10-18 October 2020

QMHW eNews #3: Learn how you can get involved

There’s plenty happening in preparation for Queensland Mental Health Week (QMHW) with merchandise now on sale and grant applications closing soon.

Learn more about how you can get involved with QMHW!

Merchandise store now open

Canefields Clubhouse is once again the official QMHW merchandise partner - taking orders, packing and mailing them directly to you.

Canefields Clubhouse operates psycho-social rehabilitation for adults experiencing mental illness in the Logan-Beaudesert area of Brisbane.

They have organised a range of new items for 2020 that can be bought individually or in bulk, including hats, t-shirts, pens, a lapel pin and sanitizer. There are also school and community packs available.

Purchasing merchandise is a great way to show your support and help raise awareness of mental health for all Queenslanders, so visit the store now to get your order in early.

Grants close this week

Applications for the QMHW grants program close this Friday, 24 July. 

Local organisation across Queensland can apply for a small grant to help them host a registered QMHW community awareness event or activity. There are five amounts organisations can apply for, ranging from $500 to $2500.

Funded events or activities will: 

• Increase community awareness of, and engagement in, mental health and wellbeing 
• Promote education and understanding of mental illness 
• Foster inclusion of those living with mental illness, their families, carers, and support people 

Applicants are encouraged to partner with mental health and other local organisations as well as local councils to maximise the reach and impact of their activity. 

Rural and remote community groups and businesses are also encouraged to apply! 

The annual Walk for Awareness, organised by the Mental Awareness Foundation (MAF), brings people together in a friendly environment where the issues of mental health can be discussed openly with friends, family and supportive strangers. 

In 2020 there will be live and virtual walks happening on Sunday 11 October, so make sure to save the date.

The 8km walk in Brisbane is an inclusive and accessible walk through some beautiful scenery, starting and ending at Kangaroo Point.

You can get involved with the Walk For Awareness as an individual or you can rally a team of supporters!

Let us know what you have planned

Don’t forget to register your event! By uploading information onto the QMHW website you will be recognised as being officially involved in this important week. 

Your event can be big or small, public or private. 

• Public events: Your event is published and promoted on the QMHW website as being open to the whole community. 
• Private events: Your event name and details will be published, but the exact location is omitted. Your event will also be listed as private. This is a good option for school or workplace events. 

Take time to keep learning

There are six simple actions we can all take to improve our moods, build resilience, and boost wellbeing. One of these is to keep learning!  

Here are a few suggestions from the Queensland Government's Dear Mind campaign:

• Do a puzzle: Challenge your mind with sudoku or a crossword. Check your local newspaper or find free puzzle apps and websites online.    
• Listen to a podcast: Immerse yourself in a podcast in your area of interest. If you're not sure where to start, try the Queensland Health My Amazing Body podcast, which explores interesting, unknown and misunderstood parts of your body.  
• Take on a DIY project: Learn how to fix a broken bike or a squeaky door. You'll find plenty of free tutorials on YouTube to get you started.

To learn more about this year’s theme for QMHW, Take time - for Mental Health, and the other building blocks for wellbeing, visit our website. 

Carers - you are not alone

Do you care for someone who has attempted, or is at risk of attempting suicide? SANE Australia has developed a great new online resource to help you navigate this journey.

The website is a one-stop source of information and advice about dealing with emergency situations, looking after the person you care about once they leave the hospital, and taking care of yourself in this situation.

Get in touch

If you have any merchandise enquiries, including organising bulk orders, please phone Canefields Clubhouse on (07) 3807 0951.  

If you have other thoughts, ideas, or feedback on QMHW to share with us, we’d love to hear from you via our website or an email! You can also follow us on social media.