Can you include content about QMHW in your newsletters, on your intranet and on your social media channels in the coming week? We have a suite of resources available for download that you can use across communication platforms, including social media tiles and an email signature. We also have some suggested copy to accompany these resources in the Communications Kit.

Aligning with the 'Awareness, Belonging, Connection' theme, we are inviting Queenslanders to reflect on the factors that help them maintain positive mental health and wellbeing. You can participate in the ABCs of Mental Health Social Media Challenge for the chance to win prizes, including a FitBit sponsored by the Mental Awareness Foundation.

There is also a Collaborative Art Project Competition that schools and families can enter. Get creative and go in the running to win a $100 Smiggle voucher.

Leah Cummins is the talented artist behind ‘Stronger connection creates strong health’, the artwork that informs the visual identity for QMHW in 2022. ⁠The artwork was commissioned by CheckUP specifically for the awareness initiative.

💜 Click here to read more about the meaning behind the artwork 

💚 Click here to download an artist profile on Leah that can be shared with students next week in schools 🏫. 

As part of QMHW celebrations, various landmarks around Queensland will light up in purple and green to shine a spotlight on mental health and wellbeing. Catch a light up if you can (they're added as events on the website, so you can search for them) and share any photos you take with us. You can tag us on Instagram at @qldmentalhealthweek or email info@qldmentalhealthweek.org.au.

A massive thank you to all the local councils, stadiums and organisations across the state who have committed to raising awareness in this way this year!

To help ensure teachers have the right materials to suit the needs of children in their classroom we have partnered with Twinkl to create a range of free resources specifically for schools. While some of the resources were created for classrooms with younger students, they can be tailored to suit older cohorts.

All schools that register their participation in QMHW will receive a certificate of appreciation following the initiative.

Hosting an event for QMHW? The healthy catering recommendations resource from Mood Food will help you provide delicious food to your event attendees that support the gut-brain connection!

 You can read about the links between your gut microbiome and mental health in this Queensland Health blog post.

Tweens are invited to try their hand at a range of free, Stressbuster Crafts at Rockhampton Regional Libraries from 10-14 October.

Bundaberg Regional Galleries is hosting a Manga Drawing event on 15 October in Childers as part of Lemon Flip, a Collective Youth Arts Workshop series.

Thriving Multicultural Communities will be hosting an event called Youth Connexion on 15 October in Labrador, which aims to engage youth aged 15-22 years, in a day of activities that promotes mental health and wellbeing awareness.

In addition to hosting the World Mental Health Day Breakfast on 10 October, Workplace Health and Safety Queensland is hosting a series of livestream events during QMHW to help improve organisational awareness of psychological health and safety and early intervention.

Join UQ’s Queensland Brain Institute researchers, Dr James Kesby (moderator), Dr Susannah Tye, and Adjunct Associate Professor Alex Lim, together with Dr Sharon Ponniah, Mental Health & Wellbeing Strategy Partner, PwC, for a live webinar on 13 October where they will discuss the science of depression and anxiety, and how it can be better managed in the workplace. Learn more here.

Together Sing provides an opportunity for people to sing together during QMHW. Schools and community groups can get involved for free! 

The Recovered Futures Art Exhibition will take place from 8 to 13 October in Brisbane City Hall and King George Square. Curated by Mandana Mapar, the exhibition will showcase 200 artworks by artists with lived experiences of mental illness. Entry is free and all artwork is for sale.

The JOURNEYS Art Exhibition showcases the talents of artists with a lived experience of mental illness while raising awareness of mental health, recovery and wellbeing. The exhibition will be open daily from 8-12 October at Flinders Lane in Townsville.

Winners of the 2022 Out From The Mist photography, short movie and music competition will be announced on 10 October at the Out From The Mist Awards Night, which is being held on the Gold Coast.

There are 33 virtual events registered this year! Dr Kathryn Broadhouse researcher and physicist, will be live online on 10 October, talking about brain health and the impact of stress. Learn more here.

Arafmi is hosting an information session on 12 October for people who care for a friend or family member with mental health needs. Learn more about the Understanding and Supoprting Recovery event.

Animal Therapies Ltd is hosting the event 'Animal-Assisted Service - What are they?' on 12 October to provide participants with an understanding of the animal-assisted services sector and how it supports the mental health of some of the most vulnerable Australians.

There are over 244 community events set to occur for QMHW!

The All of Us Festival will be held on 9 October at Fogarty Park in Cairns. There will be an outdoor variety concert, children's activities, food vans and a large expo of mental health agencies.

Livingstone Shire Council is once again hosting Wellness at the Coast. Join in on the fun at the Yeppoon Town Hall on 14 October. There will be an informative guest speaker program.

headspace Maryborough is excited to welcome the LGBTQIAP+ Community, Friends, and Family to their first-ever QMHW Bright Ball at the Brolga Theatre on 15 October.

In Brisbane, the Brisbane Mental Health Expo is set to occur on 14 October, as is the QMHW Achievement Awards. The Wellbeing Day Festival will be on 16 October.

Foxwell State Secondary College is set to host the Northern Gold Coast Mental Health Marketta on 7 October. Families, organisations and schools will be able to discover over 50 community services available in one place, plus there will be entertainment and a selection of food offerings.

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,

Dear Mind is a mental wellbeing initiative of the Queensland Government providing a collection of easy, everyday mental wellbeing activities, to promote resilience in difficult situations, improve mood and get the most out of life. The website includes ideas and activities under six building blocks of mental wellbeing.

Mental Health Australia have developed a video series that shines a light on mental health in Australia and the stories of real Australians that have experienced or are experiencing mental ill health. In Episode one, host Brad McEwan speaks to former chairman of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, Allan Fels AO, about his family’s experience of mental ill health.

The 'Find help' page on our website links to helpful websites covering 24/7 help lines, gambling assistance, relationships, eating disorders, parenting and more.

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.