Visitors to this year's National Eisteddfod will have a unique opportunity to learn about mental health services in Wales by meeting the famous fairytale figure of Cinderella at mental health charity Hafal's stand.

Hafal will highlight the plight of patients who have a poor experience of hospital or feel isolated in the community by drawing parallels, in a fun and informative way, with the much-loved literary character.

Staff will inform visitors that although there have been improvements in mental health treatment in Wales over the years the sector remains a Cinderella service - hard working but neglected; impoverished and denied its fortune; hidden out of sight and never going to the ball!

With many in the health service in Wales fearing that with an economic recession upon us times may get even tougher for those with a serious mental illness, Hafal will raise the profile of mental health service users and staff at this year's event by informing visitors about mental health issues in Wales and offering them the chance to meet Cinderella and also view her carriage which will be on display at Hafal's stand.

A rally of Hafal members will also take place at the stand (on Wednesday August 5th at 12pm) to be addressed by Hafal Trustee Ceinwen Rowlands who will outline what people can do to ensure that mental health services are maintained and improved. Following the rally Hafal Members will move around the Maes, conveying Ceinwen's message to politicians and service providers in attendance at the Eisteddfod.

Bill Walden-Jones, Chief Executive of Hafal, commented: "We don't expect a fairytale ending to the shortfall in mental health services that patients encounter every day. But the 1 in 30 people in Wales who experience serious mental illness such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia during their lifetime do need the public's support to get a better deal.

"We will be urging them to help by asking their Assembly Member and local council to prioritise mental health services and by showing their support to the people in their community with serious mental illness and their families."