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5 - 13 October 2024
July eNews

Welcome to the July edition of the Queensland Mental Health Week (QMHW) eNews!

 

It might be chilly in Queensland at the moment, but Queensland Mental Health Week is heating up! New resources have been added to the QMHW website (more coming soon), grant outcome announcements are scheduled for early August, and there's only 10 weeks until the week officially begins. Now is the time to plan for your Queensland Mental Health Week.

 

Read on for how to get involved in QMHW, major event updates, news from the sector, and wellbeing tools and resources.

 

Plan an event

Queensland Mental Health Week is about connection! Connect with community at your school, community group, or sports club by hosting a QMHW event. Get ideas for events and preparation tips from our Event Starter Kit. From initial brainstorming to on-the-day tips, this kit is your guide to hosting a QMHW event.

Download kit
Register your event

Once you've got your QMHW plans sorted, it's time to register your event. Officially registering your event comes with a range of benefits, including having your own page on our website, use of the QMHW logo, the option to be mentioned in our communications, and public events appearing on our event map.

Register
Get QMHW posters

We've just released a new poster design focusing on how you can connect for mental health! There are now three QMHW poster designs for download from our website ready for print or digital use. Plus, use our editable poster to make a QMHW poster for your event.

 

Posters and other resources are available on our resources page.

View resources
Achievement Awards – nominations extended

Nominations for the Queensland Mental Health Week Achievement Awards have been extended until 2 August! Now is your chance to shine a light on the incredible work happening in the mental health sector. Nominate today to recognise great work being done across the 11 award categories.

 

The awards are an important part of Queensland Mental Health Week and a chance to recognise and celebrate the achievements of individuals, groups and organisations working to reduce stigma and empower those living with mental illness. Open Minds has proudly hosted the Awards since 1996. The 2024 Awards will be presented at a ceremony in Brisbane on Friday 11 October 2024.

 

Download the nomination pack for more information about the categories and the nomination process or nominate online now.

Out From The Mist – competition currently open

Out From The Mist is an international competition that celebrates photography, short films, and music, providing a powerful platform for those with lived experiences of mental illness. When words fall short, images and music become vibrant conduits for expression. It is open to photographers, musicians, and short filmmakers who wish to explore their own experiences or those of someone close to them. Whether you are a professional or an amateur, all stories are valid and welcome.

 

The competition runs from July 1st to August 30th, with the awards night being held on World Mental Health Day, October 10th, in Brisbane. For more information and entry conditions, please visit the website.

 

Recovered Futures Art Exhibition – save the date

Save the date for the 2024 Recovered Futures Art Exhibition proudly hosted by Richmond Fellowship Queensland (RFQ). This year the exhibition will run from 4-10 October in the Grand Marquee in King George Square, Brisbane CBD. Over 270 artists with lived mental health experience will showcase a diverse array of works. Artists have been busy dropping off their creative endeavours and this year there are over 400 entries to the exhibition which is the biggest response to the call-out yet!

 

RFQ are proud to announce Nicola Holly will return as the Curator for the second year in a row, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and experience as Galleries Manager for Queensland College of Art.

 

During the lead-up to the exhibition, the Recovered Futures Art Exhibition showcase a variety of artist stories encompassing their lived experience and how their art practice is intertwined. Sign up to the mailing list on the Recovered Futures website to keep up to date with fresh information regarding the exhibition and read more about the exhibiting artists.

 

More information and details can be found on the Recovered Futures website or by following the Instagram or Facebook page.

Walk for Awareness – registrations open

The Walk For Awareness is happening again on Sunday October 6th 2024! The Walk For Awareness, run by the Mental Awareness Foundation is a time to come together as a community to celebrate life and remember those we’ve lost. We believe that matters surrounding suicide should be discussed, not hidden. So, take One Step At a Time with the MAF community on a 9km walk for mental health, starting at the lovely Captain Burke Park in Kangaroo Point. If you can’t join in person, there is also a virtual walk so people from all over Australia can walk for what they believe in.

 

Registrations are now open. You can also read the FAQs and donate.

 

Podsquad

Podsquad is a free play-based wellbeing app to help families make healthy happen!

 

Aimed at kids aged 5-12 years and their families, Podsquad helps kids learn about eating better, moving their bodies more, and the importance of sleep through bite-sized lessons, tailored to their wellbeing goals.

Learn more
SANE Forums

It can be difficult engaging in face to face supports when you’re living with mental health issues. The SANE Forums are an online space where you can connect with others without the pressure some people experience with in-person support.

Visit Forums
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.

Visit website
How to sleep well webinar

On 6 August, Beyond Blue are hosting a free sleep webinar for people who want to develop strategies for better sleep to improve their mental health. Learn about:

  • The science of sleep
  • Sleep and mental health
  • How to act early to stop sleep difficulties impacting mental health
  • Evidence-based strategies for better sleep
  • Available resources and supports.
Register now
Sign up to Amplify

Amplify is Queensland's Psychosocial Peak Body newsletter, amplifying the voices of those with lived/living experiences. It is a platform to share resources, conferences, workshop information and articles that may assist people with mental health challenges navigate the Community Mental Health sector and seek opportunities in systemic advocacy.

 

Sign up to the Amplify Newsletter and learn more about the work of the Queensland Alliance for Mental Health's work as the Psychosocial Peak Body via the link below.

 

Learn more
Partyline seeks submissions

There have been many great Queensland Mental Health Week events focusing on art therapy and the mental health benefits of participating in the arts.

 

If you have a story showcasing the positive impact of arts programs on health in rural and remote areas, this is a great opportunity. The National Rural Health Alliance is now seeking submissions for Partyline Issue 88 focusing on how arts programs benefit the health of rural people and communities.

Learn more
People Like You Podcast: Real Stories, Real Impact

SANE's podcast aims to break down the stigma surrounding mental illness by sharing authentic stories of lived experience.

 

Each episode features heartfelt conversations with individuals who have faced mental health challenges, offering hope, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of the diverse experiences within our community.

Listen now
Queensland Mental Health Week and CheckUP logos side by side

Funded by 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

© 2024 Queensland Mental Health Week. All rights reserved. Unsubscribe.