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8 - 16 October 2022

Hi friend,

 

We're mid-way through Queensland Mental Health Week - and there's still plenty of opportunities to get involved! We hope you've found time to connect with those that you care about, as well as the groups, clubs, and networks that you rely on to help keep you happy and healthy, wherever you live, work, or play.

 

Read on for ideas on how to increase connection. For further stories, daily activity ideas and more, head to our Facebook and Instagram pages.

 

Also, don't forget we also have an array of resources available for download. It has been amazing to see the photos of these being used! Cowboys Leagues Club shared a video featuring the affirmation cards while St John Vianney's and Bribie Island State High School shared photos showing the use of school resources.

Let's talk about connection!

Being connected to others is important for our mental and physical wellbeing and can be a protective factor against anxiety and depression.

 

Our individual personalities and unique environments influence the amount of social contact we each want and need. If you want to increase your connections a good place to start is to think about all the ways you are currently connected to other people.

  • Do you belong to any formal or informal interest groups? e.g. Sport or hobby club, cultural group or volunteer committee
  • How often do you get together with friends or family for outings or meals?
  • How often do you do something to help someone? e.g. Helping a neighbour, cooking a meal for a sick friend or volunteering
  • How often do you attend community events? e.g. Local markets, school fetes, music festivals and local government activities

You can reach out to the people you already know, such as co-workers, family, school friends or neighbour and arrange to have a coffee or a meal, have a round of golf, or have a video chat. Think about the interests you share for other activity ideas.

 

There are also lots of ways to meet new people. You could start a conversation with some of the people you see every day, such as the those on your bus or at the gym.

 

Where to get help

Beyond Blue’s Connections matter booklet provides practical and evidence-based suggestions for older people and their families and friends to help them strengthen and maintain their social networks.

Julie's story

For many people, the first thing that comes to mind when asked about meaningful connections are heart-to-heart conversations.

 

Julie Gillespie, an accredited Principal Master Instructor for Mental Health First Aid, is so passionate about the power of converations that she has created a podcast for "people to come to, to understand how conversations are what connects us… they enable us to be functional, compassionate humans".

 

Julie describes herself as a woman who has learned to thrive despite her mental illness. 

 

"Today, mental health is my focus. It is a deeply fascinating topic that no longer defines me and gives me motivation to support others who may be struggling," Julie says.

 

"Having conversations about mental health should be like having conversations about what we did over the weekend. Normal. Simple. Direct and clear. I think we need to practice these conversations more so it can be simpler and easier – and this (Queensland Mental Health Week) is a forum that can promote that and support it."

 

Click here to read Julie's story and thoughts about Queensland Mental Health Week and this year's theme. To watch/listen to the ‘Conversations with Julie’ podcast click here.

Events set to occur over the next couple of days

The Mental Awareness Foundation's Walk for Awareness kicked off QMHW on Sunday and if you missed it you may like to watch the coverage on 7 News here. If you'd like to make a donation, it's not too late! Funds go directly to mental health charities providing frontline services to people in need. Visit walkforawareness.org.au to make a contribution

 

With over 400 events happening to mark QMHW, there are plenty of opportunities for people to connect! Check out our Events Calendar to see what events are on. You can search by 'Town/City' to find activities near you.

 

Below is just a snapshot of some of the events happening over the next few days.

 

*Each event will have its own registration process, opening times, etc, so please get in touch with the respective event organiser directly if you have any questions.*

Ipswich Mental Health and Wellbeing Expo

The Ipswich Mental Health and Wellbeing Expo is being held at Riverlink Shopping Centre (East Mall) on 13 October from 8.30am - 2.30pm. There will be a range of stall holders, with over 35 organisations registered to take part.

Learn more
Recovered Futures Art Exhibition

The Recovered Futures Art Exhibition is open daily from 9am to 5pm until 13 October at Brisbane City Hall and King George Square. Entry is free.

 

The event, proudly hosted by Richmond Fellowship Queensland, features 200 remarkable artworks by artists with lived experience of mental illness. All artwork is for sale and artists receive 85% of sale proceeds.

Learn more
Brock's story

Army veteran Brock proudly served his country in tours of Afghanistan, Iraq and Timor, all within the space of five years. Upon his return to civilian life, Brock noticed his mental health was on a downhill slide.

 

“The decline happened slowly, until one day I suddenly fell off the cliff completely. I went to the emergency department and was admitted to the mental health unit at the PA. I started working with Paul from RFQ and he was amazing, he really helped me a lot.”

 

Brock then transferred to a private hospital, where he discovered a coping tool that would become a big part of his life – art. 

 

“I remember in 8th grade, the teacher basically telling me I was completely failing at art – I thought ‘I just don’t understand this art stuff’. But when I reconnected with it as an adult, and I wasn’t being judged or marked on it, I found it was really therapeutic.”

 

Brock finds that keeping busy and focused on tasks he finds valuable is beneficial to his recovery. He has recently started volunteering in the Wounded Heroes’ op shop and veterans’ lounge, connecting with other people who have been impacted by war.  

 

“Volunteering keeps me going and gives me a focus. I’m looking into the possibility of helping facilitate a weekly art group too, which I would love to do. Personally, art has been a major contributing factor behind my improvement and I would love the opportunity to help others heal through art.”

 

Brock says displaying and selling art in the 2021 Recovered Futures Art Exhibition, his first ever exhibition, gave him confidence in his abilities as an artist.

 

Read Brock's full story here on the Recovered Futures Art Exhibition website where you can see all the artwork in this year's Exhibition.

Connecting the Dots

On 14 October, Realising Posssibilities and Shed 3 will be hosting a screening of a new documentary, 'Connecting The Dots' from award-winning filmmaker Noemi Weis followed by a panel discussion. This free event aims to continue the global conversation on youth mental health. There will be a sausage sizzle and drinks available for purchase. 

Learn more
QMHW Rugby League 9s Carnival

The 4th annual Queensland Mental Health Week Rugby League 9s and Netball Carnival will take place at the Townsville Sports Reserve, North Ward on 14 October. Over 300 students from across the Townsville Catholic Education Diocese will participate from 2pm, helping to raise awareness and support youth mental health. Supporters are welcome.

Learn more
Wellness at the coast

Livingstone Shire Council is once again hosting Wellness at the Coast. Join in on the fun at the Yeppoon Town Hall on 14 October. Come and meet many of the local community service providers who will be ready to share their knowledge and support. There’ll also be some soothing activities to take part in, such as painting, drawing and vibration healing.

Learn more
ArtBeat: Music & Arts festival

ArtBeat is a music and arts festival designed to celebrate the creative strengths and talents of people on the Gold Coast living with a mental illness. The event involves an art exhibition (running from 10 – 24 October) and a music festival on 14 October. All are welcome to attend this positive community event!

Learn more
12th annual Brisbane Mental Health Expo

The Brisbane Mental Health Expo will be held at the Plaza, Brisbane Powerhouse, on 14 October. The Expo is an engaging and innovative way to promote mental health programs, services and organisations and share information and resources with the community.

Learn more
Moreton Bay Mental Health Expo

The Moreton Bay Mental Health Expo will be held in Redcliffe. From 10am-2pm on 14 October there will be interactive stalls and activities. There will also be an opportunity to engage with fantastic community services. Then, in the evening from 4pm-8pm, there will be food trucks and live music to celebrate the local community with a focus on positive mental health.

Learn more
Carinity Fassifern's Health & Wellness Expo

Carinity Fassifern's Health & Wellness Expo is Boonah’s favourite health and wellness event, showcasing the industry’s leading providers. Meet the people transforming our whole approach to staying healthy and feeling good.

 

The Health & Wellness Expo is the place to go for the latest in fitness, wellness, nutrition, health, psychology, education and more.

Learn more
Family Fun Afternoon in Nanango

On 15 October, the South Burnett Western Performance Club will host a Family Fun Day for both horse riders, their friends and family that will include a fancy dress parade, horse games, BBQ and special performance by country music singer Larry Cann.

  • 4pm – 7pm: Live music and entertainment by Larry Cann.
  • 4pm – 6pm: BBQ or BYO picnic.
  • 7pm: Campfire and yarning circle!
Learn more
Beerwah Heart Community Day

Beerwah Heart Community Day is a free event that celebrates QMHW by bringing the community together to enjoy wonderful live music, get creative in a variety of workshops, express yourself through movement and delight in the delicious offerings of our local food vendors. It is an inclusive, family-friendly event providing activities and workshops for all ages held at Beerwah Community Hall, Library and Meeting Place. 

Learn more
Run for MI Life

The annual Run For MI Life charity fun run is on 16 October in Walkerston and also in Moranbah. Participants can either run or walk 3km, 5km or 10km. It is open to all ages. Dogs and prams are welcome, but please no bikes. Registration is essential.

Learn more
Wellbeing Day Festival

Nourish, nurture and rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit at the biggest non-profit community festival, the Wellbeing Day Festival, which will be held on 16 October to mark QMHW.

 

Over 50 volunteers and 30 presenters are engaged in organising this wellbeing festival to make it a true community grassroots event at the riverside Orleigh Park. There will be inspiring yoga exercises, practical meditation, wellbeing workshops, kids activities and more!

Learn more
Support services

If you or someone you know needs support, contact can be made with one of the below services. The 'Find help' page on our website also links to helpful websites, covering 24/7 help lines, gambling assistance, relationships, eating disorders, parenting and more.

In an emergency, call 000.

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.

Funded by the Queensland Mental Health Commission, Queensland Mental Health Week is coordinated by CheckUP with the support of a strong cross-sector collaboration.

 

Contact CheckUP

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

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