Highbury Mall near Mokoia Road entrance

12-29 January

9am to 5:30pm Daily

Entry is free        www.cchr.org.nz       

The exhibition shows the history of psychiatry, its beginnings and struggles to be validated as a medical science. The exhibition shows the criteria for the diagnosis of mental disorders and the various treatments used. The information displays also go into the area of human rights and mental health and the issues surrounding compulsory treatment and forced interventions.

The exhibition has been shown in major cities around the world as part of the Citizen's Commission on Human Rights education programme, raising awareness of mental health issues and the rights of mental patients.

The work of the Citizen's Commission of Human Rights (CCHR) is in the area of research, education and advocacy in the area of mental health. Through its findings it has been able to bring about reforms in mental health legislation in over 30 jurisdictions around the world, including New Zealand.

The New Zealand branch of CCHR was established in 1976 and after a tour of North Island psychiatric hospitals it exposed the human rights abuse of children in Lake Alice psychiatric hospital. CCHR published their findings and pursued the matter on behalf of the victims for over 25 years, resulting in a government apology and $13 million paid out in compensation to 200 victims by 2002.

CCHR continues to raise awareness surrounding mental health issues and the importance of the recognition of human rights in this field.

There are free materials and DVDs available from the display and for more information call: 021855437 or email: info@cchr.org.nz

This exhibition does contain some images that may be disturbing to some people and caution is advised. It is not suitable for young children.