5-13 October 2019

Welcome to Queensland Mental Health Week 2019

This year Queensland Mental Health Week (QMHW) will be held from 5-13 October. Today we are unveiling this year's theme: Take time — for mental health.

Take time is about the simple yet proven things everyone can do to boost mental wellbeing.

Take time is also about breaking down the stigma associated with mental illness and reaching out to people in our communities who need support.

During QMHW people across the state will come together through local events, conversations, and activities to raise awareness of the importance of positive mental health and wellbeing.

Make it an event

Last year, 290 events were held as part of Queensland Mental Health Week all over the state. This year we are hoping to have even more.

 A Queensland Mental Health Week event is a great way to encourage awareness of what can be done to support positive mental health and wellbeing in your community.

If you're thinking about hosting or supporting an event, or if you'd like to know more, please download the QMHW Event Kit on our website. Or, if you've already got your event details organised, you can register your event on our website right away.

Events grants now open

In 2019, Queensland Alliance for Mental Health on behalf of the Queensland Mental Health Commission is offering small grants (up to $2,500) to local organisations across Queensland to host registered QMHW events. The total value of the program is $95,000. Funded events 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.

For more information, including guidelines, judging criteria, and an application form, please visit the grants section of our website.

Please note: only one application per event, applications close 8 July 2019 at 5pm

RFQ Art Exhibition — Call for Artists

RFQ have officially launched their ‘Call for Artists’ campaign, inviting artists with a lived experience of mental illness to register to display their artwork at the 2019 Recovered Futures Art Exhibition. Registrations are also open to artists who have lived experience as carers or family members.

Artists may recall the MIFQ Art Exhibition. Following the merger with RFQ in 2018, the event has been hosted by RFQ under the banner of Recovered Futures Art Exhibition.

The event was recognised by the former Lord Mayor Graham Quirk in 2019 for its significant contribution to the Brisbane community in raising awareness of recovery from Mental Illness. The event was awarded the 2019 Australia Day Cultural/Arts Award.

The 2019 Recovered Futures Art Exhibition will be held within QMHW, from 5 to 11 October 2019 and take place in the Toowong Room, Brisbane City Hall. Artists can submit their E-Lodgement Form online before. Artists are required to read the Terms and Conditions before registering for this event.

Questions can be directed to 07 3363 2555 or by email artexhibition@rfq.com.au

Please note: visit the RFQ website for more information, applications close 12 July 2019

Take time — for art

Artwork in progress as part of the art therapy session

The artwork for Queensland Mental Health Week in 2019 was created by members of an art therapy group run by Richmond Fellowship Queensland (RFQ).

Participants each created several circular pieces that represented what it feels like for them when they are empowered to ‘take time’ for things that boost their mental wellbeing.

The group’s work was combined to provide a foundation for this year’s Queensland Mental Health Week visual identity.

Our 2019 campaign theme

The theme for our 2019 campaign is Take Time — for mental health. Research shows there are six simple actions we can take to improve our moods, build resilience and boost wellbeing.

These simple actions are internationally recognised as the Wheel of Wellbeing*. Regularly practising these actions is beneficial for everyone.

During the campaign we will provide tips an information on how to:

• Take time to be active — it’s good for your mind as well as your body
• Take time to learn — learning new things will make you more confident as well as being fun
• Take time to give — practising small acts of kindness, volunteering time, or simply helping a friend in need can help you feel more satisfied with life
• Take time to connect — spending time with other people is important to everyone’s mental wellbeing
• Take time to enjoy the moment — paying more attention to the present and the world around you helps relieve stress and makes you feel better
• Take time to care for our planet — keeping our blue planet in tip top shape is the best recipe for world wellbeing.

*The Wheel of Wellbeing was developed by the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust.