Communities to benefit from mental health grant funding boost

Communities across Queensland are set to benefit from a boost in funding to the Queensland Mental Health Week 2021 Community Events Grant Program. 

In recognition of the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic Queensland Mental Health Commissioner Ivan Frkovic said the Commission had increased its funding for the program by $18,500.

“The uncertainty and unpredictability of the pandemic, and prolonged stressors such as worries about health risks, unemployment, financial hardship and social isolation all contribute to an increased level of mental health vulnerability for Queenslanders,” Mr Frkovic said.

“This has led me to increase our pool to $118,500, which will be shared by 109 community organisations stretching from the Gold Coast north to Cairns, and across the outback.”

The program provides individual grants up to $3,000 to local government, not-for-profits, companies, community groups and schools hosting events and activities during Queensland Mental Health Week.

Many events will link with local mental health services and focus on wellbeing education, as well as incorporate this year’s theme ‘Take time – for mental health’.

“This year as we commemorate Queensland Mental Health Week, it is more important than ever for us to take time for our own mental health, learn the skills to build positive wellbeing, and to look out for those we know and love,” Mr Frkovic said.

“The six building blocks of our mental health and wellbeing are: get healthy, keep learning, show kindness, connect more, take notice and embrace nature.”

CheckUP CEO Ann Maree Liddy, whose organisation administers the grant program and coordinates Queensland Mental Health Week on behalf of the Commission, said the increased investment into the grant pool would benefit communities across the state.

“This year there were 229 applications from every corner of Queensland – and the judging panel was incredibly impressed by the number, quality, and calibre of events,” she said

“Grassroot events provide a focal point for awareness, education and understanding, and this funding increase will enable even more communities to host activities.”

To participate in Queensland Mental Health Week (9-17 October) events, visit www.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.

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Safe media reporting
Visit the Mindframe website at mindframe.org.au for advice on how to support safe media reporting, portrayal and communication about suicide, mental ill-health, and problematic alcohol and other drug use.

Publicity contacts
Lisa Maynard, CheckUP, lmaynard@checkup.org.au, 0428 433 572
Kate Southwell, Queensland Mental Health Commission, kate.southwell@qmhc.qld.gov.au, 0409 275 385

Funded events

Please see below a full listing of successful grant recipients from the 2021 Queensland Mental Health Week Community Events Grant Program.

All applicants were advised on whether they were successful in September. Applicants should email info@qldmentalhealthweek.org.au if they have any enquiries.