A grant program aimed at supporting Queensland Mental Health Week events that raise awareness of mental health, increase understanding of mental illness, and reduce stigma will see organisations from Cairns to the Gold Coast and west to Mt Isa share in $130,000 in funding.
Funded by the Queensland Mental Health Commission and administered by CheckUP, the Queensland Mental Health Week Community Events Grant Program will support a record-breaking 117 events to be held this October with grants of up to $3000 being awarded.
Queensland Mental Health Commissioner Ivan Frkovic said the events will help bring the message of wellbeing to the heart of communities, and reach out to those who may be marginalised, or at most risk of poor mental health.
“Every year, Queensland Mental Health Week events bring communities together, bolster a sense of belonging and help generate connections and conversations,” Mr Frkovic said.
Almost half of all Australians will experience a mental illness at some time in their life, with 1 in 5 (20%) having experienced a common mental illness in the previous 12 months.*
“Anyone can be susceptible to mental ill-health,” Mr Frkovic said.
“These grants will help provide opportunities for people in communities across Queensland to take stock of their wellbeing, and ensure they know where to get help when they need it.
“Activities set to take place include wellbeing expos, art exhibitions, workshops, poetry slams, and morning teas, with many of the events linking with local mental health services and focusing on wellbeing education.”
CheckUP CEO Ann Maree Liddy said the organisation received 170 eligible applications and were pleased to see an increase in event proposals from many regions across the state.
“We are excited by the calibre and creativity of events approved for funding that promise to attract community involvement in Queensland Mental Health Week and promote individual and community mental health in ways and settings appropriate and meaningful to each community,” Ms Liddy said.
“The grant funding helps offset event expenses, such as fees for engaging specialists and the purchasing of workshop supplies, so communities can host more informative and effective events.”
Ms Liddy said there are many ways people can participate in Queensland Mental Health Week, including hosting or attending an event, wearing merchandise, and starting conversations on mental health.
“You can get inspired with ideas on how to host an event, download resources to assist with planning, and look up events in your local area on the Queensland Mental Health Week website,” she said.
Queensland Mental Health Week will be held from 8-16 October 2022, encompassing World Mental Health Day on 10 October, with the theme ‘Awareness, Belonging, Connection’.
For more information visit www.qldmentalhealthweek.org.au.
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.
Mental health statistics
* Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2022). Mental health services in Australia. Retrieved from https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/mental-health-services/mental-health-services-in-australia
Safe media reporting
Visit the Mindframe website at www.mindframe.org.au for advice on how to support safe media reporting, portrayal and communication about suicide, mental ill-health, and problematic alcohol and other drug use.
