Mental Health Week is part of a National Mental Health promotion campaign held in October each year, and incorporates World Mental Health Day, held globally on 10 October. The purpose of this awareness week is to engage communities in activities that promote mental health and wellbeing and increase understanding and reduce stigma about mental illness, and how it impacts on the lives of people in our community.

Mental Health Week in Queensland this year was held from 10 – 15 October. The theme for Mental Health Week this year was ‘Take Time’. Queenslanders are being encouraged to focus on the things that they can sustain and maintain their wellbeing.

“This year as we commemorate Queensland Mental Health Week, it is more important than ever for us to take time for our own mental health, learn the skills to build positive wellbeing, and to look out for those we know and love.

“A conversation can play a powerful role in connecting someone to the care they need. This can be as simple as asking, ‘how are you doing?’, ‘can I do anything for you’ or ‘are you okay?’ and showing people that you care.”

At Calliope State School the students took time to celebrate by participating in a Picnic lunch with their family members that could make it, followed by lots of fun to be had playing tug-a-war and Limbo on the front oval. They got to show their skills off with a before school fitness work out in the hall with Mrs Smith-Ashton, some mindfulness colouring, cricket match with the junior school, game of Edor on the back oval for the upper school and Friendship band making in the tuckshop area. All students thoroughly enjoyed themselves and were very respectful and helpful with each activity offered on the day. 

For more information around Mental Health, please visit this link: https://www.qldmentalhealthweek.org.au/