QLD Mental Health Week

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5 - 13 October 2024

November eNews

Hi friend,

Welcome to our final Queensland Mental Health Week (QMHW) newsletter for the year!

While QMHW is over for 2024, that doesn't mean it's time to lose focus on mental health and wellbeing. Christmas is fast approaching and this can be a very busy and sometimes stressful time of the year. Your mental health is important — remember to take care of yourself during busy periods. That could mean taking a break, participating in activities that boost your mood, or making sure to keep up with your self care routine. In this issue, we'll be sharing some tips on nurturing your wellbeing during the holidays.

We're also asking for affirmations and wellbeing tips from you! What has helped you in the past? We would love to get your submission through our web form. If you're comfortable sharing something longer, you can also share about your mental health journey or about the impact of a QMHW community event.

We'll be back with an issue of the QMHW eNews in early 2025, where dates for 2025 will be announced. Stay tuned for more updates in the new year.

Read on for the latest Queensland Mental Health Week news. Thank you for your support for QMHW 2024!

Submit an affirmation

If you've got a great affirmation, a mantra you live by, or a wellbeing tip that never fails to turn your day around, we'd love to hear it!

Submit an affirmation or wellbeing tip below for the chance to be featured in next year's affirmation deck!

Submit here

Share your story

Sharing your mental health story can help raise awareness! By sharing your experiences, you can help others feel less alone and reduce stigma.

We are looking for stories that show the importance of mental health and wellbeing, increase understanding of mental illness and recovery, and highlight the impact QMHW events can have on Queensland communities. Do you have a story you want to share?

QMHW Achievement Awards winners

Check out the winners of the 28th Queensland Mental Health Week Achievement Awards. The winners in each of the 11 award categories were announced during an uplifting Awards breakfast ceremony held on Friday, 11 October 2024, at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

A major QMHW event, the Achievements Awards are hosted by Open Minds. The Awards highlight the often-unsung heroes within the mental health community.

Recovered Futures Wrapped

Recovered Futures Art Exhibition was held from 4-10 October 2024 with:

180 exhibiting artists
Over 270 artworks displayed
117 artworks sold ($72,000 worth of artwork sales, with 85% going to artists)
Over 10,400 exhibition attendees
Over 16,000 visitors to the online store

“I love the way mental health well-being is portrayed in most of the paintings. It makes me think about my dark times and how I overcome them. And it makes me realise how far I have come.”

— Camilla, exbihition attendee.

Recovered Futures Art Exhibition will be back in 2025 with the call out for artwork submissions to be announced early next year. If you are interested in keeping up to date with the exhibition and latest news, subscribe to the mailing list or follow on Instagram for updates.

View website

MAF Sunday Strut

The Mental Awareness Foundation (MAF) is hosting a Christmas Sunday Strut after the success of their flagship event, the Walk for Awareness during Queensland Mental Health Week.

Join MAF for the Sunday Strut and Christmas Gathering at Frew Park in Milton on Sunday 8 December at 8am! Along with breakfast, they will be completing a few loops of the park walking track.

Get tickets

Be kind to yourself this holiday season

Christmas can be a time of joy and celebration for some, but for others, it can be stressful and isolating, even amplifying mental health challenges. It’s important to acknowledge how you feel at this time of year and prioritise your own mental wellbeing and that of others you may be caring for. We’ve put together some tips and strategies to help support your mental wellbeing during the holidays. See the full article on our website.

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

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