European psychiatric nurses are holding the Horatio: European Festival of Psychiatric Nursing titled ‘The Age of Dialogue’, in St Julians.
This is the first major event of the newly constituted Horatio association and is being conducted in the form of a celebratory festival. In fact, mainstream scientific programmes are being presented, augmented by creative, social and artistic events and activities.
The conference is focusing on the relationships between art and mental health, culture as a mechanism to stimulate discussion concerning stigma and to raise awareness of these professionals’ work through dialogue.
The opening of the festival itself was very upbeat as dancers in traditional Maltese costumes and a choir reciting songs in a number of European languages put all attendees into a good mood before the initial speeches were delivered.
The theme “The age of dialogue” was chosen as dialogue was of utmost importance for psychiatric nurses who needed to share achievements, concerns and work together. As Des Kavanagh, president of Horatio, Ireland said, the enhancement of education, communication between countries and nurses in the subject led towards the identification of best practices and innovation.
The enhancement of advocacy and knowledge were also being reflected into the political system, Mr Kavanagh said.
In her opening speech, Kate Gonzi, a founding member of the Richmond Foundation and member of the National Mental Health Commission said that the increased knowledge in the subject has led to more persons being diagnosed as mental health sufferers but this has also raised more awareness in the subject. Although the incidence of mental health problems is relatively widespread, Mrs Gonzi said, people still spoke of these persons with “hushed voices if they were not totally ignored and neglected.”
Speaking on the work and dedication of psychiatric nurses, Mrs Gonzi pointed out that apart from the knowledge and necessary skills, psychiatric nurses needed dedication and commitment while accompanying patients and helping them overcome their illness. They also needed to give reassurance to patients and relatives who contribute widely to the recovery of patients.
Mrs Gonzi also explained that the state was in the process of finalising a Mental Health Act. This was of vital importance to help overcome the stigma because “mental illness has to stop being discussed behind closed doors,” she said. Meanwhile, “public awareness needed to continue being raised.”
Mrs Gonzi also highly encouraged nurses to continue contributing towards lessening the stigma.