Mental Health Month

October is Mental Health Month in NSW. This year’s theme, "A little connection goes a long way", highlights how everyday moments of connection can support mental wellbeing. Connection might be an interaction with the world – like waving hello to a neighbour, talking to the cashier or a support service, or volunteering in the community. It might also look like moments of self-connection, such as spending some time alone to reflect, engaging in a hobby you enjoy, or doing something that helps you feel grounded. Whether it’s connecting with others or reconnecting with yourself – small, simple acts can make a big difference to our mental health.

Living Well Photography Competition

During Mental Health Month, our Mental Health Service hosts a photography competition.

This is an opportunity to celebrate the creative ways we can reflect our Mental Health Month theme, and start conversations about connection and mental wellbeing.

This year’s theme for Mental Health Month, "A little connection goes a long way", highlights how everyday moments of connection can support mental wellbeing.

How to enter

Use your photographic skills to show us how what connection means to you, and how it supports your mental wellbeing. Along with your photograph please tell us, in a maximum 100 words, the thoughts and feelings behind your photograph.

The competition is open to all consumers, carers and staff connected to Sydney Local Health District.

Find out more information or to submit your entry please email SLHD-mhmphotography@health.nsw.gov.au.

Entries close Friday 16 October 2026. 

Winners will be announced on Thursday 29 October 2026, with an exhibition hosted at the Professor Marie Bashir Centre at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.

Thank you to everyone who participated in our competition over the past few years. To celebrate the incredible contributions, we've featured some of the photographs throughout our site.
 

Heaps Mad

Each year, the Sydney Local Health District Mental Health Service partners with Inner West Council to present Heaps Mad!

A celebration of all things mad, to reflect on mental health and wellbeing, the lived experience of mental illness, and the importance of good mental health in our everyday lives.

Heaps Mad is an open mic afternoon at Marrickville Pavilion, taking place during Mental Health Month.

Expression of interest for performers

We're looking for people from the Inner West interested in performing a 5-10 minute act at Heaps Mad. We welcome a range of performances, from poetry and opera to interpretive dance and rock – pretty much anything that you want to perform will fit right in.

We encourage the involvement of the entire community and warmly welcome Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, the LGBTIQ+ community, older persons, people with disability and young people.

Complete the form below to register your interest in being part of this truly eclectic show.
Expression of interest form