Mental Health Month
Welcome to Mental Health Month 2023!
Mental Health Month takes place over October, and includes the United Nation’s World Mental Health Day on 10 October.
MHCC ACT proudly organises Mental Health Month on behalf of the ACT.
Mental Health Month is a time to celebrate the work of our community in creating connection and belonging, fostering the mental health of all Canberrans.
October is also a time to raise awareness of the fact that all of us have mental health, that we have a right to mental health, and we all have a role to play in supporting our own and others’ mental health.
Mental Health Month is celebrated in the ACT with a range of community events and activities each October. There are opportunities for everyone in our community to get involved, take steps to maintain and boost their own mental wellbeing, build networks, and support others.
Join Us Online
#MHM23
Our Theme
In line with themes being used in other states and territories around the country, the 2023 theme for ACT’s Mental Health Month is: Awareness, Belonging, Connection.
Awareness
Awareness is about understanding how to maintain and boost our mental wellbeing, realising when we need to reach out for help, and knowing where to get it.
Belonging
Belonging is about looking out for each other, feeling safe and supported, and knowing that we’re not alone: there are others who understand what we’re going through.
Connection
Connection is about our relationships: not just with our friends, families and those we care about, but also the groups, clubs, and networks we rely on to help us stay happy and healthy.
Mental Health Month Calendar
3 October
9.30 – 10.30am
Salthouse Community Centre,
Haig Park, Braddon
Join us as we kick off Mental Health Month, hear about the plans for the month, and mingle over morning tea
1 – 10 October
Fun, daily activities to foster positive mental health
Make sure to follow us on socials so you can download the trail – fun, daily activities to celebrate and improve on your mental health.
Let us know how your trail goes, and you’ll go in the draw to win some great prizes!
World Mental Health Day
10 October
From 6pm
Canberra’s iconic Telstra Tower is going green in support of Mental Health Month!
On 10 October, snap a selfie of you with Telstra Tower (or just the Tower) and tag the Mental Health Community Coalition on socials (Instagram, Facebook, and/or Twitter) along with the hashtag #LightUpForMentalHealth… maybe you might even want to include your favourite wellbeing tip?
We’ll be raffling off some great prizes for those that get involved so make sure to tag us, or email admin@mhccact.org.au with your photo!
11, 12, & 13 October
11am – 4.30pm
Westfield Belconnen
This year we are taking over a space at Westfield Belconnen to engage with the Canberra Community and provide resources and information on the wonderful services available in our community.
At this hub, we will again be giving out our very popular resource and wellbeing “showbags” and we would love your involvement! Please email rahni.orrdeas@mhccact.org.au with any resources you would like to get into the hands of Canberrans.
Awards
The ACT Mental Health Month Awards recognise the achievements of individuals, groups, organisations, businesses and initiatives in the area of mental health in the ACT.
Awards are now open! You have until midnight 24 September to nominate. Please read the nomination guide and nominate now!
Nominations are judged by the Mental Health Month ACT Advisory Committee, a passionate group of people representing those with lived experience and MHCC ACT member organisations.
2023 Mental Health Awards Ceremony
We’re proud to represent an inspirational, dedicated sector.
That’s why we’re excited to be organising the Mental Health Month Awards for 2023
Speakers include:
- Opening by MC Genevieve Jacobs
- Address by the Hon. Dr Andrew Leigh, Federal Charities Minister
- Address by Emma Davidson, ACT Minister for Mental Health
- Sophie Lewis, ACT Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment
- Dr Elizabeth Moore, Coordinator-General of the Office for Mental Health and Wellbeing
- MHCC CEO Melanie Poole
- Award winners
…And more to be announced!
Live Music will be performed by Ben Drysdale of Ben Drysdale music
1 November
5 – 8pm
Juliet, the upstairs room at Verity Lane Market
50 Northborne Ave, Canberra
Wellbeing Priori-Tea
Have a cuppa for mental health.
Each October, we ask Canberrans to take a break in their workplace or community and make mental health a priority by hosting a Wellbeing Priori-Tea.
The Wellbeing Priori-Tea project aims to bring people together to have a chat over a cuppa during Mental Health Month. Talking about our mental health and wellbeing is a great way to raise awareness, foster a sense of belonging, and build connections.
This October, take a break in your workplace or community and make mental health a priority by hosting your own Wellbeing Priori-Tea! It could be a morning tea, afternoon tea or high tea, and could be in-person or virtual! You could also use your event to help raise donations for a mental health charity of your choice.
Register your Wellbeing Priori-Tea
When you register, you will receive the Wellbeing Priori-Tea pack, which includes resources to help organise and run your event, as well as information on developing and maintaining mentally healthy workplaces.
Promotional resources
Download Mental Health Month ACT 2023 social tiles, reels, and posters.