Mental Health Month 2005, which aims to enhance teenagers' awareness of mental health and encourage them to face up positively to the stress and challenges during their developmental years, was launched today.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Permanent Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Carrie Yau said the objective of the campaign is to heighten the younger generation's understanding of and concern for mental health.

Mrs Yau noted the theme of this year's Mental Health Month 2005, "Be a happy and healthy new generation", echoed the educational objective of this year's World Mental Health Day -"Growing Up Well: Paying Attention to Health During the Teen and Tween Years".

Adopting a new format, this year's programmes will consist of four two-night, one-day camps for participating recovered mental health patients, together with secondary students and young employed people who will exchange experiences in overcoming mental health-related issues in their daily life.

About 100 activities planned

Over the next three months, about 100 activities - including seminars, workshops, exhibitions and recreational activities - will be held throughout the territory to drive home the message of mental health.

A sharing session and closing ceremony will be held next February in which participants of the four mental health camps can get together to share their experiences.

For details, browse the bureau's website.