9-17 October 2021

QMHW eNews #1

We need your voice to help raise awareness of mental health

Welcome to the first Queensland Mental Health Week (QMHW) eNews edition for 2021!

This year QMHW will be held from Saturday 9 October to Sunday 17 October. The theme ‘Take time – for mental health’ speaks to the fact that we all need to engage in activities that boost our mental health and take time to seek help, if needed.

After a year of difficult transitions, isolation, and restrictions, the importance of promoting mental health and encouraging self-care has never been more immediate. That’s why we hope we can count on your support in raising awareness.

There’s plenty of ways to get involved in QMHW 2021 and every event, activity and conversation matters. So, the time is now to campaign your colleagues, community group, school, or friends to lock in this year's date and start considering what kind of event or activity you want to hold.

We’ll be added a range of downloadable resources to the QMHW website in the coming months, including posters, social media graphics, school resources, and more.

In the meantime, you can get inspired by this year’s incredible artwork by Jesse James, find out whether you may be eligible for funding from the QMHW Community Events Grant Program, and learn about a few QMHW events. 👇

Plan and register your event or activity

Help us reach our target of 400 events! Now is the time to start brainstorming your event idea. Once you've made plans, register your event on the QMHW website. By registering, you'll receive the QMHW logo and your own page on the website.

Register your event

Amazing artwork highlights theme

Townsville artist Jesse James has painted the official artwork for QMHW 2021. Titled ‘Take time – for mental health’ Jesse’s design reflects the week’s theme and will be utilised to inform the visual identity.

QMHW Community Events Grant Program

Funded by the Queensland Mental Health Commission and administered by CheckUP, the QMHW Community Events Grant Program will provide $100,000 to support events held during QMHW. Applications open on 17 May. Read the guidelines to see if you're eligible!

Learn more

Walk for awareness and anywhere in 2021

Walk for Awareness is the annual flagship event held by the Mental Awareness Foundation. The 11th edition is on 10 October. A virtual event option has been created, so that you can walk wherever you want, or, you can still choose to join the main event at Captain Burke Park.

Read article

Nominate for this year's Achievement Awards

The Queensland Mental Health Week Achievement Awards, hosted by Open Minds, recognise and celebrate the achievements of individuals, groups and organisations working tirelessly to reduce stigma and support and empower those living with mental illness.

Download nomination pack

Positive Mindset Festival

Positive Mindset Festival invites primary and secondary schools to submit artworks that reflect a mental health topic, with a view to educate and empower an audience of young people, destigmatise mental health topics and promote a positive mindset. The Festival event itself will consist of a number of support services stalls, performances, a gallery, films, and break out areas.

Learn more

Stay in touch

We will keep you informed on QMHW 2021 through this newsletter and through our website and social media channels.

We will also be using social media to make you smile and provide links to expert information and advice. If you haven’t followed us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, please do. We look forward to chatting with you on there.

Lisa Maynard
QMHW Coordinator