Flash mob dances in Charlottetown for mental-health awareness

A group of Islanders in yellow shirts and high spirits descended on Victoria Row in Charlottetown Thursdayto dance to Funkytown and to promote National Mental Illness Awareness Week.

The lyrics to the disco-erahit by Lipps Inc.include, "Well, I talk about it, talk about it, talk about it," fitting for a week meant to fight the stigma around mental illness.

Similar flash mobs were planned for across the country, the Canadian Mental Health Association said in news release.

The week isan annual public education campaign "designed to help open the eyes of Canadians to the reality of mental illness and end the stigma associated with it," the association said.

About 15 people took part on the pedestrians-only street, as passersby looked on or recorded the smiling dancers. The dancers' shirts read, "Mental health for all".

People interested in theCanadian Mental Health Association and its programs can call(902) 566-3034 or visit the website at www.pei.cmha.ca.

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