More than $100,000 worth of grants are being made available to help organisations across the state host Queensland Mental Health Week events that raise awareness of mental health, bolster belonging, and create connections.
Funded by the Queensland Government through the Queensland Mental Health Commission and administered by CheckUP, the Queensland Mental Health Week Community Events Grant Program provides the opportunity for eligible organisations to apply for up to $3000 to assist with event costs. Applications to the program opened today (26 April) and will close on Friday 26 May 2023.
Queensland Mental Health Commissioner Ivan Frkovic said it was important for everyone to take steps every day to look after their mental health and wellbeing.
“Good mental health and wellbeing boosts our resilience, helps us manage the everyday stresses of life, and benefits individuals, families and communities-but it’s something we all have to work to maintain,” Mr Frkovic said.
“The grant program enables organisations to improve mental health and wellbeing through community awareness and engagement, education and understanding, and inclusion of people living with mental health challenges along with those who support them.
“The Commission has been proud to support communities to run events during Queensland Mental Health Week over many years, and we look forward to another round of engaging activities that help people participate in, and feel connected to their communities all across Queensland.”
CheckUP CEO Ann Maree Liddy said she hoped to see grant applications come in from every corner of the state, urging non-profits, businesses and local councils in regional, rural, and remote communities to apply.
“It is also important for us to embrace diversity through valuing and supporting people with different experiences, backgrounds and cultures, so the grant program considers the needs of groups vulnerable to great risk of mental health challenges,” she said.
In 2023 Queensland Mental Health Week will be held from 7-15 October with the theme ‘Awareness, Belonging, Connection’.
Ms Liddy said the theme had resonated strongly with Queenslanders last year and that she hoped to see many organisations once again embrace the “ABCs of mental wellbeing” when planning Queensland Mental Health Week activities.
“‘Awareness, Belonging, Connection’ is simple but it covers so many of the important factors that contribute to good mental health and wellbeing. It speaks to the importance of understanding the things we need to maintain and boost our mental wellbeing, why we need to look out for one another, and the vital role connections and community play,” Ms Liddy said.
