesses, and our fair provides an easy way to do this.”

The free BHB Mental Health Awareness Fair will be open from 12pm to 4pm.

Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 Public Events Schedule

6 October 2024 News