BHB & MWI To Mark World Mental Health Day
Bermuda Hospitals Board’s Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute will mark World Mental Health Day under the theme “Lived Experience Heard: Real Voices, Real Change.”
A spokesperson said, “Bermuda Hospitals Board’s [BHB] Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute [MWI] will be joining communities in Bermuda and around the world tomorrow in marking World Mental Health Day 2026. The organisation is embracing this year’s theme, “Lived Experience Heard: Real Voices, Real Change.”
“The theme highlights the importance of listening to and learning from people who have experienced mental health challenges. Their stories, perspectives, and insights play a vital role in shaping compassionate, effective and person-centred mental health services.”
BHB Acting CEO and Chief of Nursing Judy Richardson commented, “At MWI, individuals with lived experience are helping to guide improvements in care, support and recovery services. By creating opportunities for people to share their experiences and contribute to decision-making, the organisation is working toward a mental health system that better reflects the needs of those it serves.
“One example of this commitment is The Art of Being Human, the recent MindFrame PhotoVoice exhibit at City Hall that provided clients with a platform to share their experiences, perspectives and creativity with the wider community.”
The spokesperson said, “The exhibit opened at the Bermuda Society of Arts on 11 September and concluded on 6 October. It featured more than 150 entries, including paintings, pastels, sketches, mixed media, poetry and photography.
“Part of the exhibition has now moved to the Wellness Alcove in the main lobby of King Edward VII Memorial Hospital. It is free and open to the public until Friday 16 October.
“The majority of exhibitors are participants in the Art Therapy Programme at MWI, while others represent community-based programmes. Through their work, artists explored themes of resilience, recovery, hope, identity and connection, offering visitors a powerful glimpse into the human experience behind mental health challenges.”
“Real progress happens when we listen,” said Rhiannon Fletcher, MWI art therapist and coordinator of the exhibit. “People with lived experience bring invaluable knowledge and understanding. Their voices help us improve services, reduce stigma and build a more inclusive and supportive community. The Art of Being Human demonstrates the power of creative expression to foster understanding and amplify voices that too often go unheard.”
“Mental health challenges affect people of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life,” said Preston Swan, BHB’s Chief Operating Officer who has executive responsibility for MWI. “World Mental Health Day serves as a reminder that recovery is possible, support is available and every voice matters,” he added.
BHB Director of Mental Health Services Karen Grant Simmons noted, “Throughout the year, MWI remains committed to fostering meaningful partnerships with clients, families, caregivers and community members. By amplifying lived experience voices through initiatives such as The Art of Being Human, we aim to create lasting change that leads to better outcomes for our clients and families affected by mental illness.”
BHB Chief of Psychiatry Dr Anna Neilson Williams said, “This World Mental Health Day, Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute encourages the Bermuda community to take time to listen, learn and engage in conversations about mental health. Together, by hearing real voices and valuing lived experience, we can create real change.”
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