Thirty Years on From Telethon
Press Release
The Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand was launched onto the public stage by Telethon 1977, with New Zealanders donating a massive $2.1 million to the cause. This year, the Foundation is taking the opportunity to celebrate the work and achievements made possible by this extraordinary generosity.
The Foundation is holding a celebration event on Friday 10th October (World Mental Health Day), at Te Papa in Wellington. The book Change in Mind / Kia PuÄwai Ä Mua: A history of the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand, thirty years on from Telethon 1977 will be launched as part of the celebration.
Reflecting the breath of the Foundation's work, its history gives an insight into social issues over the past thirty years, such as family violence, child abuse, gambling, refugee issues, unemployment, and mental health consumer rights. In addition to its own work in these areas the Foundation provided support for a range of now well-known organisations such as Women's Refuges and the Problem Gambling Foundation.
The Foundation's history also provides a glimpse of changing attitudes toward mental health and illness: "In 1977 mental health was an issue that was scarcely discussed, and few could have foreseen that thirty years later New Zealanders would be talking openly on television about their experiences as part of the Like Minds, Like Mine campaign," says Judi Clements, Mental Health Foundation Chief Executive.
Other significant developments during the Foundation's history include changes in the mental health and non-government sectors, mental health law reform and deinstitutionalisation, increased awareness of MÄori perspectives and models of health, and the emergence of the mental health consumer movement.
The 30-year celebration event and book launch are an occasion to acknowledge and thank those who have contributed to the Foundation's work, including the many thousands of people who donated to the 1977 Telethon. "Many individuals have made their mark over the years working both for and alongside the Foundation on many issues relating to mental health," says Judi Clements. "This is an opportunity to celebrate those contributions as well as look ahead to the work still to be done."
The event is being held during Mental Health Awareness Week, 6 - 12 October, 2008. This year's theme for Mental Health Awareness Week in New Zealand is "Make your mark for mental health" - something the Mental Health Foundation has been doing for 30 years.
Update 17/10/08
Read foundation co-patron Sir Paul Reeve's speech given at Te Papa.
Anyone interested in purchasing a copy of the book Change in Mind / Kia PuÄwai Ä Mua ($39.95) can do so from our Online Shop
Media enquiries
Pauline Curtis
Communications Officer
Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand
09 966 5725 or 021 918 220
