How would you describe your role in one or two sentences?

I am the Campaign Manager of Act Belong Commit. I oversee all communications for the campaign which includes an umbrella state-wide mass media campaign and a range of programs and initiatives that deliver the communications at more localised levels in the community.

What projects are you currently working on?

Most people are aware of WA’s longest-running and highly regarded mental health promotion campaign, in Act Belong Commit. It’s grounded in evidence and draws on trusted and known protective factors to help protect and promote mental health and wellbeing. Since joining the team, my efforts to date have concentrated on making sure communications resonate with a contemporary audience and in the current context – which as you can imagine, has changed significantly, especially in recent years.

We’ve evolved the campaign brand and messaging, developed new media assets and educational materials including a new website. Now, attention has turned to target different audience groups with targeted communications to inspire and motivate them to adopt the ethos of act belong commit and take action to prioritise their mental health and wellbeing. We are working with our established networks such as media partners, ambassadors,  schools and partners of our Partnership program to maximise outcomes. Apart from our statewide efforts, one of the major projects we are working on is a capacity building program in the Pilbara region rolling out this year which encompasses addressing the social and emotional wellbeing of aboriginal people.

How do you see mental health projects evolving in WA over the next five years?

Prevention is key. I would like to see dedicated efforts and funding to be aimed at improving mental health understanding and literacy within the community and amongst stakeholders so that we work together to directly address and improve the wellbeing and resilience of as many people as possible. A focus on children and young people is essential.

There are so many learnings from COVID that will help path the way – increased attention on mental health and a realisation of the role of promotion are two. Improved online engagement is another positive outcome. I challenge readers to head to our website and undertake our revitalised Mental Wellbeing Quiz to see where they are at and rate their involvement in mentally healthy activities: actbelongcommit.org.au/quiz

How can people engage in work being done by Mentally Healthy WA?

I ask readers to find out whether organisations they work for, are a member of, or interact with our partners of the Act Belong Commit campaign. Do their children attend Mentally Healthy Schools? The best engagement is through our Partnership Program which is free to join and provides access to training, resources, tips and tools so you too can become a champion for mental health and wellbeing in your own community.

Find out more about Act Belong Commit at actbelongcommit.org.au and explore how the Partnership program supports the campaign.

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