There's only a few more months until Queensland Mental Health Week (QMHW) - and there are so many ways you can get involved!

This issue features some incredible events you can participate in, plus links to the QMHW Achievement Awards, and lets you know the answers to some frequently asked questions.

If you have your event idea sorted and haven't done so already, create your own event page on the QMHW website and share it with your network of friends, family and colleagues. If you're still in the planning stage, make sure to download our Event Starter Kit for tips.

We cannot wait to see how you'll show your support, so don't forget to tag us on social media if you want to share how your planning is going.

When is it held?

In 2021, QMHW will be held from 9-17 October. The initiative is linked to World Mental Health Day, which is held on 10 October every year.

What is the theme for 2021?

The theme is ‘Take Time — for Mental Health’. When we take time to look after our mental health we are able to improve our resilience and better cope with the everyday stresses of life. We each have our own wellbeing journey. Something that works for most people may not work for you, and that’s okay. Exploring wellbeing, using the six Building Blocks as a guide, can help us decide what makes us feel good.

Can only mental health organisations host events?

Everyone has mental health, so we want as many people as possible across the state to get involved in QMHW! Schools, businesses, community groups, sporting clubs and even people in their own homes can host activities to raise awareness of mental health.

Organisations can also get involved by sharing information on mental health via their communication channels, such as e-newsletters and social media pages.

What resources are available?

If you’re running an event or even if you want to raise awareness, maybe via your website or social media, we have a variety of resources available for download off our website. 

The 'Find help' page on our website also has a range of links to helpful mental health resources and websites for mental health organisations that run support services.

Is QMHW a fundraiser?

QMHW is not run as a fundraiser, but there are some amazing individuals and businesses who do want to celebrate the week and show support for mental health organisations by raising money. A number of charities also run their own fundraising events as part of QMHW.

We welcome the support to the mental health sector, but you absolutely do not need to fundraise to take part in QMHW.

How will I know if I am successful in receiving a grant?

Judging is currently occurring for the QMHW Community Events Grant Program. All those who applied for a grant will be notified of their success in due course.

How can I purchase QMHW merchandise?

Canefields Clubhouse is once again our merchandise partner and will be organising the items. We expect the merchandise store for QMHW 2021 will be opening soon.

In the meantime, you can contact Canefields Clubhouse for enquiries related to merchandise, including any bulk orders you want to discuss – director@canefieldsclubhouse.org.au or (07) 3807 0951.

How can I learn more about QMHW?

We will be keeping you informed on QMHW 2021 through upcoming editions of this newsletter and through our website and social media channels. Make sure you subscribe and follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, if you haven't already!

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email us.

CheckUP acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands from across Queensland. We pay our respect to the Elders, past, present and emerging, for they hold the memories, traditions, the culture and hopes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the state.

The above graphic was created using the 2021 QMHW artwork 'Take time - for mental health' by Jesse James.

This site is a joint initiative by Queensland Mental Health Week partners, coordinated by CheckUP.