11–17 November 2012
Once a year APS members have a chance to put psychology centre stage with National Psychology Week (NPW), the annual public awareness campaign celebrating the many ways psychologists enhance the health and wellbeing of Australians. To be held from 11 to 17 November this year, the national event provides the opportunity for APS members to band together to celebrate psychology and educate colleagues and the community on psychological topics.
Now in its ninth year, the awareness week continues to effectively demonstrate how psychology means many things to many people. Promoting the entirety of psychology’s contribution is a challenging year-round task, but the APS National Office believes that one of the most compelling ways of communicating this is to have APS members speak about the work they do. NPW offers a flexible format, allowing members to design an event of relevance to their particular interests or community, while benefitting from a national APS media and promotions campaign.
Each year, the ingenuity across the APS membership is apparent in the array of events that are held. From a networking event with fellow health professionals to streamline the referrals process, to a stall with consumer information in a local shopping centre, or a free public lecture on a notable psychology topic, APS members have identified a range of ways to engage their local community. For other members, an afternoon tea in their office provides a useful talking opportunity to build colleagues’ understanding of psychology, while others use NPW as a time to circulate brochures and materials to local libraries, clinics or schools. Previous reports in InPsych – available on the APS website – provide inspiration for those planning to take part in NPW this year.
Last year, local APS Branch representatives were central to the success in the range and number of events held, and this year National Office again urges members to make contact locally to create economies of scale and effort in the organisation of events. Branch representatives have played an increasing role in the circulation of the resources produced as part of the week’s activities which include tip sheets, brochures and giveaways such as bookmarks. If demand is strong, local Branches can also choose to devote some of their budget to the production of additional resources for large events – but advance planning and early contact with the Communications team at National Office is strongly advised.
NPW is always supported by an APS media campaign which last year was the most successful yet. The media team at National Office expects the increased media interest to continue this year, and would be pleased to hear from APS members who are holding events in their area and are willing to speak with local media should opportunities arise. The National Psychology Week website will again include materials and tips to help those looking to engage with local media, including a media release template.
In the years since NPW was first established, a multitude of events designed to raise awareness have been established, all of which compete for public attention. But the APS remains committed to NPW as an excellent vehicle to promote and celebrate the countless large and small differences APS psychologists have made in the lives of Australians.
Judith Heywood, Senior Coordinator, Communications Projects National Office
Event registration is available on the dedicated National Psychology Week website,
www.psychologyweek.com.au.
The Communications team is contactable at [email protected].
| NPW 2012 RESEARCH SURVEY: STRESS AND WELLBEING IN AUSTRALIA |
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After the successful establishment of the APS Stress and Wellbeing in Australia survey last year, the research project is again underway to provide the 2012 ‘state-of-the-nation’ analysis of stress and wellbeing in the community. The 2011 survey results were released during National Psychology Week, generating significant attention in government circles and widespread media coverage across TV, radio, print and online. Many members who were organising NPW events adopted the stress theme as one with broad relevance in their communities and workplaces.
This year the stress and wellbeing theme will again feature heavily in NPW promotion. Event organisers can choose any topic of relevance to their audience in planning an event, but those wishing to focus on the stress and wellbeing theme can use the resources in NPW event packs, available to event organisers as part of the registration process.
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