- Cook Labor Government investing $2.48 million towards Act Belong Commit
- Act Belong Commit supports positive, practical steps to improve mental health
- Funding comes during Social September, which encourages simple actions that improve everyday mental wellbeing
- Cook Labor Government funding to support stronger, healthier communities
As Western Australians take part in Social September, the Cook Labor Government is investing $2.48 million over the next two years to inspire more people to stay mentally healthy through physical activity, social connection, and doing what matters most to them.
With support from Healthway and the Mental Health Commission, Curtin University will continue the internationally recognised, evidence-based Act Belong Commitmental health program, which supports people to take positive, practical steps to improve their mental health.
The key message encourages people to: 'Act' - do something mentally, physically, socially, spiritually, and culturally active; 'Belong' - do something with someone to stay connected; and 'Commit' - do something meaningful or important to them.
Through a co-ordinated mix of community partnerships, targeted campaigns like Social September and State-wide communication, Act Belong Commitmakes mentally healthy behaviours visible, accessible, and achievable. It also strengthens the community's capacity to create more environments that support mental health across workplaces, schools, and local communities.
Western Australia continues to lead the way in population-wide mental health promotion, with the success of Act Belong Commit attracting uptake in 25 countries across Europe.
Since 2005, Curtin University has received more than $20 million in State Government funding to deliver the Act Belong Commit program. To find out how you can be social this September, click the following link: Social September
As stated by Mental Health and Preventative Health Minister Meredith Hammat:
"Staying connected to our community, keeping in touch with friends, and spending time in nature are all linked to better mental health.
"It's the simple, everyday behaviours, many already part of our lives, that have a powerful impact on our wellbeing.
"This investment reinforces the Cook Labor Government's commitment to prevention, early intervention, and creating mentally healthier communities, ensuring Western Australians have the knowledge, confidence and support to thrive."
