Welcome to the May edition of the Queensland Mental Health Week (QMHW) eNews! We have some important reminders and sector updates to share with you.

First, a friendly reminder that applications for the QMHW Community Events Grant Program will be closing tomorrow, Friday 26 May, at 5pm sharp. Don't miss out on this opportunity to secure funding for your QMHW event.

Additionally, applications for the Recovered Futures Art Exhibition are also closing soon. Artists with lived experiences of mental health challenges interested in selling their work are encouraged to complete an application before Sunday 11 June.

We're happy to share that the first wave of resources will be released in June featuring the 2023 theme 'Awareness, Belonging, Connection'. Get ready to access valuable materials that will help you plan events that promote mental health awareness and wellbeing. In preparation, awareness ribbons have been ordered, and the merchandise shop will also open next month.

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.

• Workshop opportunity: Anthony Lamond is a veteran stand up comedian who is interested in working with organisations to hold workshops during QMHW. The course he has developed helps students who participate in building resilience, teamwork and develop confidence. For more information email anthony@promexpo.com.au.
• Share your story: We are looking for stories that will help raise awareness of the importance of mental health and wellbeing, increase understanding of mental illness and recovery, and highlight the positive impact QMHW events can have on Queensland communities. You can share your story here.
• Sponsorship opportunity: As we prepare for this year’s QMHW, we are excited to invite you to partner with us in making this initiative a success. The 2023 QMHW Sponsorship Prospectus provides an overview of the sponsorship opportunities available for this year. For enquiries please contact CheckUP's General Manager - Workforce and Engagement, David Millichap, via dmillichap@checkup.org.au.
• 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.

Schizophrenia Awareness Week runs from 21-27 May. This year, the theme is 'Rebuilding a better mental health system together'. The Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia (MIFA) are joining with their members and partners to advocate for more investment in mental health services in the community for people who have lived and living experience of severe and complex mental health conditions like schizophrenia. Read more here.

The way we communicate about mental health and wellbeing, mental health concerns, suicide, and alcohol and other drugs (AOD) can have either a positive or negative impact on a person’s life. The words we choose to use can make all the difference. Mindframe have created a practical, research-informed, and user-friendly resource guide that is designed for media, researchers, service providers, and other communicators. It seeks to inform, support, and empower people to select and use words in ways that minimise stigma and harm and maximise diversity of representation. Read more here.

QAMH is developing a Workforce Strategy for the Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Sector. As part of this, they want to tap into the collective wisdom of Lived Experience to understand:

• What skills, knowledge and attitudes are missing from our current workforce?
• How should we design the future workforce to better meet the needs of people experiencing mental distress?

QAMH are holding a facilitated workshop in Brisbane on Friday 30 June, 9am – 3:30pm to discuss these questions. Participants will be paid $200 for their time (only 10 places available). Please note that only those not currently working in the sector are eligible for this opportunity. If you are interested in contributing to this important conversation, please complete this survey by COB Friday 9 June. 

Please note: Completing an EOI does not guarantee you a place.

A new report published by the University of Technology Sydney presents findings from a national survey and series of interviews with LGBTQIA+ young people, aged 16-25 years, about digital peer support for mental health. It offers insight into how young LGBTQIA+ people support each other as digital peer support experts in ways that families, schools, and health practitioners cannot. Read the report here.

Funded by the Queensland Mental Health Commission, Queensland Mental Health Week is coordinated by CheckUP and delivered by a strong cross-sector collaboration. 

• Read our sponsorship prospectus to get involved as an official partner in 2023.
• Learn about our valued cross-sector supporters and their involvement in our governance groups.

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