A psychiatrist from the US has been advising health bosses of the impact Bermuda's multicultural make-up can have on mental health issues.

Bermuda Hospitals Board announced the move as they marked the launch of Mental Health Awareness Week.

They revealed Ron Winrob, an expert on transcultural psychiatry from Brown University in Rhode Island, had spoken to health care professionals at the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute last week.

Glenn Caiset, Programme Manager for Mental Health, said: "There are more people living outside their country of origin today than during any previous time in history.

"Like the rest of the world, Bermuda is now made up of people from many different parts of the globe. This impacts mental health, both because we treat clients from diverse backgrounds and because we have staff members who come from other countries.

"Given our culturally diverse community, we need to examine a range of views with regard to mental illness. Mental Health Awareness Week provides an opportunity to recognise and address this significant issue."

Other activities planned include Mind Frame, an art exhibit of works created by MWI patients, which is scheduled to run at Bermuda Society of the Arts in City Hall from Friday until the end of the month.

It will feature more than 50 pieces of art, submitted by approximately 30 artists, including paintings, drawings, sketches, stencilling, word expression, poetry, photography and collage.

Teresa Law, Professional Practice Leader for Occupational Therapy at MWI said: "We firmly believe our clients' creativity and ability should be recognised."