Looking to make a positive impact on mental health in your community? Do you have a great idea for a Queensland Mental Health Week event?
To assist communities in getting their ideas up and running there are one-off grants of up to $3000 now available through the Queensland Mental Health Week Community Events Grant Program. But you need to hurry because applications to this program, funded by the Queensland Government through the Queensland Mental Health Commission, close next week at 5pm on Friday 26 May 2023.
Queensland Mental Health Commissioner Ivan Frkovic said Queensland Mental Health Week events can provide a safe and supportive environment for people to come together, share experiences and learn about mental health and wellbeing.
“Through awareness and education, these events can help break down stigma surrounding mental health challenges and encourage people to seek help when they need it,” he said.
“Queensland Mental Health Week events foster a sense of community connection and inclusion, helping people feel supported and less alone-which can be especially important during times of increased community distress.”
Mr Frkovic emphasised the importance of prevention and early intervention to reduce the incidence and impact of mental illness in Queensland.
“Making time each day to focus on the building blocks of mental wellbeing-getting healthy, continue learning, show kindness, connect more, take notice and embrace nature-build healthy habits that help you stay well,” he said.
CheckUP administers the Queensland Mental Health Week Community Events Grant Program on behalf of the Queensland Mental Health Commission and in 2023 there will be a total funding pool of over $100,000 available for distribution.
CheckUP CEO Ann Maree Liddy explained that the grants offset event expenses, such as engaging specialists for workshops or seminars, so people are getting quality information about looking after their mental wellbeing.
“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,” Ms Liddy said.
“The whole community can benefit from discussions about good mental health, so we hope to see grant applications come in from every corner of Queensland.”
Queensland Mental Health Week will be held from 7-15 October, encompassing World Mental Health Day on 10 October, with the theme ‘Awareness, Belonging, Connection’.
