Speech by Mrs Elaine Ng, Chief Executive Officer, National Library Board at the Commemoration of World Mental Health Day on Sunday 9 October 2011, 12.00PM at the Toa Payoh Public Library

Release Date : 09 Oct 2011

Mrs Josephine Teo

Minister of State for Finance and Transport

Dr Lee Cheng

Vice-President, Silver Ribbon (Singapore)

Ladies and Gentlemen

1. Good afternoon.

2. It is certainly our privilege to be part of this very meaningful initiative to commemorate World Mental Health Day. We are very pleased to partner Silver Ribbon (Singapore) in this initiative, and would like to specially thank Mrs Josephine Teo, Minister of State for Finance and Transport for taking the time to grace this event.

3. As part of our collaboration with Silver Ribbon (Singapore) to raise greater awareness of mental health, we have set up displays on mental health and mental wellness at 23 of our libraries, showcasing our libraries' collections on this topic. We hope that by reading more, Singaporeans will gain a better understanding of mental conditions and the difficulties that patients go through, and also be inspired to maintain healthy lifestyles for themselves.

4. We are also delighted to display the art works of patients with mental conditions at our libraries. Art is a good outlet for patients to express themselves freely, and we hope that by providing this platform, it will encourage them to develop their talent and to have an opportunity to give back to society in their own ways. These art works will be showcased at four libraries – Jurong West Public Library, Marine Parade Public Library, Central Public Library and Jurong Regional Library for a year, starting from January 2012.

Acknowledgement and thanks

5. Finally, I would like to thank Silver Ribbon (Singapore) for their partnership in this meaningful initiative, and the various patients who have contributed their art works for display at our libraries.

6. Thank you.