The 2014 Act came into effect in July 2014. It introduced new principles to support people experiencing mental illness to make and participate in treatment decision (shared decision making) and to have their views and preferences considered and respected.
Statewide Mental Illness Learning Exchange
Events
Be involved
There are countless ways to support mental health. Participate in a way that’s meaningful to you or your community. Various awareness activities are available at a local level, nationally and internationally.
2021 events
R U OK Day
Thursday 9th September 2021 is R U OK? day & this year the message is: Are they really OK? Ask them today. Learn more.
World Suicide Prevention Day: Out of the shadows
September 10 2021 is World Suicide Prevention Day and Lifeline is calling on all Australians to join them in creating hope through action. Through connection and the voice of others, we unite to reflect and remember. We stand together to raise awareness and overcome the stigma surrounding suicide. Learn more.
Odd Socks Day
Friday 8 October 2021. Odd Socks Day is a light-hearted way to remind people that we can all have an odd day. The day attempts to tackle the stigma around mental illness. Learn more
Ability Fest
27 November, Alexandra Gardens Melbourne. Ability Fest is the country’s first and only completely inclusive, fully accessible music festival, brought to you by the Dylan Alcott Foundation & Untitled Group and presented by Triple J. Learn more
The Mental Health Services (TheMHS) Conference is Australasia’s leading and most diverse mental health conference
The theme for the conference is ‘HOPE into Action’. TheMHS will be holding our annual conference in Melbourne 12-15 October 2021. There are also virtual attendance options for TheMHS Melbourne Conference. Learn more.
National Mental Health Month 2021
October is National Mental Health Month 2021 Awareness Campaign theme is: ‘Mental Health: Post Pandemic Recovery Challenges and Resilience’. Throughout this month, many events have been organised in each state of Australia aiming to attract and unite Australians of all ages and backgrounds to raise awareness and promote better mental health for all. Learn more.
Cultural/ annual
Cultural perspective: working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients in general practice
This session is open to GPs, nurses, practice staff and other practitioners working in this field. 18 September 2021, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm Bundoora, VIC. Learn more
African Music and Cultural Festival
For the first time the unmissable free African music and culture festival returns to Federation Square Melbourne for 3 days 19-21 November 2021 read more.
World Kindness Day
November 13 is the day to highlight good deeds in the community focusing on the positive power and the common thread of kindness which binds us. Make kindness the norm! Learn more
Human Rights Day
Human Rights Day is observed every year on 10 December — the day the United Nations General Assembly adopted, in 1948. Learn more
Fundraising
Chamberlain Foundation
The Chamberlain Foundation is a suicide prevention and mental health charity providing support to organisation whose services help Australians prevent and recover from these experiences. We help fund programs that support Australia’s first responders, volunteer emergency workers, service men and women and the wider community. Learn more
Run the Tan 2022
Run the Tan is an exciting new showcase running festival presented by AIA Vitality, featuring four key events taking on the challenging 3.8 km course. The event promotes a healthy and active lifestyle for all Australians, with a primary focus on raising awareness of the positive impact of exercise on mental health and wellbeing. Learn more
Walk for mental health at Coastrek 2022
Coastrek is a trekking challenge, focusing on fun, fitness, friends and fundraising in support of Beyond Blue! Teams of four walk 60 or 30km along spectacular coastlines near Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide. Learn more
National R U OK Campaign
R U OK? inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with the people around them and start a conversation with anyone who may be struggling with life.
You don’t need to be an expert to reach out – just a good friend and a great listener. Learn more
Newsletters
Stay in the loop with our monthly newsletters!
If you are having thoughts of suicide, or severe self-harm please follow your crisis plan. If you do not have a crisis plan please call your treating clinician, therapist, general practitioner, one of the numbers listed below or go to the Emergency Department of the nearest hospital. In a life-threatening emergency ring 000.
Phone numbers and other supports that can be contacted in a crisis:
Life Line: 13 11 14 | www.lifeline.org.au
Sane Helpline: 1800 187 263 | www.sane.org