Welcome to the September edition of the Queensland Mental Health Week (QMHW) eNews. With just over a week until QMHW begins, now is the time to make sure you're all set for the week. In this newsletter we'll cover some of the major events happening around the state and give you all the latest QMHW news.

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.

Communities from Stanthorpe to Quilpie and all the way up to Badu Island will benefit from grant funding for Queensland Mental Health Week 2023.

A record-breaking 157 events across Queensland will be supported by the Queensland Mental Health Week Community Events Grant Program, with grants ranging from $500 to $3,000. 

Funded by the Queensland Government through the Queensland Mental Health Commission and administered by CheckUP, the grant program supports Queensland Mental Health Week events that raise awareness of mental health, increase understanding of mental illness, and reduce stigma. 

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 suite of free resources.

The hope is that these resources will open up discussions about mental health and help children learn how to express their feelings and act on those emotions in a positive way, seeking support when needed. View the resources here.

Thank you to all the early birds who registered their Queensland Mental Health Week events and entered our QMHW Giveaway! We can't thank you enough for your support in helping to raise awareness. The first 100 registered events went in the draw to win one of four fantastic prize packs thanks to our prize sponsor, Alex Surf Club! The prize packs consisted of:

• A T2 gift pack with five classic teas in handy teabags
• A frank green small essentials gift set with a reusable ceramic cup and bottle
• A $100 Visa gift card

The events were judged on creativity and the incorporation of the QMHW 2023 theme of Awareness, Belonging, Connection.

Congratulations to the following four winners who nailed the brief, creatively incorporating the ABCs of mental health into their events.

Show your support of Queensland Mental Health Week by registering your event! Not only will you become an official part of the week you will also unlock free resources. Register today!

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.

When children reach a big milestone, like daycare, pre-school or school, it can be exciting. For many parents and carers, it can also mean challenges. Positive parenting strategies can help make the process smoother.

As children become more independent, parents and carers often feel a range of emotions, from worry to joy. Learning to pay attention to those reactions – and focusing on staying calm and optimistic – can help children have a better experience.

Parents and carers have lots of opportunities to help children learn how to adjust to new experiences positively.

To discover more, read Triple P’s article, supporting children through big milestones: five tips.

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 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