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Launching Queensland Mental Health Week are, from left, Daniel Rich, Mental Awareness Foundation leaders Wesley and Tudor Vasile, Ivan Frkovic, Bryan Dorfling and Jessicah Schipper.
Thousands of people from Cape York to Currumbin and west to the border will take
time for mental health at more than 250 events across the State during Queensland
Mental Health Week next week (5 - 13 October).
Queensland Mental Health Commissioner Ivan Frkovic and Mental Awareness Foundation ambassadors Brisbane Lion Daniel Rich, Olympic swimmer Jessicah Schipper and long distance
walker Bryan Dorfling joined forces today (1 October) to launch the week at an event at Brisbane’s Customs House.
Mr Frkovic will be among more than 2000 people to step out on Sunday (6 October) in one of
the week’s feature events – the Mental Awareness Foundation’s 8km Brisbane Walk for
Awareness.
“We have some very exciting events registered so far this year, which means there will be
lots of choice for Queenslanders,” he said.
Many of the events are supported by a Queensland Mental Health Commission grants pool
of more than $100,000, and many more are organised by schools, businesses, and
community groups.
“It’s vital we spread the message that there are some simple things we can do to boost
mental wellbeing, including staying active and maintaining connections with families, friends
and communities,” Mr Frkovic said.
He said one million Queenslanders – one in every five people – experienced mental illness
each year, with 50 per cent of the population experiencing such an illness in their lifetime.
“We need to ensure that people know where to get help when they need it, and that we take
time to focus on the things that can sustain and maintain our mental wellbeing, particularly
when life is challenging.”
Many Queensland Mental Health Week events link with local mental health services and
focus on wellbeing education and mental health first-aid, while community events emphasise
inclusion and diverse opportunities to get involved.
“Mentally healthy and strong communities value, look after and include all their people,
especially the most vulnerable,” Mr Frkovic said.
Mr Mark Fenton, Board Chair of the Queensland Alliance for Mental Health, said he was
delighted by the number, quality and calibre of Queensland Mental Health Week 2019
events.
“The Alliance is a strong supporter of Mental Health Week and we are really pleased to see
strong interest from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and great
representation of rural and remote communities,” he said.
This year’s QMHW events include group meditation, yoga and tai chi sessions, and activities
for schools.
Find an event near you here
Media contact: 3033 0340
