A series of activities will be held this month to highlight the importance of providing support to people who experience mental health challenges.

The programme follows the launch today of Mental Health Anti-Stigma Month on the steps of City Hall, where stakeholders made commitments to address the issue.

Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, said more than 20 activities will be held with the tag line “We are not an island”.

The events will be dedicated to opening minds, shifting narratives and bringing mental health out of the shadows.

She told the gathering that last year the ministry released the Acute Adult Mental Health Integrated Care Pathway report, which highlighted the critical realities of the issue.

Ms Wilson said: “Many people in our community still do not know where to turn to for mental health support and far too many are being held back by stigma.”

She said one of the key recommendations of the report was the need for more public awareness and prevention.

The minister added: “Today marks the beginning of that commitment and action.”

Ms Wilson said that activities this month are part of the ministry’s broader mission to create a healthcare system and society where mental health is treated with the same urgency, care and compassion as physical health.

The health ministry will engage the public through diverse activities including youth workshops, public forums, community art projects, dog therapy sessions and training opportunities.

Ms Wilson said: “Each event is designed to spark dialogue, build empathy and create safe, inclusive spaces where people feel empowered to speak up and seek support.

“No one should suffer in silence and no one should feel ashamed for needing help.”

Charles Gosling, the Mayor of Hamilton, said the commitment by the ministry to address mental health speaks to the heart of the community and the wellbeing of everyone.

He said: “We all know the stigma surrounding mental health continues to persist despite the fact that most of us, whether directly or through loved ones, have experienced the impact of these challenges in some way.”

Mr Gosling said that the City of Hamilton stands committed to supporting the campaign and noted that change begins with awareness and dialogue.

He added: “Together, we could reshape attitudes, inspire action and ensure that mental health is treated with the same urgency and empathy as any other aspect of our wellbeing.”

Daniel Cavanagh, a mental health advocate and researcher, said that two years ago, he conducted a national adolescent mental health study on the island.

He told the audience that the data that he collected supported his initial discussions with young people, pointing to stigma.

“Stigma is the biggest reason why young people don’t seek help,” Dr Cavanagh added.

He noted that throughout his research on the island, he found that stigma affected all residents.

Dr Cavanagh added: “Many people living with mental illness tell us something heartbreaking. They say that the stigma is worse than the illness.”

He urged residents to support the mental health activities and added: “Together, we will weather the storm.”

• A full schedule of the events is available at www.healthstrategy.bm or www.gov.bm/mental-health