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8 - 16 October 2022
October eNews: QMHW starts this Saturday

This Saturday (8 October) marks the start of Queensland Mental Health Week (QMHW) and hundreds of events, activities and conversations are set to take place across the state during the following week.

 

How are you getting involved? Will you help raise awareness, bolster a sense of belonging and generate connections?

 

Here are some quick links:

We have more ideas in this edition of the QMHW eNews, which we hope you will enjoy. Please feel free to forward it to your contacts or encourage them to subscibe here.

 

Trigger warning: This email contains content about suicide and abuse.

Icons for Awareness (graphic of an eye), Belonging (graphic of three people), Connection (Graphic representing people connected) underneath which is the text for each.
Help spread the word

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.

Download resources
Participate in wellbeing challenges for fun

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.

Learn more
Behind the artwork

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 🏫. 

Learn more
Landmarks light up to raise awareness

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!

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School resources and certificates

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.

Download resources
Healthy catering options

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.

Download resource
Queensland Mental Health Week events

With over 350 events happening across the state to celebrate QMHW, we hope you can find a way to get involved and show your support. Whether it be a family friendly expo, a webinar, or a fun and creative activity, check out the events calendar to find what suits you.

 

Below are just several of the many events happening across the state. One event that you can participate in, no matter where you live, is the Mental Awareness Foundation's Walk for Awareness, which is the official opening event for QMHW. Walk 9kms around the Brisbane River on 9 October or participate virtually and walk from anywhere! Register now at www.walkforawareness.org.au.

 

Please keep in mind that each event listed may have a different registration process, so please get in touch with the respective event organiser directly if you have any questions.

Youth events

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.

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Workplace events

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.

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Creative events

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.

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Jacob's Story

Anyone who’s been through depression knows it’s not something you conquer once and are done with – depression is a constant companion that dips in and out of your life over the years. Jacob Sarra says the trick to coping is connecting with yourself and identifying your triggers.

 

“20 years ago, I said to someone, ‘I think I might have depression’ and they said, ‘what do you have to be depressed about?’ There wasn’t the awareness or support available as there is now – it wasn’t spoken about. There were days when I’d come home from work and stay in bed for four days until it was time to go back to work. Not a lot of people knew what I was going through.”

 

"The thing that’s kept me on track is self-awareness, looking inwards and recognising what works for me."

 

Art has always been an interest area of Jacob’s, but it took on greater meaning after he welcomed his two daughters, now aged two and four.

 

“My girls have motivated me to take my art more seriously, as I want to tell the story of family and inspire them to tell their own stories. Already the girls have shown great interest in art and have found their own distinct styles. It’s a joy to share this important part of my life with them.”

 

Jacob's artwork 'The Way Out Is Through' and 'Edge of Despair' will be among those at this year's Recovered Futures Art Exhibition. Click here to read his story.

Virtual events

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.

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Community events

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.

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...and a couple more!

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,

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Rhonda's story

Rhonda Whiteley is passionate about mental wellness after applying meditation and holistic therapies during her recovery from past abuse and mental health concerns.

 

"After a past of childhood sexual abuse and marital abuse, I lost my way and attempted suicide at the end of 2007. I needed to grow and discover myself to create the life of my dreams and not just exist."

 

"Today I’m a holistic well-being therapy business owner, maintain a personal daily mental health practice, enjoy creativity, and am passionate about helping others overcome past traumas to improve their lives and mental health. Writing an ebook, Breaking the Chains helped to put my past into words and understand how I can use those experiences to create a business helping women."

 

"Without looking after my mental health I would not be the person I am today."

 

"There are still challenging days, but now I have the tools to help me through those times."

 

You can read more about Rhonda's journey here. She will also be speaking at the Wellness at the Coast event during QMHW.

Dear Mind

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.

Visit website
Walk the Talk

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.

Check it out
Graphic of a person sitting on a couch with chats coming out of the computer. Text reads: "If you're not feeling 100%, there are services and organisations who can help you".
Mental health resources

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.

Find help
Thank you to our partners

Funded by the Queensland Mental Health Commission, Queensland Mental Health Week is coordinated by CheckUP and delivered by a strong cross-sector collaboration.

 

Thank you to the following organisations for your support: Arafmi, Council of the Ageing (COTA) Queensland, Department of Education, Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ), MATES in Construction, Mental Awareness Foundation, Mentally Healthy City Townsville, Metro North Mental Health - The Prince Charles Hospital, Mental Illness Fellowship Australia, Mood Food Nutrition, Multicap, Office of Industrial Relations, Open Minds, Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council (QAIHC), Queensland Alliance for Mental Health (QAMH), Queensland Health, Richmond Fellowship Queensland (RFQ), Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section), Thirteen Digital, Twinkl and Universal Media Co.

Queensland Mental Health Week and CheckUP logos side by side

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

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