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Launch Comedy Evening

Tuesday 1 October

7pm

The Dickson Tradies 2 Badham St Dickson ACT 2602

Come along to the official launch of Mental Health Month in the ACT! Help us promote positive mental health, break down stigma associated with mental illness and be entertained by some of the best club comedians in Australia! Purchase tickets online.

Find out more:

Table-tennis-athon

University of Canberra Table Tennis Club at Bruce: drop in Tuesday afternoons at the UC Gym from 3.30-5pm during October. Pop-in for a game at the ACT Table Tennis club at Griffith, ACT on Sunday 13 October: 11am-2pm

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Host or participate in a table tennis party to raise funds for mental health resources, including sporting equipment, at the ACT Extended Care Unit, providing residential care for people with complex and enduring mental health issues. Register and donate online to support fundraising for the Canberra Hospital Foundation: Mental health: ECU.

Find out more: To book a table or host a party go to Eventbrite:

Guide to Workplace Mental Health for Managers

Various dates 1st, 8th, 19th & 25th October

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Ground Floor Function Room, North Dame Pattie Menzies House, 16 Challis Street, Dickson

Commencing in National Safe Work Month (October), WorkSafe ACT is running free 2 hour workshops (in Dickson) to provide guidance to anyone who has a Work Health and Safety (WHS) duty to prevent and manage harm to workers’ psychological health. The workshop will cover guidance material providing a step-by-step process for managing psychological injury, intervening early and taking preventative action to prevent your workers becoming ill or sustaining a psychological injury.

Find out more:

Mental Health Workshops and Information Sessions

Tuesday 1 October

10am – 2pm

Community Services Number One, Boolimba Street Narrabundah ACT

Two 45-minute workshops will be held: 10.30am - 11.15am and 12.30am – 1.15pm. Both Workshops will be 15 minutes each of Drumming, Mindfulness Exercise and Mandala work. There will also be an information stall about what Making Connections Together and Avenue Counselling offer the community.

Find out more: Contact

Pigment of the Imagination art exhibition

Opening Celebration 2 October 5:30pm – 7:30pm Exhibition 1 October to 18 October 9am - 5pm

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Belconnen Community Gallery, Belconnen Community Centre, Swanson Court, Belconnen

BCS & Wellways invites you to the Pigment of the Imagination art exhibition for Mental Health Month. This exhibition will showcase works by people with disabilities, mental health consumers and support persons in the Canberra community.

Find out more: or contact or

Watch Your Wellness

Friday 4 October

11am – 2pm

Eddison Park, Woden

Watch Your Wellness is a FREE festival celebrating mental health and wellbeing in the Canberra community. The festival aims to bring awareness to the lived experience and encourage participants to learn strategies to help reduce the risk of mental illness. The festival will include a variety of activities including mindfulness, art, exercise groups, live music and guest speakers sharing their story of mental illness and recovery. For more details about the day, follow the link:

Find out more: Contact

Spring-time Walk in the Yarralumla Park & Visit to the Heritage Nursery

Saturday 5 October

CLOSED EVENT

Yarralamla Park

Spring walk at Yarralumla Park and visit to the heritage Nursery. Sharing our stories of recovery through the power of friendship. Experiencing comraderies of the common journey of positive, supportive and health-focus recovery. This event is a closed event for St Vincent de Paul Compeer Participants/Friends only.

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Resilience Art Workshops – With Mariana Del Castillo

Gungahlin Library: Thursday 10 October, 10am-2pm Gungahlin Community Centre: Saturday 5 October, 11am-3pm

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Join one of the artist-led workshops to help get your ideas flowing or create something in your studio or at home to submit into the ‘Resilience’ exhibition. Please refer to the event 'Resilience – Celebrating Mental Health Month' for exhibition details.

Find out more: Visit for entry details and workshop bookings or contact Michele Grimston, Gungahlin Community Arts Officer on or 0403 929 739 for enquiries

Physical Health Matters

Tuesday 8 October

1:30pm - 3pm

Room 8, Griffin Centre, 20 Genge Street, Canberra, ACT 2601

Hear distinguished Emeritus Professor Ian Webster AO present ideas on helping people with serious mental illness improve their physical health. This group has much shorter life expectancies than the general population due to easily preventable physical illnesses. Michael Moore, a former minister for Health in Canberra will be the Master of Ceremonies. Afternoon tea provided.

Find out more: Open to all, no charge – please register through Eventbrite to help with catering numbers.

The ManWalk

Tuesday 8 October

6am

pin Viking Park Wanniassa, Australian Capital Territory, Australia

Did you know there are 8 suicides a day, 6 of those being men? Join us on the 8th at 6am to walk, talk and support. The ManWalk provides a place for men to get together, have a chat and support each other. Breakfast provided for a donation.

Visit or contact

YOUthrive

Tuesday 8 October - Friday 11 October

10am - 3pm each day

Stromlo Cottage and Woden Youth Centre

Throughout this week YET (in collaboration with other community services) will be providing training and education to increase mental health and wellbeing for young people 16-25. Topics covered will include mental health first aid, save a mate, AOD education and mindfulness/meditation.

Find out more: Contact Youth Engagement Team (YET) – 6283 6900

The Street University's Cypher Music Video Launch

Tuesday 8 october

12:30pm

23 East Row Civic, 2601 Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

Over this past year eight of our young rappers have collaborated in writing a song about some of their mental health challenges, they’ve been fearless and brave in sharing their experiences around depression, anxiety and substance abuse. "Okay" is a culmination of this collaboration and they'll be launching the song along with a music video on the 8th of October at 12.30pm which also coincides with the beginning of Mental Health Week. We’d like to invite you to this special event where you’ll hear directly from the artists about their experiences in writing the song and their vulnerabilities in sharing their personal thoughts about a subject that affects us all. For a preview of the video and the song go to: Watch Video: Bandcamp: Soundcloud: RSVP by 4/10 for catering purposes.

Find out more: Contact

Walk around the lake

Wednesday 9 October

10am - 2pm

Starting point: Rond Terrace, Commonwealth Park

Join Headspace Canberra for a Wellness Walk (Bike or Scooter) and scavenger hunt around Lake Burley Griffin. On completion, join us at the wellness fair for a free BBQ, a cuddle with some furry friends and entertainment. 12 -25 years.

Find out more: Check the headspace Canberra Facebook page

Mental Health & Wellbeing Expo

Thursday 10 October

11am to 2pm

Garema Place and City Walk, Civic

The Mental Health & Wellbeing Expo is a free public event bringing the ACT community together to celebrate positive mental health and learn more about the services available in the ACT. Join over 70 local organisations in a fun market day atmosphere with interactive activities, sausage sizzle and music.

Find out more:

People with Disabilities ACT Morning Tea

Thursday 10 October

10am - 11:30am

Canberra Museum & Gallery 176 London Circuit Canberra, ACT 2601

Come to the Canberra Museum and Gallery (CMAG) on the 10 October at 10AM for a free light morning tea, and a cartoon exhibit in the Theatre to kick off World Mental Health Day. Following this, a host of other free events and activities kick off in Garema Place from 11am.

Find out more:

Talking Park Bench Launch

Thursday 10 October

11am to 2pm

Mental Health & Wellbeing Expo, Garema Place and City Walk, Civic

A simple conversation can change your day! The Wellways Talking Park Bench project will transform unassuming park benches by dressing them up with banners & conversation starters to encourage conversations in community spaces. Come and see us for a chat!

Find out more: Contact Wellways Reception on 02 6246 7100

Life in Community (LinC) Art Workshop

Thursday 10 October

11am to 2pm

Mental Health & Wellbeing Expo, Garema Place and City Walk, Civic

The LinC program recognises that social connectedness is vital to wellbeing. LinC workshops promote positive mental health & wellbeing by connecting people to the community through creative activities. Join our inclusive art workshop at the Expo, meet new people and create!

Find out more: Contact Wellways Reception on 02 6246 7100

Mental Health Workshops and Information Sessions

Thursday 10 October

11am to 2pm

Mental Health & Wellbeing Expo, Garema Place and City Walk, Civic

Two 45-minute workshops will be held: 11.30am - 12.15pm and 1pm - 1.45pm. Both Workshops will be 15 minutes each of Drumming, Mindfulness Exercise and Mandala work.

Find out more: Contact

Designing for Better Mental Health

Thursday 10 October

5:30pm

Level 1, 44 Jardine Street, Kingston, ACT, 2604

A discussion to explore how we design products and services that complement existing treatment pathways, improve outcomes for people experiencing mental illness, and connect this with public policy that can be personalised to every individual's changing needs.

Find out more:

S.A.D: A journey Through the Seasons of Mental Health

Thursday 10 October – Sunday 13 October

7.30pm Thursday - Saturday, 2.30pm Saturday Matinee

Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen ACT 2617

Returning after a sell out run in 2018, S.A.D is a movement theatre piece, that seeks to start an honest conversation about mental health. A colourful, original and dream like show full of laughter, tears, truth and we hope, healing. It's ok, not to be ok.

Find out more:

The Canberra Mental Health Film Festival

Friday 11, Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 October

Various times

Various venues - Visit the link to find out more

The 2nd Canberra Mental Health Film Festival presented by This Is My Brave Australia Inc. Award winning films from all over the world on the theme of mental health that: • Provide an inspiring voice for social justice and human rights • Highlight positive contributions made by mental health consumers • Fight stigma and defy stereotypes associated with mental illness • Share real life stories Including special panel sessions with film makers and winners of the "Local Hero" Competition Cast your vote on screening nights for Best Film in Festival category by attending screenings.

Find out more:

AGA Story Poles

Saturday 12 October

10am-4pm

AGA House, 8 Piguenit Close, North Lyneham

Come along to learn and work with Aboriginal artists to paint up AGA Story Poles.

Find out more:

My Treasure Workshop

Saturday 12 October

11am to 2pm

Raiders Club, 1 Liardet Street, Weston

My Treasure Workshop will engage multicultural women in art therapy. Participants will explore mental health by sharing personal stories and experience in a caring supportive environment. Every participant will paint an art piece that reflects something or someone they treasure.

Find out more: or

Celebrity Charity All Star Game

Saturday 12 October

5:30pm -7:30pm

MIT Ballpark Narrabundah

A free community event where VFWL, Olympians, Politicians, and more come to play for Mental Health Peer Support Work. A gold coin donation where possible. Funds raised will go to support training to launch Peer Support graduates in Canberra and nationally. A big night at the ballpark!

Find out more:

Good Moods 2019

Saturday 12 October

6:30-11:30

Chisholm Tavern

Good Moods is a mini festival featuring 6 great bands. All money raised goes to headspace Canberra in recognition of International Mental Health Awareness week. Entry is $10 at the door inc. a free drink. Come on down and help us support great local music while putting up a fight against the biggest killer of young people in Australia. Line Up includes: 6:30pm - Grace Gee 7:20pm - Bad Lunar

Find out more:

Perinatal Wellbeing Centre (PANDSI) Fest

Monday 14 October

10am - 12:30pm

Weston Neighbourhood Oval Playground, Hilder Street, Weston.

For Mental Health Month PANDSI is hosting a community picnic in the park, with fun activities, sausage sizzle, cake stall, information on perinatal mental health, options for support and more. Bring your family and friends! The more the merrier!

Find out more: Visit (or PANDSI Facebook Page - Events) and 6288 1936

Be Kind To Your Mind

Monday 14 – Thursday 17 October – one campus per day

11am – 1pm

CIT Bruce, CIT Reid, CIT Fyshwick, CIT Tuggeranong

Join us for live music from CIT bands, free food, information on mental health issues, art activities, inspiration posters, and handouts which help to reduce stigma and promote good mental health and wellbeing.

Find out more:

A drumming workshop for mental wellbeing

Saturday 19 October

10am – 1pm

Ainslie Arts Centre Main Hall

Sound Escape is a drumming workshop for mental wellbeing. Introducing hand drumming and percussion techniques from across different cultures we will be focusing on using drumming to alleviate stress, generate energy, promote creativity and meet new people. Everyone is welcome.

Find out more: or call 6182-0030

"Do You Want Fries With That?" - Mental Health Concert presented by Eelworks

Friday 18 October

Doors open at 6:30pm

Nation's Heart, 27 Rae Street, Belconnen

Annual Concert for Mental Health, produced by Eelworks with all funds raised going to support the work of the Mental Health Foundation ACT. Performers include: Duncan n. Sargeant, Mick Brown, Ken Fraser (on the bagpipes) and MaD - a dynamic music duo. A light supper is provided for a gold coin donation.

Find out more: or contact lyn.diskon@mhf/org.au

RESILIENCE – Celebrating Mental Health Month Open Call Art Exhibition

Friday 18 – Sunday 20 October

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Gungaderra homestead, Harrison

Celebrate mental health month by sharing your story of resilience in the form of an A3 work on paper. Entries are open to artists across Australia of all ages, backgrounds and abilities who would like to share a part of their mental health story. Join one of the artist-led workshops (see Resilience art workshops event for more info) to help get your ideas flowing, or create something in your studio or at home to submit. Entries open Monday 12 August. Entries close Monday 14 October.

Find out more: Visit for entry details and workshop bookings or contact Michele Grimston, Gungahlin Community Arts Officer on or 0403 929 739 for enquiries.

The Great Amazing Wellbeing Race!

Saturday 19 October

10.30am registration for 11am start

Oval on Montford Cres, Lyneham (opposite the ACT Recovery College - Unit 2/9 Montford Cres)

The Great Amazing Wellbeing Race is a fun, family-and-dog-friendly event. Register your team to compete for clues across 10 pitstops to win the inaugural Great Amazing Wellbeing Trophy. Enjoy a refreshing drink, music and cupcakes at the Finish Line!

Find out more:

Afternoon Tea with the Mental Health Advisory Council

Monday 21 October 2019

2:00pm – 3:00pm

National Portrait Gallery

Members of the Mental Health Advisory Council request the honour of your presence at our afternoon tea. About this Event Each year 1 in 5 Australians experience a mental health issue. Approximately half of all individuals will experience issues with mental health in their lifetime. This could be you, a loved one, a family member, a friend, a colleague, a neighbor… Inspired by the 2019 ACT Mental Health Month theme ‘Conversations & Connection’, The Wellbeing Priori-Tea aims to bring people together to have a chat over a cuppa during Mental Health Month in October. Come and have afternoon tea with Members of the Mental Health Advisory Council and learn more about who they are, their work and role.

Find our more:

Peer Work Panel Event

Tuesday 22 October

12pm - 2.30pm

Johnson Auditorium, Pilgrim House - 69 Northbourne Ave, Canberra City

Peer workers have personal experience of mental illness. This workforce is growing rapidly, with research showing it is key to embedding person-first, recovery-oriented and trauma informed mental health services. Participate in this thought-provoking panel style event – you won’t be disappointed! Free but RSVPs essential. Questions must be submitted ahead of the event.

Find out more: or contact admin@mhccact.org.au.

Mental Health Matters - Community Health Expo

Wednesday 22 October

3pm - 5pm

Margaret Hendry School

Your Health Matters! Come on down and have something to eat, purchase a delicious coffee and chat to service providers. Learn Indigenous contemporary dance and yoga, and get your teeth checked all in one spot! Contact Tammi for more details.

Find out more: Contact Tammi.O’Callaghan@ed.act.edu.au or 61422800

Fragments by Maura Pierlot, Directed by Shelly Higgs

Wednesday 23 – Sunday 27 October

Wed 23 – Sat 26 Oct 7:30pm Sat 26 Oct 4pm & 7:30pm Sun 27 Oct 4pm

The Street Theatre, 15 Childers St, Canberra City West

Raw and real. Follow eight young people facing mental health challenges, each trying to hold on – to family, to friends, to a piece of themselves. An original work exploring vulnerability, hope and the need for human connectedness. Tickets $25 - $35.

Find out more: or Facebook.com/streetheatrecanberra #thestreetcbr @thestreetcbr

Network 20th Birthday Celebration

Thursday 24 October

10am - 12:30pm

65 Northbourne Bar & Restaurant

The Network is turning 20 in 2019! To celebrate this occasion, the Network will be holding a morning tea celebration. Come and celebrate the achievements consumers have made! Please contact the Network to RSVP or for more details or call 02 6230 5796.

Find out more:

Hawker College Outdoor Movie Night

Friday 25 October

7pm (Movie screening begins at 7:30pm)

51 Murranji Street, Hawker, ACT

A free movie night for the community to come together and celebrate the successes of Hawker College students. Bring a picnic rug or camping chair and enjoy the warmer weather, food and good company.

Find out more: or contact or 6142 0355

Mental Health First Aid for the Suicidal Person

Friday 25 October

9:30am - 1:30pm

Rubik3, 6 Lonsdale Street Braddon

This Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training will teach you practical skills to support someone who is feeling suicidal and can make a real difference to people in your community. Limited to 20 participants.

Find out more:

Music 4 mental health

Saturday 26 October

2pm - 6 pm

Polish White Eagle Club, 38 David St, Turner

Join us at this free event promoting the benefits of singing, music and community for good mental health. Listen to amazing local musicians, eat some cake and experience being part of indie-pop choir Mixtape Chorus as we learn a song together!

Find out more: or contact

Family Picnic Day

Saturday 26 October

10:30am

Weston Park, Zone F, Yarralumla ACT

Born To Shine is hosting this exciting Family Picnic Day! It's therapeutic, empowering with lots of fun, games & face painting for kids. Bring Your Own plate. A time for families to come together, enjoy ourselves and learn from great speakers on mental health, family matters and much more.

Find out more:

Understanding complex mental health issues including Borderline Personality Disorder A community forum for consumers, families, partners & carers and health professionals

Monday 28th October 2019

5.30pm – 7.30pm

Meeting Room, Level 1 The Griffin Centre, 20 Genge St, Canberra City (closest paid parking is available in the Canberra Centre Carpark, Dendy end, entry off Narellan Street.)

Do you support someone who experiences • Impulsive and self-destructive behaviour? • Changing emotions and overwhelming feelings? • Problems with identity and sense of self? • Thoughts of suicide and self-harm? • Challenging personality features? If you answered YES to any of these questions, then this forum is for you. FORUM OVERVIEW • increase awareness and de-stigmatise personality disorder • understanding personality disorder • the impact of caregiving on family, partner and carer wellbeing • managing crisis situations and challenging behaviours • evidence-based treatment options and what to expect • self care and supporting each other This forum is being facilitated by Professor Brin Grenyer, Project Air Strategy for Personality Disorders

Find out more: