Developed by Curtin University in Western Australia, this initiative centres on three key words: Act: do something active. Belong: do something together with others, and Commit: do something meaningful.
It is well known that good mental health goes hand-in-hand with regular physical activity and meaningful contact with others. However, translating this knowledge into good practice remains a major challenge. Known in Denmark as the ABCs of Mental Health, the ACT-BELONG-COMMIT initiative meets this challenge by providing motivational tools and best-practice solutions to strengthen well-being through increased activity and community participation. Because mental health concerns us all, the project targets the entire population.
At its core is the task of enabling people to discover what activities give life meaning, joy and value. They could be as simple as reading a book, joining a food club or taking a walk– in fact, any action that promotes well-being and strengthens us as people is encouraged by the campaign.
Research shows that physical activity and community involvement helps combat depression, anxiety and other mental health issues. Even small actions can have a big impact. We all can influence each other and are influenced by our surroundings. Discontent can be contagious, but luckily so can well-being. Good mental health is something we can create together!
ACT-BELONG-COMMIT partners with community organisations to offer programs and best-practice advice that encourage active community participation as a means of improving mental health and reducing the related stigma. Specifically, the link between well-being, physical activity and community participation is at the fore of the project’s activities.
Using research-based benchmarks to determine how best to improve the well-being of ourselves and others, the initiative provides examples of meaningful community activities that everyone can participate in. It also aims to prioritise mental health promotion at the community level – alongside prevention and treatment. Much of the advice that is offered is already common knowledge. However, such knowledge can easily be forgotten or reduced in priority.
The campaign, which is very context-adaptable, is actively seeking partners to expand its international scope. Community organisations, schools and other educational institutions, sports clubs and local municipalities across the globe are all seen as potential partners.
As a partner, your organisation will be aligned with a recognised and highly regarded, evidence-based mental health promotion campaign. You’ll be well-equipped to educate people on how to stay mentally healthy and you’ll have access to a wide range of resources that work. The campaign partners with other initiatives including Mental Health Awareness Week in the UK and European Mental Health Week.
Read more about the project here
