Throughout October, which is dedicated to mental health, events and activities have been organised to highlight this important issue in our world, which is also a particular focus of care in our centres throughout the Congregation.
We would like to highlight the activities organised at the São Bento Menni Mental Health Centre in Maliana, Timor-Leste, which included various opportunities for gathering and reflection on mental health.
- On 9 October, our Hospitaller Sisters, who run the centre, joined forces with the Bobonaro Municipal Health Service to organise a Healthy Walk under the theme “Hope is born when we are heard: real words, real change.” The walk began at the São Bento Menni Mental Health Centre and ended at the Maliana Municipal Gymnasium, bringing together professionals, staff and members of the community.
- On 12 October, to mark World Mental Health Day, a visit to the São Bento Menni Mental Health Centre took place, followed by a Eucharistic celebration at the parish church of Santa Cruz in Maliana. The Hospitaller Sisters were accompanied by various authorities, including the Portuguese Ambassador, the director of CAFE School, the Director of Health for the municipality of Bobonaro, the director of Maliana General Hospital, a representative of the suco (local administrative area) where the Sisters work, and several village chiefs, among other representatives.
- Finally, on 27 October, the São Bento Menni Mental Health Centre welcomed a visit from the Vice-Minister for Hospital Operationalisation (VMOH), accompanied by the Director-General of Hospital Services and representatives of Maliana Referral Hospital. During the meeting, the centre’s director, Sister Maria Isabel da Costa Martins, presented the centre’s work, its mission and the main needs it faces in its day-to-day activities.
