Australian employees of Lundbeck and Otsuka joined together across three states to take part in the annual 'One Door Mental Health Wellness Walk' to support people living with severe and complex mental illness.
More than 80 employees and their families participated in the event in Victoria, NSW and Queensland. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s walk adopted a different format with small groups participating in their local communities.
Lundbeck managing director Fredrik Kjaer said, “Lundbeck is very proud to be a foundation supporter of the Wellness Walk now in its 8th year. As a company focused on brain health we acknowledge the extreme difficulties this year has presented to those living with mental illness and their carers.
"Participating in this community event seemed particularly important in 2020 and helps to demonstrate our support for the fact that recovery from illnesses such as depression, bipolar and schizophrenia is a step by step process.
“During mental health month in October we supported the theme of 'Mental Health For All' so everyone can access mental health care services to treat their psychiatric disorders in a timely and effective way. In that regard we look forward to action on the recommendations of the landmark Productivity Commission Report released last week.”
Otsuka managing director Aki Nemoto said, “The current and projected impact of COVID-19 lockdowns have made this an even more important year to be highlighting the issues around severe mental health and suicide prevention and to support organisations, such as One Door Mental Health who provide valuable services to the community.
"Otsuka has a firm commitment to taking on new challenges to uncover the causes and mechanism of mental illness and to make further drug discoveries in psychiatry.”
Funds raised through the Wellness Walk contribute to the provision of essential mental health programs and services to support people living with a mental illness, their families and carers.
