Join us in celebrating this year’s Queensland Mental Health Week, with Livingstone – Mental Health Matters!
A series of free events including sunrise yoga, men’s mixed martial arts, fishing, arts, crafts and more will be on offer as part of Council’s activity program, Livingstone – Mental Health Matters, in conjunction with Queensland Mental Health Week (5 – 13 October).
This year’s theme, “Connect for Mental Health,” encourages residents to explore new activities and take time to connect with themselves, the community, and nature.
Co-Chair of the Recreation and Culture Committee, Councillor Andrea Friend shared her enthusiasm for the initiative, noting the importance of providing opportunities for the community to engage in activities that support mental wellbeing.
“Queensland Mental Health Week is an annual awareness initiative that aims to promote individual and community mental health and wellbeing, boost awareness of mental illness, reduce stigma and discrimination, and celebrate the contribution of the mental health and community sectors,” Cr Friend said.
“Council is proud to support this state-wide initiative and residents are encouraged to come along to one or all of the activities on offer in Livingstone.
“The events calendar will spread across two weeks, with free activities including sunrise yoga, men’s mixed martial arts, minute to win it, Fishing Friendzies, arts, crafts, and a community line dancing class!”
Co-Chair of the Recreation and Culture Committee, Councillor Lance Warcon said this year’s theme emphasises the proactive measures we can adopt to nurture and support positive mental health and wellbeing for ourselves and our communities.
“Throughout Queensland Mental Health Week, hundreds of local and regional events are held by service providers, local councils, workplaces, schools and universities, sporting groups and clubs, community groups, and individuals,” Cr Warcon said.
About half of all Australians experience mental health issues in their lifetime and about one in five Australians experience a mental health issue in any one year.
“Mental health can affect anyone. If you are suffering from mental health issues or know someone who is, please talk to your local GP or visit the Capricorn Coast Hospital and Health Service,” Cr Warcon said.
“Alternatively, one of our staff members located at The Community Centre in John Street Yeppoon can also direct you to the best available support services.”
The Livingstone – Mental Health Matters program has been funded by the Queensland Mental Health Commission through the Queensland Mental Health Week Community Events Grant Program.
More information about QMHW is available at www.qldmentalhealthweek.org.au
FOR 24/7 SUPPORT
- Lifeline – 13 11 14
- Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
- Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800
- 13YARN – 13 92 76
- Alcohol & Drug Info Services (ADIS) – 1800 177 833
- 13 MH CALL – 1300 642 25
BUILDING BLOCKS OF WELLBEING
Research shows there are six actions we can take to improve our moods, build resilience, and boost our mental wellbeing.
The below building blocks of wellbeing are from the Queensland Government’s Dear Mind initiative and you can find examples of self-care activities at https://mentalwellbeing.initiatives.qld.gov.au.
Get healthy— being active and eating well is good for your mind and body
Keep learning — learning new things can be fun and boost confidence
Show kindness — practising small acts of kindness, volunteering time, or simply helping a friend in need can help you feel more satisfied with life
Connect — spending time with other people is important to everyone’s mental wellbeing and can be done while carefully observing social distancing
Take notice — paying more attention to the present and the world around you can help you relieve stress and enjoy the moment
Embrace nature — connecting with the outdoors and taking care of the planet is the best recipe for world wellbeing