Operation of 'Mind Health Choir' to Support Independence and Expand Social Participation of Mental Illness Patients... First Performance on September 6
Dongdaemun-gu (Mayor Ilpyeong Lee) operates the ‘Mind Health Choir Cantabile’ for the treatment and rehabilitation of individuals with mental illnesses.
In April, the district established the ‘Mind Health Choir Cantabile,’ composed of individuals with mental illnesses, as the first of its kind among mental health centers in Seoul’s autonomous districts. This initiative aims to help those struggling with societal prejudice to recover their mental health and live together with neighbors as members of society.
Since early this year, the district has recruited choir participants from among mental health case management clients registered at the Mental Health Welfare Center. As of the end of August, the choir consists of 20 members who gather once a week at the Mental Health Center to practice songs for performances, finding peace of mind through mutual communication and solidarity.
In its inaugural year, the choir plans to actively participate in mental health-related events hosted by the city and district to promote its founding purpose, gradually expanding its size and range of activities. It will serve as a mental health ambassador, helping to dispel prejudice against people with mental illnesses and delivering moving messages through song.
Any mentally disabled person actively engaged in rehabilitation and treatment can join the ‘Mind Health Choir Cantabile.’ For detailed information on participation methods and activities, please contact the Dongdaemun-gu Public Health Center’s Community Health Division or the Dongdaemun-gu Mental Health Welfare Center.
Mayor Ilpyeong Lee of Dongdaemun-gu stated, “We established the ‘Mind Health Choir Cantabile’ to show that local residents and people with mental illnesses can walk together as members of society. Recently, with the rise in crimes related to mental illness, many may hesitate to seek treatment due to social stigma. However, Dongdaemun-gu operates various programs for mental health recovery beyond the choir, so residents in need of help are encouraged to contact the Mental Health Welfare Center at any time.”
The choir is passionately preparing for its official debut stage, a congratulatory performance at the ‘Dongdaemun-gu Welfare Expo’ on September 6.
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