Communities across the State will benefit from a grants pool of $100,000 to support Queensland Mental Health Week (QMHW) awareness events.

Individual grants up to $3,000 are now open to local government, not-for-profits, companies, community groups and schools hosting events and activities during QMHW, from 9-17 October 2021, under the QMHW Community Events Grant Program.

An annual initiative, the grant program is funded by the Queensland Mental Health Commission and administered by CheckUP.

Queensland Mental Health Commissioner Mr Ivan Frkovic said the QMHW Community Events Grant Program contributes toward increased knowledge of mental health and connection among people and communities.

“Queensland Mental Health Week provides an opportunity to promote positive mental health, and these grants will improve the community’s ability to host bigger, more informative and inclusive events,” Mr Frkovic said.

“As we recover from the pandemic, it’s important that every Queenslander learns and practices the building blocks of mental health and wellbeing – get healthy, keep learning, show kindness, connect more, take notice and embrace nature.

“Local community activities provide a focal point for awareness, education and understanding, and help foster community connection and inclusion for those living with mental illness, their families, carers and support people.

CheckUP CEO Ann Maree Liddy said there are three different amounts of grant funding available in 2021 – $3000, $1000, and $500.

“The grants offset event expenses such as engaging specialists for workshops or seminars, so people are getting quality information about looking after their mental wellbeing,” Ms Liddy said.

“The whole community can benefit from discussions about good mental health, so we hope to see applications from every corner of Queensland.

Applicants are encouraged to partner with mental health and other local organisations, as well as local councils, to maximise the reach and impact of events and activities.”

Grant applications close at 5pm on Wednesday 30 June 2021. For more information visit www.qldmentalhealthweek.org.au.

Media enquiries:

CheckUP, Lisa Maynard, lmaynard@checkup.org.au, 07 3105 8308
QMHC, Kate Southwell, kate.southwell@qmhc.qld.gov.au, 0409 275 385

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.

Featured photo: By Melissa Walker Horn on Unsplash.