Hi friend,

It's Queensland Mental Health Week (QMHW)! 🧠 We appreciate your support and hope you will take time to embrace this year's theme over the coming week and raise awareness, bolster belonging and connect with the people and places that boost your mental wellbeing.

Watch the YouTube video linked below to learn more about this year's theme 'Awareness, Belonging, Connection' and the opening event for QMHW, the Mental Awareness Foundation's Walk for Awareness, which will see people walk 9kms around the Brisbane River (and virtually from locations across the country) in recognition of the 9 people who die every day by suicide in Australia.

Online registrations for the event close today. Visit www.walkforawareness.org.au.

Below are some simple ideas to raise awareness.

• Talk about mental health, discuss experiences, and dispel myths and inaccurate stereotyping if they come up in conversation
• Educate yourself about the signs and symptoms of various mental illnesses
• Become aware of what sustains and maintains your mental health
• Share information about mental health on your social media. You may like to use the Communications Kit and download social media graphics.
• Learn how to build a mentally healthy workplace and make spaces you engage in within the community safe and welcoming to people with experiences of mental illness
• Participate or volunteer in awareness events

Over 400 events are being held to mark QMHW this year!

QMHW events and activities provide a focal point for awareness, education, and understanding of mental health and wellbeing, and help foster community connection and inclusion for those living with mental illness, their families, carers, and support people.

A huge THANK YOU to all of you who are raising awareness by hosting events. If you need any last minute tips, make sure to check out the Event Starter Kit. The checklist on the final page may be particularly handy!

If you are interested in attending an event in your community or online, check out our Events Calendar. Below are some events happening over the next few days.

*Each event will have its own registration process, opening times, etc, so please get in touch with the respective event organiser directly if you have any questions.*

MULTI-DAY EVENTS

• 5-17 Oct - Mind Australia’s Annual Mental Health Art Exhibition is a place where people can express themselves through art, celebrate resilience and promote mental health and wellbeing. The exhibition at Jubilee Community Exhibition Space in Mackay will be open to the public on weekdays. Plus, there will be a family-friendly QMHW Celebration Day on 14 October. Learn more 👉️ https://bit.ly/3Rt7LML
• 7 - 20 Oct - The Junction Clubhouse Cairns Inc will be holding a public art and storytelling event , 'Awareness through Mutuality, Connection through Expression, Belonging through Place'. Learn more 👉️ https://bit.ly/3UKIO25
• 8 -12 Oct – 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 is in Townsville. Learn more 👉️ https://bit.ly/3fsSoqc
• 8-13 Oct - The Recovered Futures Art Exhibition will take place in Brisbane City Hall and King George Square. Learn more 👉️ https://bit.ly/3yglnnx 
• 8 Oct -16 Oct - Moreton Bay Regional Libraries are facilitating a 1000 hearts sewing circle. Hand-stitch a felt pocket heart to be given away in a random act of kindness. Learn more 👉️ https://bit.ly/3eaziox

SATURDAY 8 OCTOBER

• 8 Oct - Roma Public Library has organised 'Take-Home Teen Hobby Packs'. Learn more 👉️ https://bit.ly/3V3GyD7
• 8 Oct - Wide Bay Advocacy Inc is inviting the community to come and try mindfulness meditation. Learn more 👉️https://bit.ly/3SThdKx
• 8 Oct - Murgon RSL Sub Branch is hosting an awareness session with information session on the role of assistance dogs. Visit the event listing 👉️ https://bit.ly/3Cs5Hjy
• 8 Oct - PsychLab is hosting a QMHW Forum at Urangan Community Wellness Centre. Learn more 👉️ https://bit.ly/3RtVffU
• 8 Oct - Gladstone MindCare will host the Calliope Women's Wellness Day at Calliope State School Hall. Learn more 👉️ https://bit.ly/3rnJCfP
• 8 Oct - selectability is inviting the community to attend events in Sarina and Townsville as part of its 'On Your Bike for Mental Health' series. Learn more 👉️ https://bit.ly/3V45F97

SUNDAY 9  OCTOBER

• 9 Oct - Join the BIGGEST walk for mental health - the Mental Awareness Foundation's Walk for Awareness. Learn more 👉️ https://bit.ly/3Eiwe4o
• 9 Oct - The CapRescue Health & Wellness Expo will aim to showcase all things health, fitness, and wellness in Gladstone. Learn more 👉️ https://bit.ly/3E9TCAV
• 9 Oct - selectability is inviting the community to attend events in Mackay and Burdekin as part of its 'On Your Bike for Mental Health' series. Learn more 👉️ https://bit.ly/3RFDE4F
• 9 Oct - The All of Us Festival will be held 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. Learn more 👉️ https://bit.ly/3Eaj750
• 9 October - Mulgrave Landcare and Catchment Group is hosting Be Kind to Your Mind in Gordonvale. Many and varied activities will be available to participants, including yoga, horticultural healing, face painting, live entertainment, the launch of the street library, and more! Learn more 👉️ https://bit.ly/3fh9Nlw 

MONDAY 10 OCTOBER

• 10 Oct - Out From The Mist is a photography, short movie, and music competition. The 2022 Awards Night for the competition will be held at 19 Karen Gallery. Learn more 👉️ https://bit.ly/3VlMfg6
• 10 Oct - Join Workplace Health and Safety Queensland on World Mental Health Day for a breakfast event and hear from Ambassador Hayley Lewis. There will also be a panel discussion on the role of different regulators and legislation for mental health at work. Learn more 👉️ https://bit.ly/3SInFEf
• 10 Oct – selectability is holding an ABC Art Exhibition at their new Mental Health Hub in Townsville. Artists will be in attendance and there will be a luncheon provided. Learn more 👉️ https://bit.ly/3dRvZT0

One in five people experience mental health issues each year. It’s important to remember that help is available.

If you or someone you know needs support, contact can be made with one of the below services. The 'Find help' page on our website also links to helpful websites, covering 24/7 help lines, gambling assistance, relationships, eating disorders, parenting and more.

• Lifeline - 13 11 14 | lifeline.org.au
• Suicide Call Back Service - 1300 659 467 | suicidecallbackservice.org.au
• Kids Help Line - 1800 55 1800 | kidshelpline.com.au
• ADIS (alcohol and drug support) - 1800 177 833
• Beyond Blue Support Service and Forums - 1300 22 4636 | beyondblue.org.au | forums.beyondblue.org.au
• SANE Forums - qldmentalhealthweek.saneforums.org

In an emergency, call 000.

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