About Queensland Mental Health Week
Mental health and wellbeing starts with communities looking out for each other. Year after year we have seen Queensland Mental Health Week events bring communities together each October, helping bolster a sense of belonging and generate connections and conversations.
Holding an event throughout the week is a great way to encourage awareness of mental health in your workplace, school, or community. Resources have now been released on the Queensland Mental Health Week website to help people get involved in the awareness initiative, which will be held from 8-16 October.
The new theme for Queensland Mental Health Week in 2022 is ‘Awareness, Belonging, Connection’, reflecting the important factors that help people maintain positive mental health and wellbeing.
Funded by the Queensland Mental Health Commission, Queensland Mental Health Week is coordinated by CheckUP and delivered by a strong cross-sector collaboration.
Queensland Mental Health Commissioner Ivan Frkovic said Queensland Mental Health Week served to remind all Queenslanders to prioritise their mental health and wellbeing.
“Mental health and wellbeing is the foundation for flourishing individuals, families and communities, and it is something we all have to work at to build and maintain,” Mr Frkovic said.
“Queensland Mental Health Week 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.
“Importantly, increased community awareness helps break down stereotypes around mental illness and helps people recognise stigma when it occurs.”
Mr Frkovic said one in every five Queenslanders was likely to experience some form of mental illness every year.
“We need to ensure that people know where to get help when they need it, and that we focus on those things that sustain and maintain our mental wellbeing, to act as a buffer when life is challenging,” he said.
It’s easy to take part. Simply visit qldmentalhealthweek.org.au to find information, ideas, and resources to host an event, and register an event.
For 24/7 crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. In an emergency, call 000.
About the week’s theme
Awareness is about understanding the things we need to maintain and boost our mental wellbeing, and knowing when we need to reach out for help and where to get it.
Belonging is about looking out for each other, ensuring we feel safe and supported, and understanding that however we feel, we’re not alone, and that there are others going through the same thing.
Connection is about our relationships with our friends, families, and those that we care about, as well as the groups, clubs, and networks around us that we rely on to help keep us happy and healthy, wherever we live, work, or play.
Find out more! https://www.qldmentalhealthweek.org.au
