Nuremberg’s First Mental Health Awareness Week Takes Centre Stage

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Nuremberg, a city committed to the well-being of its residents, is set to shine a spotlight on mental health and the diverse array of support services available for its enhancement during the inaugural “Nuremberg Mental Health Awareness Week.” The event, taking place from Tuesday to Friday, October 10–20, 2023, is organised by the Health Department of Nuremberg and invites health facilities to register their offerings in a comprehensive event calendar at www.mentalhealthweek-nuremberg.de, free of charge.

Nationwide statistics reveal that over a quarter of adults meet the criteria for a mental disorder within a year, while the proportion of children and adolescents diagnosed with a mental disorder increased from 23% to 28% between 2009 and 2017. Britta Walthelm, the City’s Environmental and Health Representative, emphasises, “Mental illness can affect anyone and ranks among the most common health conditions. The Covid-19 pandemic has compounded the situation over the past years. Nuremberg feels its impact as well. With this Awareness Week, we aim to actively combat the stigma surrounding mental health issues, promote education about and prevention of mental disorders.”

Under the patronage of Mayor Marcus König, Nuremberg’s First Mental Health Awareness Week is inspired by the “World Mental Health Day” initiated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 1992. The event is an integral part of Nuremberg’s action plan for implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. One of the primary objectives of the week is to highlight diverse strategies for managing mental challenges and illnesses. The presentation of preventive measures against mental disorders and the promotion of mental well-being will round off the event. The activities encompass a wide range of offerings, including health-promoting initiatives, expert panels, lectures, open-house events, and creative and cultural activities. The Health Department will advise and support interested institutions and associations in planning their programs.

Nuremberg’s commitment to fostering mental health awareness and providing a platform for various support systems marks a significant step forward in the journey toward mental well-being. For more information and event details, please visit www.mentalhealthweek-nuremberg.de.