World Mental Health Day is observed on 10 October every year, with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and focusing on ensuring communities recognise how they can contribute to a mentally healthy society. This year the theme is ‘Mental Health for All: Greater Investment – Greater Access’, calling on the global community to make mental health a reality for everyone, everywhere.

“One in five (20%) Australians aged 16-85 experience a mental illness in any year.”

Australian campaign, Do You See What I See? challenges attitudes about mental illness and encourages everyone to view mental health in a more positive light. By doing so, Australians can work together to reduce stigma and lay the foundation for more people to seek the help and support they deserve. The reality is, the vast majority of people affected by mental illness are able to lead independent and contributing lives in the community, with the right treatment and support.

Get involved this October by:

• Informing the community
• Taking care of your mental health
• Raising awareness on social media
• Volunteering

For more information, visit:https://1010.org.au/
https://wfmh.global/world-mental-health-day-2020/

Cerebral Palsy is widely misunderstood despite being the most common childhood physical disability, with 17 million people across the world living with this condition. World Cerebral Palsy Day offers an opportunity to raise awareness and help communities look beyond the disability. The global goal is to ensure that children and adults with cerebral palsy have the same rights, access and opportunities as anyone else in our society.

1 in 700 Australian babies is diagnosed with cerebral palsy and of this, 1 in 3 will be unable to walk.

Cerebral Palsy is a complex, lifelong disability that primarily affects movement – but individuals may also have visual, learning, hearing, speech, epilepsy and intellectual impairments. Cerebral Palsy can be mild (such as a weakness in one hand) to severe (where people have little control over movements or speech and may need 24 hour assistance).

Get involved this October by:

• Volunteering with the foundation
• Donating
• Organising a fundraiser
• Raising awareness on social media
• Sharing your story

For more information, visit: https://worldcpday.org/

The Great Cycle Challenge started in 2013, and after just 7 years, the event has grown to become one of the biggest cycling events in Australia. People of all ages, abilities and from every state across the country set themselves a personal riding goal and challenge themselves to pedal throughout October to fight kids’ cancer. 

“Over 600 Australian children are diagnosed with cancer every year and sadly, 3 children die every week.”

This initiative from the Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI) allows individuals to contribute in the fight against cancer by riding and raising money. The funds enable CMRI to further research into children’s genetic diseases, birth defects and childhood cancer to find better treatments and cures, so Australian kids can live healthy and fun-filled lives.

Get involved this October by:

• Signing up for the Great Cycle Challenge
• Sponsoring a friend or a team
• Raising awareness on social media

For more information, visit:
https://greatcyclechallenge.com.au/

Every year on 29th September, the World Heart Federation promotes World Heart Day, calling everyone to promote heart health. This year’s campaign is asking the world to ‘use heart to beat cardiovascular disease’. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a group of disorders that affect the heart and blood vessels.

“CVDs are the number 1 cause of death globally: more people die annually from CVDs than from any other cause.” (WHO)

‘Using heart’ this year is about using your head, your influence, and your compassion to live a healthy life, promote healthy habits in the community and look for ways to support the most vulnerable members of society.

Get involved this September by:

• Spreading awareness of heart health to friends and family
• Undertaking activities which promote heart health
• Raising awareness on social media

For more information, visit:
https://www.world-heart-federation.org/world-heart-day/world-heart-day-2020/

Liptember is a campaign  dedicated to raising funds and awareness for women’s mental health whilst informing the community of specific women’s mental health research and support programs.

Issues such as Postnatal or Menopausal related depression are examples of mental health issues that are generally gender specific to women.

One of the priorities of Liptember is to recognise that Australian women take on a myriad of responsibilities and provide improvements to the mental health support available for these women. By improving the mental health of Australian women, the entire community can experience improved overall health and wellbeing.

Get involved this September by:

• Purchasing a Liptember lipstick from a participating store
• Volunteering with the foundation
• Organising your own fundraiser
• Raising awareness on social media

For more information, visit: https://www.liptember.com.au/

Dementia Awareness Month is Dementia Australia’s national awareness-raising campaign held every year throughout September. It aims to encourage all Australians to become more aware of dementia, gain a better understanding of what it is like to live with dementia and how we can support people living with dementia.

“Dementia is the second leading cause of death of Australians.”

There are many small actions people can take to create a big difference for people impacted by dementia, their families and carers. We can all work towards being aware of dementia and actively reducing the stigma and discrimination surrounding it.

Get involved this September by:

• Organising your own fundraiser
• Raising awareness on social media
• Donating to the foundation

For more information, visit:
https://www.dementia.org.au/nsw/dementia-awareness-month

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia is asking Australians to get involved and help create awareness and raise the much needed funds to help in the fight against prostate cancer.

“This year 20,000 Australian men will be newly diagnosed with prostate cancer, 3500 will die of the disease, and over 200,000 Australian men are living with it every day. “

Promoting Prostate Cancer Awareness Month allows vital funds to be raised for lifesaving research, awareness, and support programs. Get involved by learning about support groups and programs available as well as events you can be a part of through Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

Be a part of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month this September by:

• Volunteering with the foundation
• Donating
• Raising awareness on social media
• Informing the community
• Speaking with your GP about your prostate health

For more information, visit:
https://www.prostate.org.au/get-checked/

Dystonia awareness month is designed to inform the community of the spreading condition and urge the community to join in helping those which are affected. Dystonia is a Neurological Movement Condition which affects adults and children. It can affect any part of the body and causes muscles to contract or spasm. This may cause pain, tremors, twisting and other uncontrollable movements.

Currently there is no cure. 

“Research from the United States indicates that dystonia is as common as multiple sclerosis in certain areas of the world including parts of the Australia.”

To get involved this September:

• Inform the community
• Raise awareness on social media
• Organise a fundraiser
• Donate to the foundation

For more information, visit:
https://www.dystonia.org.au/

R U OK? Day falls on Thursday 10 September this year. It’s a national day of action when Australians are reminded that every day is the day to ask, “Are you OK?”. This years message is “there’s more to say after R U OK?”. 2020 has been a challenging year for everyone and circumstances have made it even more important for everyone to stay connected and, for those who are able, be willing to support those around them.

“20% of Australians experience a common mental health disorder during a 12-month period.”

Visit the R U OK? Day website for tips on how to ask someone if they are okay, listen with an open mind, encourage action and check in with them.

Get involved this September by:

• Starting a conversation with friends and family
• Hosting an event
• Fundraising at work or in the community
• Volunteering with the organisation

For more information, visit:
https://www.ruok.org.au/join-r-u-ok-day

This year, Women’s Health Week runs 7 to 11 September and strives to encourage women to check in on their health and make positive changes that can last a lifetime. With COVID-19 impacting 2020, it’s as important as ever for everyone to look after their overall health and wellbeing.

“Nearly half (44%) of the total burden of disease for females is from cancer, musculoskeletal conditions, and cardiovascular disease.” (AIHW)

Women’s Health Week is a nation-wide campaign of events and online activities dedicated to improving women’s health and centred on helping individuals to make healthier life choices.

Get involved this September by:

• Hosting a fundraiser
• Getting your workplace involved
• Spreading the word to friends and family
• Looking after your own health

For more information, visit:
https://www.womenshealthweek.com.au/