Latest news
Mind welcomes the future of mental health lived experience workforce - Four Mind Australia peer cadets with lived and living experience of mental ill-health are among the first graduates of the Victorian government’s Peer Cadet Program.
Mental health support bolstered for the LGBTIQ+ community - Mind Australia welcomes the Victorian government’s commitment to fund additional assistance to the trans and gender diverse community seeking mental health support.
Trans community flocks to Mind Australia suicide prevention support service in wake of publicised anti-trans hate - Mind Australia’s LGBTIQA+ suicide prevention support service has received a month’s worth of referrals in just two days in the wake of a number of appalling anti-trans events around the country.
Early intervention mental health support extended in Victoria - Mind Australia will be able to help hundreds more Victorians improve their mental health and wellbeing thanks to a funding commitment announced by the Victorian government.
Mind in new mental health and AOD partnership - Mind Australia will lead a partnership of health care agencies to deliver much needed mental health and alcohol and other drug (AOD) services to the Great South Coast region in Victoria.
NSW Labor commits $20 million to build state’s first Haven Foundation residence - NSW Labor has committed $20 million to build the state’s first Haven residence for people with significant mental health challenges, if it wins election this month.
The mental health revolution is here: how feminism intertwines with lived experience - As a feminist and an advocate for mental health system reform, it has become increasingly clear to me that there are parallels between feminist action and the lived experience movement, says Mind Australia CEO Gill Callister.
Mind to deliver new headspace service in Box Hill - Mind Australia in conjunction with headspace National is proud to announce the opening of a new headspace service in Box Hill.
Opinion: Creating a lived experience-led mental health system - The reform of Australia’s mental health system needs people with lived experience to be genuinely part of the decision-making process at every level.
New mental health traineeships with Mind - Mind will provide valuable employment opportunities for students undertaking a Certificate IV in Mental Health in regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne.
Mind to develop family and carer-led support service - Mind Australia and Mallee Family Care have been chosen to develop urgently needed support services for the families and carers of people experiencing mental health and wellbeing challenges in the Loddon Mallee region.
Mind Australia’s new peer-led mental health service to ease burden on Emergency Departments in South Australia - Mind Australia will provide an important alternative to hospitalisation and Emergency Department presentations for people experiencing mental and psychological distress and/or suicidality in South Australia.
Building connections with community in Mooroopna - Haven Mooroopna has built relationships with local First Nations communities to ensure the residence is seen as a viable option for mental health recovery.
Mind Australia’s Mental Health Recovery Retreats return in Victoria - People with mental health and wellbeing challenges in Victoria will once again be able to access Mind Australia’s Mental Health Recovery Retreats.
How Mind incorporates lived experience in all we do - Mind’s Lived Experience Advisory Team (LEAT) is a group that works to privilege the voices of lived experience throughout our service design and delivery.
Glenda’s story – how respite breaks are helping my recovery journey - For Glenda Richardson and other people experiencing mental health and wellbeing challenges, going on a holiday is all but a dream.
Free mental health and practical support for Riverland flood victims - Riverland locals affected by the River Murray flooding can now access free mental health and wellbeing support from Mind Australia.
Free mental health and wellbeing support extended in Gippsland - Mind Australia will continue to support people in the Gippsland region experiencing mental health and wellbeing concerns thanks to a funding extension for the Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs in Cowes, Traralgon and Wonthaggi.
Mind to offer more than 50 mental health respite breaks in South Australia - Mind Australia has announced its upcoming itinerary for mental health retreats in South Australia, with more than 50 respite opportunities for people experiencing mental health and wellbeing concerns.
Mind Australia and Beyond Blue extend counselling support partnership - Mind Australia and Beyond Blue will continue their partnership to provide counselling and other support services for people experiencing mental health and wellbeing challenges around Australia.
A message from the CEO – Mind Annual Report 2021-2022 - This year has been a transformative one for Mind; one we are extremely proud to showcase in our Annual Report.
Speaking Our Minds - The importance of lived experience in mental health - A new e-publication that privileges the voices of lived experience, including members of the Mind Australia community, is now available to read online.
How the Community Care Unit is helping people in Toowoomba to live independently - Mind Australia has been working closely with the Darling Downs and South West Health Services to ensure that clients receiving long-term inpatient mental health care In Toowoomba can successfully reconnect with community.
Understanding intersectionality and its value in mental health care - At Mind’s latest Respect in Action webinar, Budi Sudarto used their own experiences to discuss how providers can better support clients with diverse needs and experiences.
How Laura is caring for the carers - When it comes to supporting mental health carers, just having someone to listen can make all the difference, according to Mind Australia Carer Helpline practitioner, Laura Anstee.
Stephen’s story – Walking and Working Together toward reconciliation - Talented artist and Mind Australia client Stephen Oliver has won a competition that will see his work featured on the cover of Mind’s new Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
Mind’s art exhibition for mental health in Mackay - The artistic talents of people with a lived experience of mental health and wellbeing concerns were recently showcased at the third annual Mind Mental Health Week Art Exhibition in Mackay, Queensland.
Construction underway for more Haven Foundation mental health residences in regional Victoria - Mind Australia and The Haven Foundation will house up to 80 people living with significant mental health and wellbeing concerns in Drouin, Ballarat West, North Bendigo, Seymour and Pakenham.
How Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs are making a difference in Victoria - Victorians are experiencing significantly lower levels of psychological distress after receiving support from the Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs, according to new data from Mind Australia.
The path to meaningful mental health reform in Queensland - Mind Australia is encouraged by the Queensland Government’s Better Care Together plan for mental health and alcohol and other drug (AOD) services.
How Allan Fels became a voice for mental health - Mind Australia Board Chair Professor Allan Fels said sharing his family’s experience had helped normalise public conversations about mental health.
How Mind’s Buddy Program is helping young people settle into support services - A co-designed initiative is helping young people experiencing mental health and wellbeing concerns settle into Mind’s youth residential support services more effectively.
Respect in action webinar: Exploring intersectional inclusion in mental health - The third and final webinar in Mind Australia’s Respect in action series will feature an in-depth conversation about intersectionality and how mental health practitioners can help flip the script.
The importance of checking in to see how you feel - Taking the time to see how things make us feel seems like the simplest thing but is so often overlooked, according to Mind Recovery College Senior Advisor Kim Salter.
Mind Australia’s new lived experience-led mental health service in WA - Mind Australia has been chosen to operate a new peer-led sub-acute residential mental health service in Victoria Park, Western Australia.
Keeping our loved ones alive: the compounding effects of racism and exclusion on mental health care - If we don’t immediately address the barriers, challenges and lack of culturally led and appropriate systems responses and pathways, then our future generations will continue to be negatively impacted.
The lived experience of a peer practitioner - Cassi works as a peer practitioner, creating a safe, non-judgemental and non-clinical space for people who are dealing with mental health problems and diagnoses.
Mental health and practical support for Victorians affected by the floods - Mind Australia’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs are providing emotional and practical support to Victorians affected by the floods.
How Sofie is using her lived experience to co-design support services for young carers - Mind Australia’s new Family, Friends and Carers Support (FFCS) provides targeted support to young people who care for someone with mental ill-health or drug and alcohol addiction.
Walking the walk towards a peer-led mental health system - Each World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to take stock and consider where we are at this moment in our long journey towards a mental health system that is more effective, more humane, more just and more enlightened.
Breaking out of the box: People with lived experience on how they keep well - To mark Mental Health Week (9-16 October) members of Mind Australia’s Lived Experience Advisory Team are sharing their wellbeing tips based on their own personal experiences.
A message from the CEO for World Mental Health Day - This year Mind has chosen to focus our World Mental Health Day celebrations on the unique capabilities that people with lived experience bring to mental health and wellbeing recovery.
Mind Australia celebrates National headspace Day - The Mind Australia-managed headspace services in Greensborough and Plenty Valley encouraged young people to slow down and take time to prioritise their mental health at their recent National headspace Day celebration.
Mind secures funding to provide mental health support to Victorians experiencing homelessness - Mind Australia will continue to support people who experienced homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to a funding extension for the From Homelessness to a Home program, announced by the Victorian government.
Mind to lead development of new Lived Experience Residential Service - Mind Australia will lead the development of an innovative new residential mental health recovery support service in Victoria in which people with lived experience will play a central role.
The time is now for diverse and culturally safe housing solutions: Respect in action webinar - The link between mental health and safe, secure housing was a prominent theme during Mind Australia’s second webinar in the ‘Respect in action’ series.
Artist and Mind resident captures fellow residents in cardboard in new exhibition - Talented artist and Mind Australia resident Daniel Coulson’s latest exhibition will showcase his signature charcoal portraits on cardboard.
The Haven Foundation to build its first mental health support residence in SA - The South Australian government has committed funding to build The Haven Foundation’s first residence in South Australia. The 16 unit residence in Clearview will provide 24/7 support to people with significant long-term mental ill-health.
Mind Australia to deliver new innovative residential with mental health support service in NDIS pilot - Mind Australia has been selected for a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) pilot program that will help improve home and living supports for people experiencing mental health and wellbeing concerns.
The Haven Foundation/Mind Australia open life-changing mental health support residence in Melbourne’s north - Minister for Housing Danny Pearson met residents and staff at the newly opened Haven Epping, a 16 unit social housing and support residence for people with significant mental health concerns.
Mind Australia receives funding boost to deliver mental health peer workforce training - Mind Australia will help develop and grow the mental health lived experience workforce with the support of the Victorian Government’s Lived and Living Experience Workforce Development Program.
Mind Australia welcomes new Board Director Dr Margaret Grigg - Former Mind Australia Chief Operating Officer Dr Margaret Grigg has been appointed to the Mind Board.
New Mind Australia service supports young people caring for loved ones with mental ill-health - A new Mind Australia service will provide targeted support to young people who care for someone with mental ill-health or drug and alcohol addiction.
What is depression? A Mind Australia explainer for young people - Staff from the Mind-managed headspace services in Greensborough and Plenty Valley discuss depression, how to identify the warning signs and when to seek help.
Mind Australia mental health peer practitioners changing lives in South Australia - Nearly half of the support staff in Mind Australia’s psychosocial support programs in South Australia are peer practitioners - trained mental health practitioners who have had their own lived experience of mental ill-health.
Mind Australia youth services in Bendigo and Frankston get funding boost - Young people in the Bendigo and Frankston regions will have better mental health support services with the announcement of a major services upgrade.
Medicare Taskforce an opportunity for improved mental health outcomes - Mind CEO Gill Callister discusses how the community mental health sector can help transform outcomes for vulnerable people.
Respect in action webinar: Exploring inclusive pathways in mental health and housing - The second webinar in Mind Australia’s Respect in action: exploring intersectional inclusion in mental health series will discuss mental health, housing and homelessness.
Helping people transition from rough sleeping into safe and secure housing - Housing and Recovery Coordinator Melonie Ramsden says From Homelessness to a Home is providing vulnerable people with secure housing and supporting mental health recovery.
Homes and mental health support for people experiencing homelessness - Mind continues to dedicate resources to providing homes for people who are experiencing homelessness and have mental health concerns in partnership with The Haven Foundation.
New Mind Australia peer cadet workforce highlights value of lived experience of mental ill-health - Mind Australia peer cadet Amy Falconer says her cadetship has reaffirmed her desire to become a mental health peer worker.
Mind CEO appointed to board of new Victorian Collaborative Centre - The new Victorian Collaborative Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing will bring together people with lived experience, researchers and health professionals to lead critical improvements in the mental health system.
Improving housing and mental health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people - The Trajectories Report from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consultations research sought to understand the relationship of housing and mental health pathways. Mind has now summarised the report’s key findings and recommendations for change.
Increased levels of mental distress in Riverland, South Australia - The ongoing pandemic, housing shortages and cost of living pressures are contributing to an increased demand for mental health supports in South Australia’s Riverland, according to Mind General Manager – South Australia Brett Williams.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs reducing psychological distress across Victoria - Mind-managed Hubs have been highly successful in reducing psychological distress in clients across Victoria.
NDIS Support Coordination: making your NDIS support work for you - Mind Australia’s NDIS Support Coordination services can help you get the supports you need to live life your way.
Mind Australia’s commitment to Indigenous procurement - Mind Australia is working with Indigenous suppliers to help stimulate Indigenous entrepreneurship and business development, and provide Indigenous Australians with greater opportunities to participate in the economy.
How Edith’s Mind Australia volunteer is helping her connect with community - Mind Australia’s Partnership and Linkage Service (PALS) is helping Edith overcome social isolation and learn valuable communication skills.
Mind Australia volunteers help isolated people reconnect with the community - Mind Australia volunteer Coordinator Kevin Camilleri says the Partnership and Linking Service (PALS) offers people experiencing mental health and wellbeing concerns a “guiding hand back into the community”.
Mind managed Hubs to continue fast-tracking mental health support for Victorians - Funding has been extended for 30 Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs across Victoria.
Mind Recovery College to become available for more Victorians - For the first time the award-winning Mind Recovery College® will open its mental and social wellbeing courses to the general public.
Time is right to shift trajectory of mental ill-health for First Nations people - What an absolutely historic time in this country. With the new Labor Prime Minister elected by the people, what changes and outcomes will we see in the mental health sector?
How art is helping Mind Australia clients improve their mental health and wellbeing - Creative outlets can have many benefits for people experiencing mental health and wellbeing concerns.
Peer led approaches the way forward for LGBTIQA+ mental health: Respect in action webinar - The importance of peer leadership in LGBTIQA+ mental health was a recurring theme for speakers at Mind Australia’s inaugural ‘Respect in action’ webinar.
Haven Frankston resident finds positivity and purpose through art - Emerging artist and Mind Australia resident Brodie Alserda will showcase her work at her first public exhibition ‘Through Her Eyes’ from June.
Australians better understand mental health since the pandemic: Mind Australia CEO Gill Callister - Australians have a better understanding of the importance of housing, job security and social connection to mental health since the pandemic, says Mind Australia CEO Gill Callister.
Mind delivers mental health support service to prevent young people falling through the gaps - Mind is delivering an innovative new mental health support service established in response to the rising number of young people presenting to Emergency Departments with episodes of self-harm.
Let’s talk about the NDIS: we cannot underestimate the value of supporting Australians with disability - It’s important that we don’t disproportionately focus on the cost of the NDIS to the detriment of the overwhelmingly positive impact it has. Mind CEO Gill Callister discusses the benefits of the NDIS and the way forward.
Young LGBTIQ+ people to design their own coming out course in Rainbow Recovery - Young LGBTIQ+ people with mental health concerns who are living in Wodonga region will have a unique opportunity to help themselves and others through a new educational program from Mind Australia.
Respect in action: a new Mind Australia webinar series exploring intersectional inclusion in mental health - Mind Australia’s new webinar series Respect in action: exploring intersectional inclusion in mental health will discuss how mental health service providers can better support clients with diverse needs and experiences.
Challenge your limiting beliefs: Mind Australia builds confidence in young people with mental ill-health - What does confidence mean to young people? We help young people identify their ‘limiting beliefs’ –things they believe to be true about themselves which erode their confidence.
Mind Australia and Beyond Blue mental health partnership expands to support more young people - Mind Australia and Beyond Blue are expanding counselling support to more young people in response to increased demand from the Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service.
Every Australian deserves the security and stability of a home - Every Australian deserves the security and stability of a home. But after a year of surging rents and house price growth, an increasing number of low and middle-income Australians face severe housing stress or the risk of homelessness.
Mind Australia mental health program reduces burden on South Australian hospitals - Selina was so afraid she would suicide that she gave her adored Scottish Collies to a friend to care for. She did not want her four-legged friends trapped in the house to starve after she was gone.
Julian’s cycling marathon raises funds for Mind Australia following his sister’s recovery - An adventure cyclist from Melbourne is riding more than 1,000 km along the Australian Alps to fundraise for Mind Australia.
How being a Mind Australia volunteer helps Simone Gill make a difference - Mind Australia volunteer Simone Gill says it’s the little things that make a big difference when working with people experiencing mental health and wellbeing concerns.
Bupa customers achieving great mental health recovery outcomes with Mind Australia - Research shows that Bupa customers receiving mental health support from Mind Australia are achieving significant improvements in their levels of depression and anxiety.
Mind Recovery College: the Australian-first combining mental health services and education - The award-winning Mind Recovery College® is expanding to help more people to develop the knowledge and skills needed in their mental health recovery journey.
Mind Australia Recovery Retreats support South Australians’ mental health in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic - Mind will lead more than 20 new mental health retreats this year, providing specialised support and important respite for South Australians experiencing mental health challenges.
Strike a pose for International Women’s Day? Give me a break - There is nothing fundamentally wrong with the idea of #InternationalWomensDay but the idea that we focus on these issues for one day, implies that we spend the other 364 doing something else altogether. And the evidence suggests we do. By Gill Callister, CEO Mind Australia
Unique Mind Australia and FoodShare partnership connecting with people in need - People seeking food relief in the Albury Wodonga region can now be connected with other essential support services thanks to a first of its kind collaboration between the local Mind Australia-managed Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub and the Albury Wodonga Regional Foodshare.
The Haven Foundation - Epping applications open: housing for residents with long-term mental health concerns - A brand new development, funded by Homes Victoria, which will provide long-term housing and support for people experiencing mental health and wellbeing concerns, is now accepting applications.
Referrals rise for Mind program for LGBTQIA+ people in wake of Religious Discrimination bill debate - Mind Australia’s Aftercare program for LGBTQIA+ people experiencing suicidal thoughts has seen a rise in referrals as debate over the Religious Discrimination Bill and its impact on the LGBTQIA+ community dominated public discourse in recent weeks.
Mind announces Allan Fels as Board Chair, welcomes new Directors - Mind Australia recently announced significant changes to its Board including appointing Professor Allan Fels AO as Chair. We also welcome Leilani Darwin and Ruth Picker as Directors.
Mind Australia to provide new respite support for carers in regional Victoria - New support programs for carers of people with mental ill-health in Loddon Shire will provide respite, help carers overcome isolation and strengthen their capabilities in their caring role.
New Mental Health & Wellbeing Hubs now operating in Victoria - The Hubs are part of a $13.3 million Victorian Government commitment to provide Victorians with easier access to mental health support as they continue to navigate through the impacts of the pandemic.
Lived experience key to mental health reform - Mind Australia CEO Gill Callister has labelled the increased role of people with lived experience of mental ill-health as the “game changer” in mental health reform. Ms Callister said Mind’s Lived Experience Strategy highlights the important role people with lived experience will play in providing a much-needed culture shift across the sector.
