It's time to put the spotlight on mental health and wellbeing with our second annual #5ways to Wellbeing campaign.

The campaign provides a week full of fun and educational activities from March 22 to March 25 to engage you and the rest of the community to think about mental health and wellbeing and why these are important to living a healthier lifestyle.

Our first #5ways to Wellbeing campaign engaged with almost 50,000 people last year and we're keen to spread the message even wider in 2019.

Check out the great activities we have planned below and choose one or more that suits you!

Click on this link to download a #5ways to Wellbeing activities sheet with information on all the great events planned: pdf #5ways to Wellbeing 2019 activities at a glance (314 KB)

RECAP 2018: Check out some of the great videos from people doing inspiring things in our community that formed part of our first #5ways campaign: http://bit.ly/TakeNoticeStories

Day 1: Take Notice

Monday, March 25

Too often we miss the little things, we want you to slow down and ‘take notice’ of the world around you.

Enter our photo competition and show how you take notice of the world around you.

Submit your entry for one of three categories:

Bendigo Highlights: Enter a photo that captures something great that Bendigo has to offer. Could be your favourite building, landscape, nature or something that shows what Bendigo means to you.

Connect: Take a photo of your best friend, family or pets or anyone that makes you feel happy.

Be Active:  Enter an action photo that shows how to be active. It could be playing sport, taking the dog for a walk or playing in the playground.

Be creative and enter for your chance to win a great prize!

Send your pictures to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via our Facebook page. Don't forget to include some details about why the picture is special to you!

Please note: Pictures entered will be used on our website and could appear on our social media platforms.

If you are interested in sponsoring our photographic competition to help us with prizes please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. today. We'd love your support to help us raise awareness about mental health in the community.

P6 Staff and 5ways cookies web

Day 2: Give

Tuesday, March 26

Do you have a workplace that goes above and beyond? Want to thank them for all their hard work?

‘Give back’ with a gift of delicious cookies.

Just nominate your workplace and let us know why you want to ‘giveback’.

Some organisations last year held great morning teas to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing while staff enjoyed their free cookies! Great idea!

Register to get delicious cookies for your workplace. Print out this pdf cookies order form (1.34 MB) and email to our #5Ways team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Don't forget to be quick as the cookies are limited!

We handed out more than 3000 cookies last year. Check out some great pictures from last year's Give cookie giveaway ... so much fun: http://bit.ly/BCHSfreecookies

Early man web

Day 3: Connect

Wednesday, March 27

Join us for a FREE movie night with the PG rated animated comedy Early Man at Canterbury Gardens at 5.30pm for a 6pm start. Bring a picnic, chair or rug and enjoy a fun night out with the family.

Smiling Mind web

Day 4: Keep Learning

Thursday, March 28

We’re bringing the team from Smiling Minds to Bendigo to teach workplaces how to be resilient in times of stress. It’s all about how to bounce back and to bend and not break.

The workshop will run from 10am to 2pm at The Bendigo Bank Theatre in The Capital at 50 View Street, Bendigo.  Register here: http://bit.ly/SmilingMinds

More than 300 people turned out for last year's Smiling Mind's workshop with some great feedback. Well worth the effort!

kidz party kid

Day 5: Be Active

Friday, March 29

Let’s have some fun!! We’re having a FREE Kids Party at Kidzspace hub at our Kangaroo Flat site from 4pm-6pm. There’ll be a magician, face painting, snakes and lizards, games and a barbeque. Register your interest with our #5Ways team by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Want to know more?

Keep up to date with the #5ways to Wellbeing campaign at www.bchs.com.au or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any questions.