10-18 October 2020

Get ready for Queensland Mental Health Week  

It’s time to start planning for Queensland Mental Health Week (QMHW)! How will you get involved?

Grant applications are now open

Applications for the QMHW community event grants program opened today!   

 The program aims to support organisations and communities to promote awareness of, and contribute to, improved mental health and wellbeing in their local community, with a $95,000 total grant pool available.

 Local community activities provide a focal point for awareness, education and understanding, and help foster community connection and inclusion for those living with mental illness, their families, carers and support people.

 There are five different amounts that organisations can apply for, ranging from $500 to $2500, with applications closing on 24 July.

The grant program is again being managed on behalf of the Queensland Mental Health Commission by the Queensland Alliance for Mental Health (QAMH).  

Looking for event inspiration?

Want to host a QMHW event but aren't sure what to do? Events don't have to involve lots of planning to have an impact.  

 You could create a wall of gratitude in your classroom, hold a meditation or exercise session in your community or have an all staff Zoom session. 

 There are plenty for ideas in the 2020 Event Kit, including several that allow for people to connect that keep social distancing in mind.

Make it official

Once you’ve worked out what you want to do, we’d love to know about it, even if it’s a small or private event. 

 After you register your event with us, you'll get your own page on our website and be part of the online community supporting QMHW. 

• Public events: your event is published and promoted on the website as being open to the whole community

• Private events: your event name and details will be published, but the location omitted. Your event will also be listed as private. This is a good option for school or workplace events

Take time to get healthy

This year’s theme for QMHW is Take time - for Mental Health, so we will be sharing ideas in subsequent editions of the eNews from the Queensland Government’s Dear Mind campaign that relate to the six simple actions we can all take to improve our moods, build resilience and boost wellbeing. 

 A healthy, well-nourished and rested body provides the foundation for your mind to function at its best, so it’s important to take time to care for yourself.

• Join a free exercise class: There are a lot of free online classes and workouts you can do from the comfort of your house. To add intensity or build strength try using items around the home as weights.  
• Practice mindful eating: Pay careful attention to the look, the smell, the taste and the texture of your food. Eat slowly. Savour it.  
• Go screen-free before bed: Try switching off all screens at least 30 minutes before bedtime. Reducing your exposure to the bright artificial light makes it easier to fall asleep. 

Mental health matters

There has been lots of activity in the mental health space over the past month. Here are several updates and resources.

COVID-19: Leading in crisis: In this video ConNetica Director Marion Wands shares insights and ideas for communicating during a crisis and expressing compassion.

 Schizophrenia awareness: As part of Schizophrenia Awareness Week (17-23 May) QMHC Commissioner Ivan Frkovic interviewed schizophrenia expert Professor John McGrath about the latest in research and treatments. Watch here.

 Free 10-minute meditation: If you’re looking for a guided 10-minute meditation that will cultivate focus, compassion, and a more relaxed mind and body, this recording from Headspace is a great place to start.

Keeping work stress at bay: Work-related stress can get the best of us all. A new blog by EapAssist has provided steps you can take to keep job stress to a minimum.

Study explores COVID-19's psychological impact: An international consortium of researchers is exploring COVID-19’s psychological effects in 18 countries, and how compassion can help reduce pandemic-related stress. Read more.

Every step counts: The Billion Steps Challenge is a Boost your Healthy initiative for all Queenslanders to step together and stay active and healthy during COVID-19. Staying active is important for both your physical and mental health. Find out how you can get involved here.

Upcoming webinars: As restrictions begin easing and new routines are being adapted, Black Dog Institute has developed a series of webinars to allow people to access virtual support from anywhere.

Stay informed and chat with us

We will keep the community informed on QMHW 2020 through this newsletter and through our social media channels, so please encourage your family, friends and colleagues to subscribe and follow our accounts. 

 If you have any feedback, have any questions you want to ask before registering an event, or discuss how you can get involved with QMHW further, please feel free to email us at info@qldmentalhealthweek.org.au.