QMHW eNews Issue #2

Running from 6-14 October, Queensland Mental Health Week will be a week of awareness, information, and celebration. This is our second eNews issue covering the event. Read on for all the latest QMHW news, information, event inspiration, and more.

There's still time to apply for a grant

Individual grants of up to $2500 are available for local government, non-government and community groups to host an event during Mental Health Week.

Grant guidelines and application forms are available on the QMHW website here.

Events must also be registered on the QMHW website in order to be considered. Register your event here.

Grant applications close 5:00pm on Monday, 6 August 2018 so get in now!

Looking for event inspiration?

Want to host a QMHW event but aren't sure what to do yet? Events don't have to involve lots of planning to have an impact. A morning tea at your workplace, school, or community group can be a great way to get involved and bring people together. If that doesn't appeal, how about:

• Getting active: a walk, a run, a dance competition
• Getting arty: a photography competition, community painting, arts and craft
• Getting together: a community barbecue, fair, day at the park 
• Getting mindful: yoga, group meditation

Register your event

From Brisbane to Birdsville, from Cooktown to Cunnamulla- if it's happening in Queensland, we want to hear about your event!

By registering your event you'll be joining the statewide QMHW community. We'll also be able to spread the word about your event on our website. Even if you're holding a private event, we encourage you to register to show your community's involvement. It only takes a couple of minutes to register.

Some of the events registered so far include:

• Bundaberg mental wellbeing festival
• Canefields Clubhouse walk for wellness in the Berrinba Wetlands, Logan
• Eat well barbecue brunch in the park in Stanthorpe
• Mindful self-compassion workshop for carers and helpers in Cairns
• Run for MI life fun run in Brisbane
• Unleash the beast writing and wellbeing symposium in Toowoomba

Head to our website and register your event now. If you have any questions before registering, feel free to email us at info@qldmentalhealthweek.org.au

Queensland Mental Health Week Achievement Awards

Nominations for the 2018 Queensland Mental Health Week Achievement Awards are open!

Now in its sixth year, the Achievement Awards is a major event on the QMHW calendar. 

Nominate your mental health heroes - recognise and celebrate the achievements of individuals, groups and organisations working tirelessly in our communities to promote positive mental health and wellbeing, reduce stigma, facilitate recovery, and support and empower those living with mental illness.

You can nominate in any of the eight Achievement Award categories:

• Individual Award
• Media Award
• Youth Award (under 25)
• Jude Bugeja - Peer Experience Award
• Workplace Award - SME (1-200 staff)
• Workplace Award - Large businesses (201+ staff)
• Not-For-Profit Award - SME (1-100 staff)
• Not-For-Profit Award - Medium to large (101+ staff)
• LGBTIQ Award

Open Minds are the proud hosts of the Awards. Visit the awards page on their website to download a nomination prospectus and complete the online application form.

Nominations close on Monday 3rd September 2018!

The awards are presented at a ceremony over breakfast on Friday 12th October at Brisbane City Hall.

Join the discussion

The theme for our 2018 campaign is to value mental health – with six steps

1.    Be active – do what you can, enjoy what you do, get moving and improve your mood

2.    Keep learning – embrace new experiences, recognise opportunities, surprise yourself

3.    Connect – talk, listen, be there

4.    Give – your time, your words, your presence

5.    Take notice – remember the simple things that give you joy

6.    Care for our planet – it’s the home we all share

Follow us on social media and join the discussion as we share messages to inspire people to promote positive mental health and wellbeing at home, at work, and at play.

Let’s talk about how we can value mental health together— our own, that of our loved ones, friends and colleagues, and people in our communities who need support.