Mental Health Month & World Mental Health Day

This month is Mental Health Month centred around World Mental Health Day on 10 October. The World Health Organisation’s theme for this year is Mental Health at Work and Mental Health Australia is celebrating the importance of Meaningful Connections.

Given the nature of our work and the weight of global events, it is important to take this opportunity to reflect on the strategies we can use to support our mental health, connecting with colleagues to do the same.

Safe and Equal’s tips for maintaining and managing wellbeing are worth reading, to adopt the strategies that resonate with you most, and share with your networks. Safe and Equal have also produced a Health Safety and Wellbeing Tool and Handbook to assist employers in identifying existing strengths and areas for improvement in relation to workplace health, safety and wellbeing. Another useful resource is the Victorian Government’s Family violence workforce health, safety and wellbeing guide. You can watch a video about the guide here.

Mental Health Australia has shared some lived experience stories, highlighting key themes of self-compassion and connection with family and friends. You can download the campaign’s resources here if you’re interested in learning more.

Human connection - ideally in-person - is one of the most effective ways to look after our wellbeing and stay grounded in what often feels like an unpredictable world. The WIFVC team is grateful to have many opportunities to connect with our members and the wider community through our meetings, training, events, forums and communities of practice. We thank you all for your participation and contributions.

Taking care of our own wellbeing while looking out for those in our network will ensure we can also provide the best outcomes for the people we strive to support. Two important reports on mental health have just been released, summarised below, addressing the impact of gender-based violence on the mental health of young women and highlighting family violence as one of the factors contributing to suicide that must be addressed.

The WIFVC team is looking forward to connecting with many of you during November’s 16 Days of Activism. An upcoming edition of the eNews will highlight activities and events in the West Metro during this year’s campaign. We hope to connect with you then!