April 4, 2008

Free mental health DVDs now available from NSW video stores

The Mental Health Association (MHA) NSW and beyondblue: the national depression initiative today announced a partnership to place DVDs on depression and other mental illnesses in video/DVD stores. A set of six DVDs is available to borrow free of charge from most video/DVD stores throughout NSW, including many Blockbuster, Civic Video and Video Ezy outlets.

Marietta Davis from MHA said: "We want to ensure that this information is easily accessible to the general public. What better way than to offer it for free hire from the local video or DVD store. It’s a great place to connect with people who haven’t thought to look for this sort of information. If your local store doesn't have them please ask them to call us!

"Four hundred video and DVD stores in New South Wales have agreed to provide this important community service. We congratulate them and encourage people to go along and ask for the DVDs at their local store."

beyondblue CEO Leonie Young said: "This innovative approach provides another way for people to access high quality information about depression, anxiety and other mental health problems in their local community. Pending the success of this initiative within NSW, beyondblue will review the viability of extending this nationally across Australia. We are delighted to be working with MHA NSW on this important initiative."

The opinions of members of the public are invaluable in determining whether this project is having a positive impact on the community and worth rolling out nationally. Feedback is necessary for this so it is hoped that viewers will also complete a five to ten minute survey afterwards. A telephone interview can be arranged by calling 1300 794 991 and an online survey is located at www.mentalhealth.asn.au/dvdsurvey

The six DVDs, produced by MonkeySee Productions, cover the following mental health issues:

For more information on the DVDs or to find mental health support services in your area call the Mental Health Association NSW on 1300 794 991 or visit www.mentalhealth.asn.au.

For information about depression, anxiety and related drug and alcohol problems call the beyondblue info line on 1300 224 636 or visit www.beyondblue.org.au.