News • 19 Aug 2018

New categories for mental health awards!

New categories have been added this year to the Queensland Mental Health Week Achievement Awards, for LGBTI and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

The Queensland Mental Health Week Achievement Awards are, and always have been, about recognising and celebrating the achievements of individuals, groups and organisations working to reduce stigma and empower those living with mental illnesses.

Whilst these prestigious awards have always been open to people of all cultures and backgrounds, Open Minds has this year added two exciting new categories: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Award and LGBTI Award.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people Award

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 18 years or older are twice as likely as non-Indigenous people to feel high or very high levels of psychological distress.

This Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people Award has been developed to recognise and celebrate those who support and empower this community. It is open to any individual or organisation that through the provision of mental health related services, programs, projects or initiatives demonstrates a commitment to improving the life of Queenslanders who are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and living with mental illness, and by promoting their inclusion in the community.

The evaluation criteria includes:

  • Enhances the quality of life, supports and/or services for people who are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and live with mental illness
  • Demonstrates effective collaboration and consultation with consumers, thier family and/or carers and other relevant agencies
  • Delivers best practice services to those who are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and live with mental illness
  • Demonstrates qualities of leadership, vision and innovation

Nominate yourself for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Award today!

Find out more about the awards and download a prospectus here.

LGBTI Award

Did you know that LGBTI individuals in Australia are twice as likely to be diagnosed and treated for mental health disorders compared to the general population? A staggering 57.2% of transgender and gender diverse people aged 18 and over have been diagnosed with depression in their lifetime.

The LGBTI award category is open to any individual, group or organisation that through the provision of mental health related services, programs, projects or initiatives, demonstrates a commitment to improving the life of Queenslanders who are LGBTI and living with mental illness, and by promoting their inclusion in the community.

The evaluation criteria for this award includes:

  • Enhances the quality of life and wellbeing of people who are LGBTI and live with mental illness
  • Demonstrates effective collaboration and consultation with consumers, their family and/or carers and other relevant agencies
  • Delivers best practice services to those who are LGBTI and live with mental illness
  • Demonstrates qualities of leadership, vision and innovation

So what are you waiting for? Get nominating for the LGBTI award category today.

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