The Southern District Health Board is this week inviting the public to learn more about its mental health and addiction services, through an open day that coincides with Mental Health Awareness Week.

This is the first time the hospital service has invited the public to come in and learn about support available.

Southland's general manager of Southern DHB mental health and addiction services Louise Travers said reducing the stigma of mental illness would encourage people to get help when they needed it.

This year's theme was “Take Notice" which she hoped would also remind people to follow tips on the Mental Health Foundation website on how to manage difficult or stressful situations.

The awareness week also includes the Kaleidoscope exhibition at the Southland Museum and Art Gallery, which will feature paintings, photography, sculpture and mixed media by people who attend 494D and Rata House centres in Invercargill and Welcome In in Gore.

Day activity manager Raewyn Clarke said the exhibition was an annual highlight for clients and staff and showed individuality of the people who came to the centres.

“The barriers to treatment and stigma around mental illness have decreased in recent years, but there is still more work to do - our art exhibition is a great opportunity to show the community some of the positive things that are happening at the centre."

The exhibit - featuring 27 artists - was “mental health recovery in action" - having art on display at a gallery was a huge achievement, she said.

The exhibition opened last night and runs until November 4.

The Open Day at Southland Hospital will be on October 10 from 11.30am to 1pm.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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