The ABC is launching Mental As… The biggest ever cross-platform programming event conducted by the ABC, for Mental Health Week, 5-12 October 2014.
Across ABC TV, radio, online and mobile ABC Mental As… will take a look at mental health from all angles and perspectives, from comedy to documentary, entertainment to debate, as we aim to help join the dots on mental health in Australia.
The week will culminate in a two-hour, live, TV fundraising event the Friday Night Crack Up on World Mental Health Day, Friday 10 October. Australia’s biggest personalities – comedians, actors, sportspeople, and musicians – will show their support for Mental As… and encourage Australians to take action, start talking, and give to mental health research.
ABC Director of Television Richard Finlayson said, “Mental health challenges are huge and touch so many Australian families, yet we still struggle to talk about it openly. Our week of ABC Mental As… programming will challenge stigmas and taboos; promote discussion, support and education; and inspire Australia to donate to mental health research.
“From the unique and ground-breaking documentary series Changing Minds and one-off special Felicity’s Mental Mission; to new comedy and entertainment including Timothy, The Agony of the Mind and the Friday Night Crack Up; along with distinctive episodes of Q&A, Good Game, Gardening Australia and many more.”
ABC Mental As… is supported by a number of high profile Australians across all networks including actress Deborah Mailman, Network Ten presenter Jessica Rowe, TV personality Rove McManus, designer Alex Perry, advertising guru Todd Sampson, musician Missy Higgins, actor Shane Jacobsen and ABC presenters Jeremy Fernandez and Emma Alberici, who will act as ambassadors to raise awareness of the initiative and stimulate conversations.