QLD Mental Health Week

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8 - 16 October 2022

May eNews: Artwork unveiled, resources released, plus information on an opportunity to exhibit art

First of all, we would like to acknowledge that it is National Reconciliation Week. Reconciliation is essential to achieving mentally healthy people and communities, so we encourage you to engage in events occuring this week, learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

The visual identity for Queensland Mental Health Week (QMHW) 2022 has been developed using the artwork ‘Stronger connection creates strong health' by proud Mayi woman Leah Cummins. The painting is Leah’s interpretation of the theme ‘Awareness, Belonging, Connection’ and tells a story of connecting to a healthier life, “back to the ways of our ancestors”, and the important role country and community play in people’s social and emotional wellbeing.

You can download the official 2022 posters featuring this artwork now! There are a range of other resources also available on the QMHW website as part of a first wave release. More items, including school resources, will be made available in July.

We are also pleased to share that Richmond Fellowship Queensland (RFQ) have opened applications for the 2022 Recovered Futures Art Exhibition. Below is more information on the Exhibition and an artist story well worth reading.

Also below are news snippets from the sector and information on some of our partners (please get in touch if you're interested in becoming a sponsor).

We hope you enjoy reading this edition!

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

2022 artwork unveiled

Informing the visual identity for QMHW in 2022 is the artwork ‘Stronger connection creates strong health’ by Leah Cummins.

“This piece is inspired by our need to connect – a stronger connection creates a better life,” Leah said.

Ideas and tips for event hosts, plus resources

Hosting a QMHW event is a great way to bring people together to raise awareness and increase belonging and connection among your community. Looking for inspiration? Jump on our website and download the Event Starter Kit for event ideas, plus plenty of planning and promotional tips.

There's also a range of other resources available to help you spread the word, including posters and social tiles.

Download now

Calling all artists!

Applications for the 2022 Recovered Futures Art Exhibition are now open! A mainstay on the Brisbane art calendar, the exhibition showcases the talents of artists with a lived experience of mental illness while raising awareness of mental health, recovery and wellbeing. Curated by Mandana Mapar, the event is a major feature of QMHW and a celebrated exhibition in its own right.

Artists with a lived experience of mental illness (either personal experience, or as a carer or family member) are invited to complete an application by Sunday 26 June 2022.

Learn more

Artist story: A must-read

Dean Crozier has been creating art for years, but only found the courage to exhibit at the Recovered Futures Art Exhibition in 2021. It was a leap of faith that would pay off in dividends.

“The subject matter of this exhibition was attractive, as a lot of my work deals with mental health issues. To even have my pieces displayed was a big deal, as you’re really putting yourself and your story out there. To see those two red dots was even better! I like what I do, and to have someone completely objective say that they also like my work, well, that does bolster your self-esteem.”

Share your story

We are looking for stories that will help raise awareness of the importance of mental health and wellbeing, increase understanding of mental illness and recovery, and highlight the positive impact QMHW events can have on Queensland communities.

Learn more

Event spotlight: Moreton Bay Mental Health Expo

The 2022 Moreton Bay Mental Health Expo will be held in Redcliffe. From 10am-2pm on Friday 14 October there will be interactive stalls and activities, plus an opportunity to engage with community services. Then from 4pm-8pm there will be an evening event with food trucks and live music to celebrate the local community with a focus on positive mental health.

Search events

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'd like to have your organisation's mental health resources added to the page, please get in touch.

Find help

Wellbeing tip: Show kindness. Give back and show gratitude

Taking the Pulse survey

The Queensland Mental Health Commission's annual Taking the Pulse survey is now open. The purpose of this survey is to explore the views of people and organisations that influence and/or are affected by the Commission's work. The survey is repeated annually to identify trends in progress being made.

You can take the survey, here. It takes approximately 5-10 minutes.

Head to Health services on the way for Ipswich and South Burnett

Over $17 million has been committed to improving mental health outcomes across Darling Downs and West Moreton. The funding ($14 million for Ipswich and $3.4 million for South Burnett) will provide mental health support to adults in these areas that experience higher levels of psychological distress than the Queensland average. Read more.

SANE webinar - It’s time to bridge the gaps in Australia’s mental health system

SANE are hosting a webinar on June 7 at 2pm to share and discuss how they are bridging the gaps to support people living with complex mental health issues and trauma, and their families, and friends right across Australia. Learn more and RSVP here.

Survey: Research into mental health challenges during COVID-19

Researchers from Monash University and the National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Forum are seeking participants to complete a survey about Family experiences supporting people with mental health challenges during COVID-19 in Australia. Take the survey here.

Present at the Indigenous Wellbeing Conference

Unite with First Nations Australian, Māori and Pasifika community leaders and wellbeing professionals and share your insight to progress wellbeing and mental health at the 2022 Indigenous Wellbeing Conference. Presenter applications are closing Friday 10 June. Apply to present here.

TAKETIME blend helps fund frontline services

Do you love coffee? ☕️ You can still purchase a TAKETIME blend! The Mental Awareness Foundation partnered with Bellissimo Coffee to launch the blend in December 2021. It is named TAKETIME after last year's QMHW theme and 50% of all proceeds are being donated to the Mental Awareness Foundation to fund initiatives and make a difference within our community. You can learn more here.

Cross-sector collaboration

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

Each edition of this eNews will feature information on our different cross-sector partners.

Queensland Mental Health Week and CheckUP logos side by side

MATES in Construction

MATES is a charity established in 2008 to reduce the high level of suicide among Australian construction workers. MATES provides suicide prevention through community development programs on sites, and by supporting workers in need through case management and a 24/7 help line.

Visit website

Council on the Ageing (COTA) Queensland

COTA Australia’s role is to promote, improve and protect the wellbeing of older people in Australia as citizens and consumers. It seeks to be recognised by government, the general community and media as representing, advocating for and serving all older Australians.

Visit website

Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland

Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ) supports social and economic participation for all Queenslanders through strengthening community associations, delivering leadership training, creating employment pathways and raising awareness of the benefits of cultural diversity.

Visit website

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.

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands from across Queensland. We pay our respect to the Elders, past, present and emerging, for they hold the memories, traditions, the culture and hopes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the state.

Contact CheckUP

Phone: 07 3105 8300
Email: info@qldmentalhealthweek.org.au
PO Box 3205, South Brisbane Queensland 4101