Mental Health Week

About NT Mental Health Week

NT 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 to also increase understanding and reduce stigma about mental illness, and how it impacts on the lives of people in our community.

NTMHW encourages all of us to think about our mental health and wellbeing, regardless of whether we may have a lived experience of mental illness or not, and encourages help seeking behaviors, when needed. It provides a chance to promote activities and ideas that can have a positive impact on our daily lives and the lives of others.

NT Mental Health week is coordinated by the NT Mental Health Coalition and supported through NT PHN, the Northern Territory Government and several corporate sponsors. 

Mental Health Week 2023

Planning has begun for our 2023 NT Mental Health Awareness Week! This year Mental Health Week will run from Saturday, October 7 to Sunday, October 15.

Celebrating Our Strengths is this years’ theme – calling for reflection on the things in our lives and communities that we are proud of that keep our mental health and well-being and our spirit strong. Let’s share experiences across our communities and celebrate the many strengths we have in all places and all people throughout the Territory.

By valuing and celebrating our achievements and contributions we help create more of the change we want to see, building hope, well-being and inspiration.

Green is this year’s Mental Health Week colour, symbolizing new life, new growth and new beginnings and representing hope, strength and support. The green ribbon is the international symbol of mental health. During Mental Health Week, we encourage people to wear a green ribbon, and display the colour green in their workplace, home or at their Mental Health Week events.

Our art piece for this year, entitled ‘Good Ways, was created by local Aboriginal Artist Darlene Devery and represents a community strong in spirit and wellbeing, full of hope and strength, celebrating new life, new beginnings and ongoing mental wellbeing. Learn more about the artist and her work.

NT Mental Health Week Awards

NT Mental Health Week is a time to recognise people or organizations who have made significant contributions to the Mental Health sector. We know there are many people in paid and voluntary roles who provide extraordinary support to others. The NT Mental Health Awards recognises and celebrates the achievements of these inspiring individuals and organisations.

Anyone can nominate an individual or organisation. Self-nominations are also welcomed. All award nominators are required to complete the nomination form, indicate the award category, and address the evaluation criteria.

Nominees must be a current resident of the Northern Territory, agree to be nominated and understand that their information  (except for contact details) may be used for publicity and promotional purposes.

If you would like to learn more about how to nominate a person or an organisation or self-nominate for an award, click the link below.

Mural Painting by NT Aids and Hepatitis Council. Mental Health Week 2023

Mural Painting by NT Aids and Hepatitis Council. Mental Health Week 2023.

Mental Health Week Events

As we get closer to Mental Health Week a full calendar of events happening across the state will be available. All Mental Health Week event holders will be able to register their event via the NTMHC website events page, whether they are grant funded or otherwise. The Northern Territory Mental Health Coalition will help to promote events registered in the calendar via social media and other platforms.

Another great way to get involved is to create a short video sharing what things in your life or community help keep you strong. You can learn more about how to do this under our resources (see bottom of page).

Mental Health Week Mini-Grants

Hosting an event or activity for NTMHW is a great way to encourage awareness of mental health and wellbeing in your community, school or workplace. It can decrease stigma, and empower people to seek help, for themselves or others. It can also give people from your community the awareness to consider mental health as something that they can work on. NTMHW events can be educational, fun, creative, innovative and/or interesting. More ideas and information on hosting an event is found here.

Eligible candidates can apply for a mini-grant to run an event during MHW. The deadline to submit a grant application is Friday 28 July 2023.

Mini Grant Application

Resources

To help you plan and promote a great Mental Health Week event, or simply raise awareness and show support – a range of downloadable resources are available, including logos, posters, social media tiles, banners, and Event Planning and Promotion Kit. 

Become Sponsor

You can help contribute to the success of Mental Health Week by becoming a sponsor. In doing so, you will help us achieve our goal to increase understanding and reduce stigma about mental illness and help promote strong mental health for all Territorians.

NT Mental Health Week_sponsors

Do you, or someone you know, 
need help with your mental health?

While NTMHC are not a service provider, we can point you in the direction of services that can support you.