The Mental Health Program of the Ministry of Health, the Belize Mental Health Association and the Ministry of the Public Service teamed up to host activities on this year's observance of World Mental Health Day.
An official ceremony was held in Belize City. The guest of honor was the Speaker of House of Representatives, Mrs. Laura Longsworth, who addressed students, other invited guests, users and staff about mental health in the workplace, including the harmful effects of horizontal violence to wellbeing. She highlighted the need for workplace policies that promote harmonious workplace relations. The program culminated with the traditional helium balloons liftoff where all in attendance released balloons into the air to honor persons living with mental health disorders.
Activities were also held all over the country and included media appearances, health fairs, mini mental health quizzes and lectures for students, and a poster competition for staff. A walk for mental health which saw the participation of users and family members, staff and police officers took place in the capital city.
The Belize Mental Health Association also hosted its annual speech competition, which saw the participation of five Belize City schools. Each student representative presented different aspects of the theme Mental Health in the Workplace. Saint Catherine's Academy was the winner this year.
