Mental wellbeing looks different for everyone. It isn’t just about Pilates and green smoothies (although we do love those things), and it’s not reserved for those with time or money. It’s a human need – and we all need to prioritise it.

This Mental Health Week, dive into The Art of Wellbeing: the simple, everyday ways we look after ourselves and each other, before things pile up.

We’re shining a spotlight on community supports, lived experience stories, and local services ready to meet you where you are.

In the ACT, 23 percent of adults report high to very high psychological distress and our youth are reporting even higher levels of stress and anxiety.

So, let’s connect, learn, and recharge – because it’s more important now than ever before.

What to expect during Mental Health Week:

• Free workshops and creative pop-ups
• Mindful music sessions and wellness walks
• ACT Mental Health Sector Awards 2025
• ACT Mental Health Week is your ticket to reclaim wellbeing — on your terms, in your time.

Let’s make the time, Canberra.

Discover your Art of Wellbeing and what that looks like for you. Because you matter.

Coinciding with World Mental Health Day on Friday 10th of October, the ACT will celebrate mental health sector knowledge and achievements with the ACT Mental Health Sector Awards.

Nominations are open and close Tuesday 30th of September. Have your say on the people, programs and organisations driving real change across these categories:

• ACT Mental Health Consumer Network Scholarship* – Scholarships (worth up to $500 per individual) for mental health consumers furthering their education, contributing to general education expenses such as computers, course texts and course fees.
• Lived Experience Ally Recognition Award (Group)
• Lived Experience Ally Recognition Award (Individual)
• David Perrin Award* – Presented in memory of David Perrin, recognising a mental health consumer who lives an independent and self-determined life beyond what they may have expected after diagnosis.
• Consumer Small Business Grant*
• Leadership through Lived Experience Award
• Excellence in Peer Work
• Youth Mental Health Leadership Award
• Innovative Person-Centred Program Award
• Outstanding Contribution – Consumer
• Outstanding Contribution – Carer
• Outstanding Contribution – Organisation
• Outstanding Contribution – Worker

*Awarded by ACT Mental Health Consumers Network.

Submit your nomination here

Artwork by Taylor Eggleton Origami Graphics

Visit the Website – Mental Health Week 

If this story is distressing, you’re not alone — call 24/7 support:

• Lifeline – 13 11 14
• Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
• 13YARN – 13 92 76
• Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636