- WA Mental Health Week 2023 launches today in Esperance
- Events supported by the Cook Government, through the Mental Health Commission
- New WA Mental Wellbeing Guide launched during Mental Health Week
WA Mental Health Week 2023 officially launches today, with events kicking off in the Great Southern town of Esperance.
The picturesque regional location aligns with this year’s theme of ‘Mind. Body. Environment’, reinforcing the importance of the connection between mental health, physical health, and our environment.
The opening event will run from 10am to 2pm near the Esperance Museum, and includes activities such as dodgeball, food stalls, live music, and art displays.
Multiple events will feature across the State throughout the week, including a Jungle Body mega dance class at The Court and Breakfast by the Bay at the University Club of WA.
The start of Mental Health Week coincides with the release of the new Western Australian Mental Wellbeing Guide.
The guide was developed by the Mental Health Commission after extensive consultation with Government, non-Government, private, and community organisations, as well as representatives from the lived experience sector.
The guide aims to:
- improve the understanding of the term “mental wellbeing” and how it impacts both mental health and physical health;
- identifying factors that impact mental wellbeing;
- provide practical examples of activities that can increase or maintain mental wellbeing, and;
- encourage evaluation and research of mental wellbeing programs to build evidence about effective strategies.
The guide is now available on the Mental Health Commission’s website.
WA Mental Health Week 2023 runs from 7 to 14 October, 2023.
As stated by Mental Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
“WA Mental Health Week offers another opportunity to reinforce the important issue of social and emotional wellbeing.
“With more than half of Western Australians experiencing low to moderate mental wellbeing, there is an opportunity for each person to put themselves first by looking after themselves and focusing on mental health.
“Taking care of our mind, body, and environment is essential to achieving this, as we know that our physical health has a significant impact on mental health.
“This Government is committed to ensuring Western Australians have access to mental health services to assist them to live their best lives.
“The Cook Government invested $1.358 billion in mental health, alcohol, and other drug services in the 2023-24 State Budget.
“The launch of the Western Australian Mental Wellbeing Guide this week further demonstrates the importance of increasing and maintaining mental wellbeing in the community.”
