Mental Health Month

October is Mental Health Month in NSW. This year’s theme, “Taking Steps on Your Wellbeing Journey,” is all about celebrating steps that we take towards improving our mental health and wellbeing. The theme encourages us to embrace progress, growth, and ongoing self-improvement, while reminding us that wellbeing is not a final destination but a continuous journey. You can participate by starting conversations, using resources to learn more about mental health, and seeking support if you need it. 

Living Well Photography Competition

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

The aim is to try to emphasise the significance of open dialogue and communication regarding mental health. It highlights the importance of connecting with others and how relationships with family, friends and broader community connections can support our wellbeing.

This year’s theme for Mental Health Month is ‘Taking steps on your wellbeing journey’. During Mental Health Month we are encouraging everyone to think about what is important to your mental health and wellbeing, and take meaningful steps to nurture it.

How to enter

Use your photographic skills to show us how you are talking about mental health and 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 everyone connected to Sydney Local Health District, whether you are living with a mental health problem, caring for someone with a mental health problem or working in our Mental Health Services.

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

Entries close Friday 17 October 2025. 

Winners will be announced on Wednesday 29 October 2025, 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 in October 2025.

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