national mental health media awards winners announced

10 October 2003, Bellville

The Mental Health Information Centre of SA (MHIC), on behalf of a national panel, announced the winners of the 2nd National Mental Health Media Awards at a special Awards Ceremony which took place last night (09/10/2003) at the V & A Waterfront, Cape Town. The Western Cape Health Minister, Mr Piet Meyer, presented the keynote address at this prestige event. "Concerted efforts by the media and the general public can stem the tide of ignorance regarding mental illnesses which are well on the way to becoming the number one cause of disability worldwide" said Mr Meyer. The Minister added that the stigma which clings to mental illness has a major effect on patients actively seeking treatment. The general public and especially the media can make significant contributions in combating the misconceptions and general ignorance which exist around mental illness. He urged the public to make use of existing mental health information facilities in order to help break down the stigma.

A panel representing academic, research, treatment, support, advocacy, government and non-government mental health organisations across South Africa* nominated and voted for journalists who had played a significant role in furthering public awareness and understanding of mental disorders the past 12 months. Said Charmaine Hugo, director of the MHIC "tonight's proceedings are truly a national recognition of accurate, responsible and credible reporting on mental health matters that helps to keep the public informed and to address the stigma attached to these conditions. As a token of the valuable role that the media plays in helping to promote mental health in South Africa, we present with honour these awards".

Certificates of Special Recognition were also last night presented to media groups or houses on recommendation of panel members. Radio 702 and SABC TV & Radio were commended for their continuous and supportive coverage of the SA Depression and Anxiety Group's community work.
The Biological Psychiatry Special Interest Group, the Psychiatric Focus Forum, and the South African Society of Psychiatrists generously sponsored the awards and the ceremony.

Winning journalists and presenters at the Awards Ceremony

From Left to Right:
Charmaine Hugo (MHIC); Di Caelers (Cape Argus); Mr Piet Meyer (Western Cape Health Minister); Ilse Pauw (Health24); Adèle Hamilton (Fair Lady); Jane Metelo-Liquito (MHIC).

The Winners:

From Left to Right: Di Caelers (Cape Argus); Ilse Pauw (Health24); Adèle Hamilton (Fair Lady)

THE WINNERS OF THE 2003 MENTAL HEALTH MEDIA AWARD ARE:

• CATEGORY: NEWSPAPER
  Di Caelers from Cape Argus
• CATEGORY: MAGAZINE
  Adèle Hamilton from Fair Lady
• CATEGORY: TV/RADIO/INTERNET
  Ilse Pauw from Health24.co.za
• OVERALL WINNER OF THE 2003 NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH MEDIA AWARD FOR EXCEPTOINAL JOURNALISM REPORTING ON MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS:
  Ilse Pauw from Health24.co.za

* A joint venture by Autism Western Cape; Cape Mental Health Society; Cape Support for Mental Health; Dept of Health: Mental Health Programme; Memory Clinics; Mental Health Information Centre of SA; MRC Unit on Anxiety & Stress Disorders; Obsessive Compulsive Association of SA; Postnatal Depression Support Association of SA; Psychiatric Focus Forum; Schizophrenia Foundation of SA; SA Depression & Anxiety Group; SA Federation for Mental Health; Southern African Neurosciences Society; SA Society of Psychiatrists; The Trauma Centre.

Contact:
Tel (021) 938 9229; Fax (021) 931 4172; E-mail mhic@sun.ac.za