CheckUP have proudly been coordinating Queensland Mental Health Week (QMHW) since 2018. Held annually in October, the week aims to shine a spotlight on individual and community mental health and wellbeing. This year, the theme was ‘Connect for mental health’.

QMHW is funded by the Queensland Government through the Queensland Mental Health Commission and delivered through strong cross-sector collaboration.

Over 550 community events were officially registered on the QMHW website. The number of community events has increased since last year and has more than doubled since CheckUP began coordinating the initiative.

It has been incredible to see QMHW grow, with communities across the state coming together for mental health. QMHW 2024 events took place from Coen in Far North Queensland down to Texas on the NSW border, and out West to Charleville, Longreach, and Mount Isa. Thank you to all those who got involved and helped increase community connection with a QMHW event!

The CheckUP team had the pleasure of attending a few of the amazing QMHW events over the week.

To kick off QMHW, CheckUP team members (pictured above) attended the 14th Walk for Awareness. Starting early, a record 2,000+ people braved the heat to join the 9km walk around Kangaroo Point in Brisbane.

Across the state, CheckUP offices held their own QMHW events with activities ranging from massages to affirmation writing and mindful colouring. We’d like to thank the QAIHC, Mookai Rosie, NATSIHA and Deadly Choices teams for coming along to our events and taking a moment to connect for mental health with us.

The images above feature Brisbane CheckUP team members plus QAIHC team members at the Brisbane QMHW event. Cairns CheckUP team members are shown in the bottom row, right hand side image.

CheckUP represented QMHW at Windsor Group‘s Annual Mental Health Forum on World Mental Health Day. The Symposium focused on workplace mental health and gave valuable insights into how we can all remove the stigma surrounding mental health conditions and encourage early support and intervention.

Ivan Frkovic (MC), Queensland Mental Health Commissioner, and panelists Carly Jacobitz, Deputy Chief Executive—Child Youth and Family at Life Without Barriers, Jennifer Black, previous CEO of Queensland Alliance for Mental Health, and Jane Gardner, Global Head of Wellbeing at Lendlease are shown in the images above. Also pictured are CheckUP team members with a QMHW banner and brochures, and forum attendees.

Brisbane CheckUP team members attended the 2024 Queensland Mental Health Achievement Awards. Coordinated by Open Minds Australia, the awards celebrate individuals and communities making a meaningful contribution to the mental health sector by reducing stigma and providing practical support to people experiencing mental illness.

CheckUP proudly sponsored the Schools Award and would like to recognise all the incredible award nominees, finalists and winners dedicated to improving Queensland’s mental health outcomes. Congratulations to the winners of the Schools Award, Australian Trade College – North Brisbane, who won for their Powered by Positivity program.

Ivan Frkovic (MC), Queensland Mental Health Commissioner, is shown above with the Australian College – North Brisbane Schools Award winners, and Conor Blakely, QMHW Coordinator.

View the May edition of the Queensland Mental Health Week eNews online.

View the April edition of the Queensland Mental Health Week eNews online.

We are excited to announce that the Queensland Mental Health Week Community Events Grant Program is now open for applications!

In 2024, $100,000 worth of grants are being made available to help organisations across the state host Queensland Mental Health Week (QMHW) events.

The theme for Queensland Mental Health Week 2024 is “Connect for mental health”. This QMHW, we want Queenslanders to consider and connect with the people and communities that help them be mentally healthy.

The grant funding will support innovative events that provide a focal point for awareness, education, and understanding of mental health and wellbeing, help foster community connection, and enhance inclusivity for those living with mental health challenges.

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 $2,000 to assist with event costs.

Community organisations, charities, local councils, sports clubs, school P&Cs, workplaces, and more are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to make a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing in your community.

To understand eligibility requirements, please read the 2024 Grant Guidelines before applying. You can also find a grant FAQ on the Queensland Mental Health Week website.

Apply for funding before the deadline on Friday 17 May 2024.

To apply for a grant, please use SmartyGrants. You can sign up for a free account or use an existing account.

We encourage you to share this opportunity with your networks. If you have any questions about the program, please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@qldmentalhealthweek.org.au.