A record-breaking 117 events will be supported through the Queensland Mental Health Week Community Events Grant Program!

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 $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 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,” said Frkovic.

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.

“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,” he added.

Multiple activities are set to take place including wellbeing expos, art exhibitions, workshops, poetry slams and, morning teas. Many of the events are in collaboration with local mental health services.

CheckUP CEO Ann Maree Liddy said the organisation received 170 eligible applications and was 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,” said Liddy.

“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.”

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.

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’.