Hi friend,

As we come to the end of October, we'd like to thank everyone who got involved in Queensland Mental Health Week (QMHW) this year. It was a big one! In this newsletter we'll cover QMHW news, highlights from the week, and how you can help shape QMHW in the future.

Thank you for your support of QMHW. Let's persist in our collaborative efforts to promote mental health awareness and emphasise the importance of belonging and connection.

Go in the draw to win a $100 Visa gift card and help us make QMHW better by completing our feedback survey. Respodents who complete the survey before it closes at 5:00pm November 6 and opt in by providing their email or phone number will go into the draw. Open to Queensland residents only. Terms and conditions apply.

People across Queensland were encouraged to share photos from QMHW events in our social media challenge. People who entered the competition by sharing event photos with #QMHW and tagging our social pages are now in the running to win prizes thanks to our prize sponsor, HESTA.

Voting for the people's choice winners ends at 5:00pm today, October 31. Vote for your favourite event picture by liking or reacting the photo in our Facebook photo album of entries. The two photos with the most reacts each at 5:00pm today will win a $100 Visa gift card.

Many people are feeling some level of financial pressure right now. Increased financial pressure can cause stress or anxiety — leading to impacts on physical and mental health. According to a 2017 study* by life, health and wellbeing insurer — AIA Australia*, there is a strong connection between physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Research from Heartward Strategic also shows that people experiencing financial challenges are at least twice as likely to encounter mental health issues than those who aren’t*.

So, improving your financial wellbeing could have a positive impact on your physical and mental wellbeing.

Ways to improve your financial wellbeing

• Recognise financial ‘red flags’ - these may include getting behind on your mortgage repayments and paying bills late or not paying them.
• Become financially educated - there are many free websites providing financial education. Have a look at the government’s MoneySmart website as a first step.
• Plan and budget  - a clear budget can help you restructure spending, manage debt, and change spending habits. Work out where your money is going with ASIC's MoneySmart Budget Planner.
• Get sound advice  - getting some professional money advice tailored to your situation can help lay the foundation for a more secure financial future.

Need some help now?

Queensland Mental Health Week prize sponsor, HESTA, is proud to partner with Infoxchange, the not-for-profit behind 'Ask Izzy' — a service that helps people access support services in their local area across Australia*. From housing to health, finances and more, find out more about find out more about Ask Izzy.

*For references and terms and conditions please read the full article on HESTA's website here.

Do you get caught up trying to do and be more? If the pace of life is starting to feel hectic, try adding some grounding moments to your routine with these suggestions from Queensland Health.

🦶 Standing outside in bare feet while you drink your morning tea or coffee and feeling the grass beneath your toes.

🦜 Counting the birds you see on your commute.

🌱 Taking a few minutes to work in a garden and notice how the plants change day-to-day.

🎵 Listening to a favourite song with your eyes closed and really focusing on the different elements of the music.

How will you ground yourself today?

Funded by the Queensland Government through the Queensland Mental Health Commission, Queensland Mental Health Week is coordinated by CheckUP and delivered through strong cross-sector collaboration. We would like to thank all our partners and supporters including our sponsors, reference group, working group, and everyone else who helped make the week a success.

We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live and recognise their continuing connection to the land, water, and community. We pay respect to Elders past and present and future leaders.

We also acknowledge people living with mental health challenges, problematic alcohol and other drugs use, as well as those impacted by suicide, their families, carers and support people.

24/7 Crisis Helplines

If you need immediate support, Lifeline (13 11 14) and the Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467) are available 24/7. In an emergency, call 000.

Contact CheckUP

Email: info@qldmentalhealthweek.org.au
PO Box 3205, South Brisbane Queensland 4101