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A Mental Health Group

Insights Mental Health Support Group is a compassionate, inclusive community dedicated to supporting individuals impacted by mental illness, emotional challenges, or social isolation.

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Insights Meetings Flyer

Insights has returned in February 2025. We have moved to a new home at the 'Uniting' building in Ballarat East after 8 fantastic years at Wellways, Ballarat. Please see our most recent flyer for upcoming meetings. See you soon!

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About Us

Insights Mental Health Support Group Ballarat is a volunteer non-profit organisation that was founded in 2004. With supports from donations, grants and assistance from the Victorian Department of Health and the Victorian Mental Illness Awareness Council (VMIAC), Insights has continued to support the Ballarat community.

The group was originally established to support individuals with bipolar disorder. Since then, Insights have evolved into a more inclusive support group for those experiencing a range of mental health challenges, including mood, personality, anxiety, phobia, and psychotic disorders, as well as those facing emotional difficulties and social isolation.

Our monthly meetings have previously invited 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.

Beginning at former Aprotch building in Ballarat East, Insights later moved to Wellways, Ballarat Central. As of 2025, Insights has relocated to the 'Uniting' building in Ballarat East. Since COVID-19, our meetings have adapted to a hybrid format, allowing members to join either face-to-face, by phone and through the app Zoom.

Insights is currently under the auspice by the Victorian Mental Illness Awareness Council (VMIAC).

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Acknowledgment of Country

Insights acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land we live and work on, the Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung People, and recognise their continuing connection to the land and waterways. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging and extend this to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.

Group Projects and Past Events

Ballarat Dominos - Feed the Knead program

In 2023, Insights Mental Health Group received free pizzas from Domino’s through their Feed the Knead program, which provides pizzas to individuals, businesses, and charities doing it tough. During one of our meetings, participants enjoyed the pizzas as part of the evening’s gathering. Thanks, Domino’s, for supporting the community and bringing people together.

Insights submission into 'The Disability Royal Commission'

In 2022, Insights had been contacted to submit a policy change into the Federal Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with a Disability. To gather insights from the community, we held two meetings to hear suggestions and concerns.

Key topics raised included homelessness risks, supported residential services, and challenges navigating the NDIS. We also proposed changes to improve the discharge process from mental health services, aiming to support and promote recovery.

Please see link for Insights MH Group submission.

SUB.001.02486 Insights Mental Health Ballarat

Insights Mental Health Workshops Series

Insights Mental Health Group, in partnership with Federation University, hosted a series of workshops focused on mental health awareness, recovery, and creativity.

Highlights:

Andy Penny From Headspace opened the series with a talk on “Why Mental Health Matters,” highlighting practical strategies for mental well-being.

Heidi Everett shared her journey of recovery through music in “Recovery from Mental Illness and Music.”

Sandy Jeffs closed the series with “Poetry and Recovery,” captivating the audience with her reflections on resilience and creativity while living with schizophrenia.

These free events were supported by Headspace Ballarat, Victorian Mental Illness Awareness Council, The NDIS, and Federation University.

Thank you to all who participated!

Insights presentation to Victorian MH groups

In 2019, Insights Mental Health Group was invited by the Victorian Mental Illness Awareness Council (VMIAC) to present to other mental health groups in the Ballarat and Melbourne regions. The presentation covered key topics such as the group’s sustainability, objectives, achievements, and future aspirations. Thanks to VMIAC for facilitating the event and to all participants and groups who attended and contributed.

Insights Mental Health Group Website Launch

In 2019, Insights Mental Health Group revamped and launched its new website with an event at the Eastwood Leisure Complex in Ballarat. The free public gathering drew a crowd to support mental health initiatives and connect with the local community.

Event Highlights:

Live Music – Guests were treated to a musical performance by the Melbourne group 'The Shifties'.

Guest Speakers

Dr. Gerry Naughtin, Mental Health Advisor for the National Disability Insurance Agency, delivered a comprehensive talk on "Community Mental Health Care into the Age of the National Disability Insurance Scheme."

Daryl Taylor, Community Development Officer at the Victorian Mental Illness Awareness Council (VMIAC), discussed community support and advocacy and a history on the old and new models of support.

Community Connections – Ballarat NDIS providers such as Latrobe Community Health and Wellsway's were also present, engaging with attendees and answering questions about services and supports available through the NDIS.

A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who attended, participated, and supported this event.

Works from past and present participants

Poetry and lyrics

Troy – Poet and Lyricist. Troy is a passionate poet and lyricist who has spent decades building a substantial collection of work. His writings are inspired by everyday experiences, the history of Ballarat, musical theatre, and collaborations with various musicians and visual artists. He has given Insights permission for his work to be shared. They are available for purchase either by contacting Insights or directly through Troy at troyplatt2009@live.com. You can also view his songs at: https://musescore.com/user/97387813/

Graffiti & Street Art

I create art using watercolors, pens, markers, and aerosols, working on materials like watercolor paper and pre-prepared wood. I love wood for its ease of use and its ability to show my work without the need for framing.

My inspiration comes from the energy of bright colors, strong lines, and interesting shapes. I’m drawn to street art and detailed drawings. Bright, bold designs always catch my eye and influence my work.

My art focuses on colour, character, and quirkiness. I aim to create pieces that are visually striking and full of personality.

I hope my art offers viewers a fresh way of seeing things—highlighting the brightness, energy, and detail in each piece.

Poetry

I write my poems and songs in a similar way. Just in the course of my reflections on an event, a line of language or a concept comes to mind. For example, I think, “Love is the only way home” in thinking over the events of a day. And then I think – “That wouldn’t be a bad line for a poem or song”. Then I try to write it. Or I get an idea that navigating mental illness is a bit like being trapped in a space craft where you can see the earth and other people below you, but try as much as you like, you can’t reach them. And then try to write out how that might be true. My method there is simple too – a kind of formula of coming back to the central idea of the poem and finding a set of ways of looking at the theme. My theory on what works as a work of art is pretty simple too. Rule one - A good poem or song gets the listener or reader in first of all. There must be an appeal of the music or the way the lines come out that attracts the reader’s or listener’s attention. Rule two – Once you have the person in, the poem or song should keep that attention through to the end of the piece. Rule three – there should be something given by the poem or song that means that the listener or reader comes out richer at the end of the song or poem than before they started.

And that’s it. I hope you enjoy the poems.

Abstract Art

My works are experiments in form, line and colour. Upon beginning a piece, I have no preconceived idea and will often improvise as the works develop. I aim to create works by utilising positive and negative space, complementary colours and shading techniques. This attempts to express and evoke emotions that the audience can hopefully interpret.

In my free time, I enjoy creating artwork as it is deeply relaxing and fun. My influences include artists such as Joan Miro, Wassily Kandinsky, Roberto Matta, James Gleeson and Georgia O'Keefe due to their bold use of colours, whimsical themes, line work, and abstract concepts.

Our Team

Insights is run by volunteers with the current committee working together since 2016.

Chair

Our chair oversees the group, manages conflict resolution, networking and collaborating with other organisations and professionals. He is the main facilitator of our group meetings. He has around 25 years' experience working in lived experience roles such as a consumer consultant and senior manager at psych services. He holds a degree in Social Welfare and is also a director for an Australia wide support group organisation. He is currently completing his master's degree in philosophy specialising in theology and virtue ethics. He also holds certificates in emotional CPR and in peer support. His interests include participating in cycling events, hiking, playing the flute and piano and walking his dog.

Co-Chair

Our co-chair has been with Insights for the past 7 years. He oversees the technical side of Insights such as designing the Insights website, set-ups for zoom meetings, setting up for events and music tech. He holds a certificate in mental health and has been working in the NDIS since 2019. His interests include playing guitar, backpacking, philosophy and cooking.

Treasurer

Our treasurer has been working in the mental health and disability sector since 2018 and holds degrees in Visual Arts and in Community and Human Services. She has experience in navigating the NDIS such as funding, invoicing processes and in plan management. She handles the financial side of Insights which includes applying for grant funding and finalising acquittals, banking, insurances and budgeting for expenses. Her interests include art and art history, meeting new people, travelling and anything music related.

Secretary

Our secretary manages the communication side of things such as admin activities and overseeing the Insights web and Facebook pages. She keeps up to date with creating the flyers and in emailing and SMS reminders of upcoming meetings. Her interests include horse riding, cooking, gardening and crochet.

Insights Library

(Books are available for hire for a small deposit)

Books on Depression & Personality Disorders

  • Beating the Blues: A Self-Help Approach to Overcoming Depression – Susan Tanner & Jillian Ball

  • Borderline Personality Disorder Demystified – Robert O. Friedel

  • Breaking the Patterns of Depression – Michael D. Yapko

  • Hand-Me-Down Blues: How to Stop Depression from Spreading in Families – Michael D. Yapko

  • I Had a Black Dog – Matthew Johnstone

  • Patterns of Depression – Michael D. Yapko

  • Taming the Black Dog: A Guide to Overcoming Depression – Bev Aisbett

  • Tracking the Black Dog – Edited by Kerry Eyers

Books on Bipolar Disorder and Mood Disorders

  • A Lifelong Journey: Staying Well with Manic Depression/Bipolar Disorder – Sarah Russell

  • Surviving Manic Depression: A Manual on Bipolar Disorder for Patients, Families, and Providers – E. Fuller Torrey & Michael B. Knable

  • The Bipolar Workbook: Tools for Controlling Your Mood Swings – Monica Ramirez Basco

  • Touched with Fire: Manic-Depressive Illness and the Artistic Temperament – Kay Redfield Jamison

  • Win the Battle: The 3-Step Lifesaving Formula to Conquer Depression and Bipolar Disorder – Bob Olson

Books on Schizophrenia

  • A Beautiful Mind – Sylvia Nasar

  • Joe’s Diary – A Personal Account of Schizophrenia

  • Living with Schizophrenia: A Family Guide to Making a Difference – Jeffrey Rado & Philip G. Janicak

  • My Punished Mind – David C. Boyles

  • Nightmare: A Schizophrenia Narrative – Wendell Justin Williamson

  • The Center Cannot Hold – Elyn R. Saks

  • The SANE Guide to Schizophrenia – SANE Australia

Books on Mental Health Treatments & Coping Strategies

  • 50 Psychology Classics – Tom Butler-Bowdon

  • Healthy Food, Healthy Mind – Mark Loughran

  • Healthy Living – SANE Australia

  • The Meaning of Madness – Neel Burton

  • The SANE Guide for Families – SANE Australia

  • The SANE Guide to Drugs – SANE Australia

  • The SANE Guide to Healthy Living – SANE Australia

  • The SANE Guide to Medication and Other Treatments - SANE Australia

  • The Science of Self-Realization – His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

Memoirs & Personal Stories

  • Broken Open – Craig Hamilton

  • Dying for a Cure: A Memoir of Antidepressants, Misdiagnosis, and Madness – Rebekah Beddoe

  • Flying with Paper Wings: Reflections on Living with Madness – Sandy Jeffs

  • For Families – SANE Australia

  • My Schizophrenic Life – Sandra Yuen MacKay

  • Petra Thomas: Swimming Against the Tide – Andy Shea

  • Speaking from Experience – A collection of personal stories - SANE Australia

  • Speaking from Experience: Families and Mental Illness - SANE Australia

  • The Quiet Room – Lori Schiller & Amanda Bennett

  • You're Not Alone: A SANE Guide - SANE Australia

Mental Health Links

Support services in the Ballarat region

Support services in the surrounding areas

Contact Us

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Address

Ballarat VIC, Australia

Email

insightsmhballarat@gmail.com

ABN

13367415397