Proceeds to support students in public mental health

On 11 October, 23 participants took part in this year’s Gun Run to raise funds to be used in training a South African student in public mental health. The Alan J Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health’s director, Prof. Crick Lund, joined other staff members Erica Breuster, Marguerite Schneider and Claire van der Westhuizen at this year’s event. Dr Max Price, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Town, Prof. Bronwyn Myers of the Medical Research Council; and Prof. Danie Visser, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research at UCT, also took part on behalf of CPMH.

Dr Price says: “Mental health is tragically overlooked in the medical care of poorer communities, yet it has a far-reaching effect on any nation – its economy, job growth and performance, education, social well-being, family and community life. South Africans need to know that mental health problems can affect all kinds of people, in all walks of life and of all ages. It’s also a fascinating and important field of study, which is steadily advancing in terms of research and treatment.”

“Dignity in mental health” is the 2015 theme of World Mental Health Day, which is observed annually on 10 October. During the month of October various events will be held in the Western Cape to raise awareness for mental health care. Visit bit.ly/mentalhealthsa for more details and use the hashtag #DignityInMind to pledge your support.