For centuries, mental illness has been a ‘taboo’. Being mentally ill was considered a ‘retribution’ or a ‘family disgrace’. People with mental illness were commonly abandoned and left to cope on their own. Even today, mental illness is still a mystery to many people and this results in stigmatisation, which is a major obstacle that prevents people from seeking help.

Castle Peak Hospital, the most historic psychiatric hospital in Hong Kong has taken the initiative to set up an innovative Mental Health Experience Museum, namely ‘Mind Space’. Mind Space aims to demystify mental illness, reduce stigmatisation and promote mental well-being.

Mind Space is the first of its kind in Hong Kong and provides a range of informative and engaging activities for guests. Visitors to Mind Space will learn about the history of Hong Kong mental health services and discover historic relics, interactive exhibits, animated displays and simulated experiences of symptoms, together with a lived library. We hope that visitors will enjoy their experiences and come away with a richer understanding of mental illness and mental health.

We are particularly grateful to the HSBC 150th Anniversary Charity Programme for its generosity, which has enabled Mind Space to be established. In addition, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who has supported and assisted in the setting up of Mind Space.