Mental Health Foundation Australia

21/10/2025

Big feelings? Little worries? Or just need a quiet moment?

At MHFA, we believe every child deserves to feel heard and supported. That’s why we’re excited to collaborate with St Kilda Primary School to establish The Wellbeing Room — a warm, welcoming space where students can chat, relax, and learn that all feelings are okay.

To learn more about our service, visit: https://wellnesshub.mhfa.org.au/counselling-in-schools

With $30 per 50-minute per session (fee waivers may be applied), join us now to create a familiar, accessible space for students to talk, heal, and grow.

Support your child with our affordable and accessible counselling options. Whether you're a parent looking for direct support or a school interested in partnering with us, we offer flexible services tailored to meet the needs of students.

20/10/2025

Mental health is a journey that touches people of all ages, not just the youth, but also our seniors. Yet, too often, the mental health challenges faced by older adults are overlooked or considered taboo, even though they’re just as important. It’s time we start normalising conversations around seniors’ mental health, and it can begin with something as simple as checking in on your loved ones.

In this Let’s Talk episode, Professor Sunil Bhar and Cr Richard Lim OAM share their experiences of interacting and working closely with older members of our community. Rather than immediately encouraging professional help, they highlight the power of starting with a simple “chat” — a gentle, human approach that builds trust, connection, and understanding.

Their stories reflect deep compassion and dedication, showing how genuine conversations can open doors to wellbeing and support. Sometimes, all it takes is a chat to make a difference.

Let’s continue to normalise mental health conversations for seniors through empathy, understanding, and language that destigmatises rather than diagnosis. Let’s learn from our seniors, honour their lived experiences, and let them lead the way toward better mental health for all.

Curious about their stories and approaches? Watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3uXDHD5Wzg

20/10/2025

Mental health is a lifelong journey that touches people of all ages. Yet, too often, the mental health challenges faced by older adults are overlooked or considered taboo, even though they’re just as those experienced by younger generations.

In this Let’s Talk episode, Professor Sunil Bhar and Cr Richard Lim OAM share their experiences of working closely with older members of our community. Rather than immediately encouraging professional help, they emphasise the value of starting with a simple and compassionate “chat” that shows a gentle and human approach to foster trust, connection, and understanding.

Their dedication reminds us that sometimes, all it takes is a genuine conversation to open doors to wellbeing and support.

Join us today in normalising mental health conversations for seniors through empathy, understanding, and language that destigmatises rather than diagnoses.

Let’s learn from our seniors’ stories, honour their lived experiences, and let them lead the way toward better mental health for all.

Curious about their stories and approaches? Watch the full episode now via link in bio!

20/10/2025

A huge thank you to Professor Ajeet Singh for presenting on Internal Empathy Recalibration in the MHFA Lunch & Learn Educational Webinar. His session offered a fresh and thought-provoking perspective on trauma-informed psychotherapy, reminding us of the importance of empathy not only towards others but also within ourselves.

Professor Singh’s forward-thinking approach highlighted how recalibrating internal empathy can empower individuals to process trauma more safely and effectively. By reframing self-directed empathy as a powerful therapeutic tool, he opened up new possibilities for how mental health professionals and communities can support healing and resilience.

We are grateful for his expertise and the opportunity to learn from his groundbreaking work, which continues to inspire innovation in trauma-informed care and mental health practice.

Missed the session? Visit our website to watch it now: https://www.mhfa.org.au/webinars

Stay tuned for more MHFA Lunch & Learn webinars, where we bring thought leaders together to share insights that strengthen our understanding of mental health and wellbeing.

19/10/2025

Happy Diwali from all of us at MHFA! 🌟

This Diwali, we wish you not just light and love, but moments of warmth, joy, and togetherness. May the festival of lights fill your heart with peace and your home with happiness, shared with those who matter most.

At MHFA, we celebrate the light that shines through community, compassion, and wellbeing, today and every day.

18/10/2025

Everyone deserves support regardless of their financial circumstances.

Here at the MHFA Wellness Hub we provide affordable $30 one-on-one counselling sessions, in person or telehealth. Every day, we strive to create a space that is empowering, where everyone feels heard, supported, and encouraged to grow, where we can all learn from one another and move forward together.

Our client experiences are a testament to the passion, care and support that is provided here at the Wellness Hub. The tools provided at these sessions can help be the beginning of your mental health journey!

To learn more about our compassionate, affordable services visit https://wellnesshub.mhfa.org.au/

16/10/2025

During National Carers Week, we celebrate the strength and beautiful bond between a young neurodivergent individual and his caring father. This young man’s story is a gentle reminder of resilience, love, and the power of care. 
 
Today’s In Conversation documentary features Hrishikesh Hariharan and his father, Hariharan Viswanathan, as they discuss navigating daily life with deep mutual support. From juggling work and volunteering to enjoying his hobbies, Hrishikesh still finds time to help around the home and spend quality time with his beloved dog, Pluto.  

Watch the full documentary via the link in bio! 

15/10/2025

Navigating mental health challenges within relationships is not a lonesome journey. Support shines through within marriage and can present itself in different forms.

With the focus on National Carers Week, this journey shared is an image of strength, love and compassion. In sickness and in health, partners are present in walking with you through the journey of life's ups and downs.

Being a partner or carer doesn’t mean you know how to answer all life’s challenges, but instead you are a safe and non-judgemental presence.

To learn more about our bipolar support groups, visit https://supportgroup.mhfa.org.au/groups

15/10/2025

The second night of the Multicultural Mental Health Film Festival features six international shorts from the State of Palestine, Poland, France, Georgia, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, followed by the Official Awards Ceremony honouring filmmakers from both days.

Guests are invited to walk the red carpet, take photos at the festival media wall, and enjoy drinks available for purchase throughout the night at the ACMI Bar.

Limited spots available, get tickets at FilmFreeway: https://filmfreeway.com/MulticulturalMentalHealthFilmFestival/tickets



Emerging Minds Australia Federation Of Indian Associations Of Victoria - FIAV AGBU

15/10/2025

As part of ACMI celebrated New Voices in Australian Cinema series, this showcase presents six Australian short films that delve into themes of culture, identity, and the emotional complexities of mental health. Attendees will enjoy a red carpet, a media wall, and live coverage, among other highlights. In addition to appreciating engaging and meaningful mental health-focused films, attendees will have opportunities to participate in filmmaker Q&As, moderated by SBS’s Mojdeh Kashani.

Limited spots available, get tickets today at ACMI: https://www.acmi.net.au/whats-on/new-voices-australian-in-cinemas/mmhff/



FilmFreeway AGBU Emerging Minds Australia Federation Of Indian Associations Of Victoria - FIAV

14/10/2025

Today’s In Conversation documentary features Simranpreet Gill who shares how the placement at the MHFA became a turning point — helping her grow from quiet beginnings into a confident communicator, building practical skills in community engagement and mental health advocacy.

It’s a powerful reminder that growth often begins when we step into the unknown and that every experience can shape us into the changemakers we aspire to be.

Watch the full documentary on YouTube, link in bio!