It’s Mental Health Week (10-17 October) in Western Australia, and the theme is Strengthening Our Community – Live, Learn, Work, Play as we aim to increase mental wellbeing in WA communities.
There are more than 200 events taking place right across the State including art exhibitions, concerts, campfires, community walks, dancing, sailing and training workshops. To participate, find a local event or learn more about Mental Health Week 2020 visit http://www.mentalhealthweek.org.au.
In 2019-20, over $5.3 million of Healthway grant funding was allocated to 70 organisations to improve mental health in our community.
The promotion of positive mental health and wellbeing is a key focus of our grants and over the past year Healthway has worked with partner organisations to:
- Increase knowledge of strategies for staying mentally healthy
- Shape environments conducive to good mental health
- Create opportunities for social inclusion and connectedness
- Improve public understanding of the catalysts of good mental health
- Reduce social harms (such as bullying and discrimination)
- Improve knowledge of how to seek help when needed.
These partnership case studies are highlighted in our 2019-20 Annual Report.
We are proud to be work together with our partners to support Western Australians to be mentally healthy.
Below is a snapshot of some of the programs and resources available through our Health Promotion Partnership Program.
- West Australian Opera Act-Belong-Commit Learning Hub has a range of unique digital resources
- WA Country Football League Think Mental Health Bush Footy Legends podcast series
- Co3 Act Belong Commit ‘Connect’ program. Under the Same Sky is a three-part education program for students Years 6 – 12,
- Barking Gecko in collaboration with ThinkArts in India has created a new digital initiative Isolate > Create > Connect to highlight the similarities and differences that children are experiencing right now across the globe
- West Australian Music (WAM) resource hub to keep our passion for music alive
- North Midlands Project Creative@Home is an online program for people to Act-Belong-Commit creatively while they’re at home
- Esperance Community Arts creates opportunities for engagement in arts and cultural activities while promoting good mental health
- WA Disabled Sports Association Act-Belong-Commit recreation and sport opportunities for people living with Disabilities in WA.
- Curtin University’s Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) is a course to teach participants the skills needed to recognise and respond to young adults who are dealing with mental health issues
- Think Mental Health Be Positive. Be Connected. Be Active. is a campaign with resources and information to support the wellbeing of all Western Australians during COVID-19
- Curtin University, through The Mentally Healthy WA team delivers the Act Belong Commit Program to the WA community. Act-Belong-Commit is promoted across a number of Healthway funded projects throughout metropolitan and regional WA.
Need to talk to someone?
Talking to someone may help relieve feelings of anxiety and stress and may provide a fresh perspective and strategies to help you cope with the situation.
Visit the Mental Health Commission WA’s website for a list of suitable support numbers and services available to you.
