Fellowships for 2009/10 mental health journalism now available

Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter has been a driving force in the field of mental health throughout her public service career. Today, she continues her leadership through the Carter Centre's Mental Health Programme in Atlanta, Georgia, US. The fellowships, which began in 1996, look for proposals that will help reduce stigma and discrimination by informing the public about mental health issues and experiences.

The SA fellows are awarded grants of R50 000 to study and report on a particular issue within the mental health field for one year, as well as two expense-paid trips to Atlanta. These are administered by the South African Depression and Anxiety Support Group.

In September, fellows will go to The Carter Center in Atlanta to meet advisers, task force members and other fellows to discuss their project plans. The second visit comes in September, at the end of the fellowship year, when fellows present their completed projects and discuss challenges and successes in mental health reporting.

The idea of these fellowships is educate the public, raise awareness and inform other journalists in the field. For more information on applying for the fellowship, go to www.cartercenter.com/health/mental_health/fellowships/fellowship_year.html

Or contact:

Marion Scher

Cell +27 (0)82 467 6046

Email

Applications can be sent to:

Zane Wilson

South African Depression & Anxiety Support Group

PO Box 650301, Benmore, 2010.

The deadline for applications is 14 April 2009.