Heathcote’s Mental Health History

The Heathcote Museum and Gallery is located on the site of the former Point Heathcote Reception Home, later called the Heathcote Hospital. While now a heritage listed public open space and part of a larger cultural precinct with various community facilities, the site holds special memories for many residents, ex-patients and staff and their families.

City of Melville Acting Curator Olimpia Cullity said the re-opening of the Mental Health Exhibition at the gallery gives the visitor an insight into what life at Heathcote Hospital may have been like for patients and staff.

“Through photographs and objects from both the City of Melville Museums and Local History collection and the Mental Health Museum of Western Australia collection, the exhibition shows various aspects of Heathcote throughout its 65 years of existence,” she said.

“The main themes of the display explore mental health treatments, social activities, staff organisation and the building itself, and will be of particular relevance to people with an interest in mental health or the history of the site.”

Mental health is a sense of well-being, confidence and self-esteem and enables us to enjoy our day-to-day life and appreciate other people. If you or somebody you know is experiencing depression, anxiety or difficulty in coping with everyday life there is support available to you.  Please click here for more information.

The exhibition will open from Saturday, 28 July 2012 at the City of Melville’s Heathcote Museum and Gallery on Duncraig Road in Applecross. Opening hours are Tuesday to Friday, 10.00am to 3.00pm and Saturday and Sunday, 12 noon to 4.00pm.

On Saturday, 4 August 2012 at 2.00pm a free talk, Researching your family history through WA’s mental health services will be given by Dr. Philippa Martyr. Places are limited so please RSVP to 9364 5666 or claire.bushby@melville.wa.gov.au.

For further information click here or call 1300 635 845.