A Mental Health Support Group
Insights Mental Health Support Group Ballarat is a compassionate, inclusive community dedicated to supporting individuals impacted by mental illness, emotional challenges, or social isolation. We provide a safe space for open discussion, mutual encouragement, and advocacy, welcoming all who seek connection and understanding. Our monthly meetings, held both in-person and online, offer a chance to share experiences, gain valuable insights, and foster resilience. We also host casual social gatherings for a relaxed way to connect with others. Family, friends, and carers are welcome, as we believe that a strong support network is vital for well-being.
About Us
The aim of our group is to provide a warm and welcoming environment for those with a lived experience to come together and learn through sharing. We are open to all members of the community that currently experience or have a history of mental illness or social isolation. If you identify as having a lived experience you are welcome to join us and bring a worker, friend or family member to support you. At our meetings we aim not only to provide support and education but acceptance and friendship. It is expected that group participants embrace our value of confidentiality and respect that anything shared within the group is to stay within the group. All of our members are entitled to respect and privacy.
Insights Mental Health Support Group Ballarat is a non-profit organization founded in 2004, originally established to support individuals with bipolar disorder. Since then, we've evolved into an inclusive support group for those experiencing a range of mental health challenges, including mood, personality, anxiety, phobia, and psychosis disorders, as well as those facing emotional difficulties and social isolation.
Our group has had several homes, beginning at former Aprotch building in Ballarat, then later moving to Wellways, Ballarat. We’ve relaunched three times, each expansion allowing to support more people in our community. In 2019, with support from the Victorian Mental Illness Awareness Council (VMIAC), we successfully launched its website. As of 2024, Insights is currently under the auspice by the Victorian Mental Illness Awareness Council (VMIAC).
Our monthly meetings have previously held meetings where guest speakers such as musicians, artists, healthcare professionals, and mental health advocates, who cover a variety of topics—from navigating the NDIS to accessing local support services and building personal capacities. Insights is volunteer-managed, supported by the help of donations, grants, and with assistance from the Department of Health and Human Services and VMIAC.
Since COVID-19, we adapted to a hybrid format, allowing members to join either face-to-face, phone and through the app Zoom.
Art/Project
Our Policy Submission to The Federal Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with a Disability
In 2022, Insights had the opportunity to contribute to a policy submission for the Federal Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with a Disability. To gather insights from our community, we held two meetings to hear suggestions and concerns.
Key topics raised included homelessness risks, navigating supported residential services, and challenges with the NDIS. We also proposed changes to improve the discharge process from mental health services, aiming to support and promote recovery.
Art Gallery
The artwork has been created by past and present members. The artist has given permission for Insights to use on our website.
It is with the permission from the artist to not use their name due to privacy and confidentiality concerns.
Please contact us for more information, or if you are interested in purchasing these works.
Art Gallery
Artists Statement
My artwork delves into my inner world, using form and line. Each piece begins as an open experiment; I work without a fixed plan, focusing on creating something visually unique and engaging. My work is often vibrant and expressive, reflecting my moods and energy levels. I strive for balance through free-flowing forms, dynamic brushstrokes, and a blend of colors and shading.
My influences blend the subconscious, outsider art, abstract art, and the practice of automatic drawing. I draw inspiration from subconscious thoughts about self-perception, embodiment, and my understanding of the mind. The rawness of Outsider art resonates with me, as does the nature of automatic drawing. Working this way allows me to create freely, often resulting in a process that feels cathartic and grounding.
Artists like Joan Miró, Wassily Kandinsky, Roberto Matta, Nick Blinko and James Gleeson inspire me with their bold colors and surreal, dreamlike visions.
Poetry and lyrics
Troy is a poet and lyricist who has built an extensive body of work over the past several decades. His writing draws inspiration from everyday experiences and those he collaborates with. Troy is passionate about reading tarot, listening to music, and reading books. Troy has given permission for his work to be shared, hoping to inspire others through his art. His collection, featuring thousands of lyrics and poems, is available for purchase on Amazon.