2022 Mental Health Week Participation

Carpentaria Shire Council is pleased to be participating in Mental Health Week with two separate events registered. The first being Light Up Shire of Carpentaria where we have Kris, the Normanton and Karumba Entry Signs lit in Purple and Green between 8th and 16th October. We are also assisting with Raising Awareness in Carpentaria, our second registered event, with a series of Facebook posts and Media Releases on the Council Website.

Almost half of Australians are likely to be diagnosed with a mental illness in their lifetime, leaving half of us knowing someone living with or having experienced a mental health issue.

However, mental health is something every person has – and it’s important to know that everyone’s mental health varies during their life and can move back and forth along their own personal range.

Queensland Mental Health Week (QMHW) provides an opportunity to promote positive mental health and wellbeing to our communities and aims to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.

Hundreds of events, activities and conversations are set to take place across the state from Saturday 8 October to Sunday 16 October to mark the annual awareness initiative.

The 2022 theme ‘Awareness, Belonging, Connection’ reflects the important factors that help people maintain positive mental health and wellbeing.

• Awareness is about understanding the things we need to maintain and boost our mental wellbeing and knowing when we need to reach out for help and where to get it.
• Belonging is about looking out for each other, ensuring we feel safe and supported, and understanding alone, and that there are others going through the same thing.
• Connection is about our relationships with our friends, families, and those that we care about, as well as the groups, clubs, and networks around us that we rely on to help keep us happy and healthy, wherever we live, work, or play.

Below are a few simple ideas for how you can get involved in the week.

• Organise an event or activity to raise awareness and promote help-seeking behaviours. This can be as simple as a morning tea where you discuss mental health and share information on support services! Check out the QMHW Event Starter Kit for tips on how to plan an event. If you decide to get involved, make sure to  register your event on the website.
• You can also check out the digital resources and help raise awareness! Download the bunting, posters, social media graphics, zoom backgrounds and a range of school resources.
• Attend an event – it’s a great opportunity to learn more about wellbeing and take time to connect with others. You can search Queensland events here.
• Get creative and think outside the box of your usual mental wellbeing routine to find fun ways to get a happiness boost. Follow Queensland Mental Health Week on Facebook for ideas.

Funded by the Queensland Mental Health Commission, Queensland Mental Health Week is coordinated by CheckUP and delivered by a strong cross-sector collaboration.

To learn more about Queensland Mental Health, search for events, download resources, and find support services, visit qldmentalhealthweek.org.au.

For 24/7 crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.

In an emergency, call 000.