5-13 October 2019

All the latest QMHW news

There are less than 7 weeks until Queensland Mental Health Week officially begins!

We are excited to bring you the latest updates. In this issue, we get to know a community champion, launch our #TakeTime Instagram challenge, and more.

#QMHWTakeTime Instagram Challenge

Aligning with our Take time — for Mental Health theme, we are inviting people across Queensland to share with us what it looks like when they ‘take time’ for the things that boost their mental wellbeing.

Join the challenge and let your image inspire others. You will also have the chance to win some great prizes including:

• 3 x Lifetime Awaken Mind app licences
• 2 x Buddha boards (inspired by the Zen idea of living in the moment)
• 1 x Fitbit Inspire (drawn on 3 October 2019)

The challenge begins on August 26!

See all the details on our website, and be sure to follow us on Instagram.

Join us: Register your event

What are you doing for Queensland Mental Health Week?

Whatever it is we want to hear about it. Join the #QMHW community right across our state and encourage others to get involved by registering your event now. It only takes a minute to tell us about your event/activity, and we’ll help spread the word! We know some events are best kept small or private — you can still have the benefits of registering your event, without making your location public.

Our options for registration:

• Public events: your event is published and promoted on the website as being open to the whole community.
• Private events: your event name and details will be published, but the location omitted. Your event will also be listed as private. Good for school or workplace events.

Get involved and promote positive mental health and wellbeing in your community: register now.

Event Spotlight: Brisbane Mental Health Expo

Now in its 9th year, the Brisbane Mental Health Expo is a free event that promotes social and emotional wellbeing, and encourages people to maximise their health potential.

Visit the expo to have fun as you learn more about mental health programs and services in the Brisbane area.

There will be food, music, arts, interactive stalls plus more for all to enjoy!

Stay tuned to the Expo Facebook page for the program launch.

Meet Justin Chapman

Justin Chapman, from Brisbane, was the proud winner of the Individual Award during the 2018 Queensland Mental Health Week Achievement Awards.

Justin began his mental health career working as a peer-support worker in 2011, where he developed and implemented peer-support and exercise programs for people with mental illness. This holistic focus on health and recovery inspired him to pursue his doctorate in measuring and positively influencing physical activity in adults with mental illness, which he completed in 2016.

He currently works as a Research Officer at QIMR Berghofer's Mental Health and Complex Disorders research program, and a Consumer Consultant with Metro South Addictions and Mental Health Service. Justin also works with PCYC Queensland, establishing community-based exercise and lifestyle programs for people recovering from mental illness across Queensland.

If you'd like to read more about Justin, please see the full article from Open Minds.

Time to nominate your Mental Health heroes

Nominations for the Queensland Mental Health Week Achievement Awards close on 2 September 2019.

With 10 award categories, this is a fantastic opportunity to recognise those who work tirelessly to reduce stigma, and support and empower those living with mental illness.

If you know an individual, group, or organisation who deserves recognition for their work in mental health, nominate now.