Schizophrenia Awareness Week 2023
Schizophrenia Awareness Week (SAW)
Schizophrenia Awareness Week (SAW) was created in 1986 by the then Schizophrenia Council of Australia, which evolved into MIFA, and is held in May every year to coincide with World Schizophrenia Awareness Day (24 May).
MIFA is proud to announce the dates for SAW every year and promote greater awareness, understanding and compassion for people living with schizophrenia, carers, family members and kin.
This year, the theme for SAW is “Rebuilding a better mental health system together”. We are joining with our MIFA Members and partners to advocate for more investment in mental health services in the community for people who have lived and living experience of severe and complex mental health conditions like schizophrenia.
People living with schizophrenia are among the most highly stigmatised and socially marginalised people in our community. Through this important week, MIFA and our partners aim to reduce stigma towards people affected by schizophrenia, encourage inclusive behaviour, bust myths about schizophrenia, and promote help-seeking by people living with schizophrenia.
Every year, MIFA, our member organisations and many partners around Australia promote national awareness-raising through videos, social media, quizzes, posters, postcards, and events around the country. We encourage you to get involved and share these important messages with us.