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As we gear up for Mental Health Week this October, there has never been a more important time to come together as a community both locally and nationally to promote mental health and wellbeing and to increase our understanding and reduction of stigma about mental illness and how it impacts on the lives of people in our community.
In collaboration with other State peak community mental health bodies, NT Mental Health Week is coordinated by the Northern Territory Mental Health Coalition and funded by the NT Government and NT PHN.
Mental Health Week in the Northern Territory this year will be from 8 – 16 October, with the theme ‘Awareness, Belonging, Connection’ - key factors in maintaining good mental health and wellbeing.
Awareness is about understanding what we need to do to boost and maintain our mental wellbeing. It’s also about 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 that we’re not alone no matter how difficult our feelings or experiences are.
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.
This year we're encouraging everyone to get behind Mental Health Week and show support by turning the NT orange! We’ve chosen orange as the official colour for Mental Health Week because it is warm, energising, and has a positive and uplifting influence. We are inviting people to get creative and think of different ways to showcase the color orange, whether at work, at home or as part of a hosted event. Think orange themed food at a morning tea, a ‘Wear Orange Day’ at work or having orange lighting around your home or office – all great ways to start a conversation and show that mental health and wellbeing is important to you.
Mental Health Week Small Grants
Once again, the Northern Territory Mental Health Coalition will be facilitating a small grants program to help organizations run Mental Health Week events. Events can be educational, fun, creative, innovative and/or interesting. For more ideas and information on how to host an event visit www.ntmhc.org.au/nt-mental-health-week/download-resources/ and check out our downloadable participation kit. Grant applications are now open and close on Thursday 15 September at 4:00pm. Successful applicants will be notified by Monday 19th September.
To learn more about Mental Health Week Small Grants or to submit an application click here.
Mental Health Week Events
All Mental Health Week event holders will be able to register their event via the NTMHW website events page, whether they are grant funded or otherwise. The Northern Territory Mental Health Coalition will help to promote events registered in the calendar via social media and other platforms. To register a MHW event or to view the events calendar, go to www.ntmhc.org.au/nt-mental-health-week/.
Mental Health Awards
Has someone stood out for their exceptional mental health support or work in the community? Then why not nominate them for an award during NT Mental Health Week so that their efforts and good work can be recognized and celebrated. To nominate someone go to www.ntmhc.org.au/nt-mental-health-week/awards/nominate-someone/. Nominations close 23 September 2022. Don’t miss the deadline!
Resources for Event Holders
To help you plan and promote a great Mental Health Week event, we have put together some resources, including a participation and event planning kit, the MHW logo, email signatures, posters, and social media tiles (coming soon!).
Don’t forget to like our FB page and keep up with MHW events and other updates. Send us your stories, photos and other updates so we can include them in our next newsletter and on our FB page. Get in touch if you have any questions. You can reach us at 08 8948 2246 or by email at admin@ntmhc.org.au.
Support an Event
There are countless ways to participate in Mental Health Week. If you are looking to make a difference, but don't want to run an event, you could find an event near you and offer to help as a volunteer. You can also show your support and connect with others in your community by making time to attend an event. There are plenty of in-person and online events being held and many opportunities for people to get involved. To see what's happening during MHW, or to register your event, visit: https://ntmhc.org.au/nt-mental-health-week.
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