Mental Health Charity in Australia 

Mind Blank is a unique community led response to a national mental health priority. We are a mental health charity in Australia that is looking at the issue of mental health through a creative lense. We have hosted over 100 wellness workshops all over Australia including urban, rural, remote and regional areas. Here is our latest Annual Report.

We can work one on one with your town or community to host a tour. Here is a list of some of our programs.
- mental health in primary schools
- mental health in high schools

Our goal is to equip young people, teachers, parents, businesses and community members with skills and knowledge in knowing how to support individuals in times of need. This means that audience members can walk away knowing the value of self-care application, how to promote a speak-up culture and knowledge on the important pathways to seek help to encourage emotional and mental wellness.

Our program will work best when:

Effectiveness Tip 1. The school, workplace or community are proactive about applying a debrief process that supports individuals and reaffirm program intentions.

To support the above action Mind Blank has created tools and resources for parents and teachers.  We want to make sure that all parties are informed with knowing what to do in a time of need. For more information click here. Service provider and business affiliates will require tailored materials to integrate with their internal processes.  Here is an additional link to great mental health resources for parents and carers. 

What is a health promotion charity? 

A health promotion charity is designed to create awareness. Our programs aim to:

1. help identity signs and symptoms of mental health.

2. encourage help seeking.

Such outcomes are in line with National Mental Health priorities such as better awareness, prevention and early intervention in relation to suicide prevention. Our work is constantly reviewed as we seek best practice outcomes based of the latest research.

How do our programs work?
- Showcase a story of lived experience with mental ill health.
- Alongside service providers we create theatre-based performances with audience interaction
- 1 hour (45 min of forum discussion and interaction)
- Featuring 4x professional youth actors with audience sizes up to 200
- Performance topics include; Depression, Anxiety or a custom script that can address specific needs of the school community.

Effectiveness Tip 2: Mind Blank has a booking form procedure. Make sure to read the terms of the agreement prior to signing the form.

Effectiveness Tip 3: Our programs work best when all stakeholders are proactive. We highly advice that the welfare team or EAP representative are present on the day of an event.

Effectiveness Tip 4: For larger audiences microphones required as a WP&S precaution for our team.

Affiliated Organisations:
Australian Drug and Alcohol Foundation, Uniting Burnside, Rural Adversity Mental Health Program, National Disability Coordination Officer Program – University of Western Sydney, TeamHEALTH and many more.

Current Program Collaborations:
Canberra PCYC – Canberra’s Life-force Awareness and Suicide Prevention (CLASP) is a collaboration between Mind Blank and Canberra PCYC to raise awareness and to supporting young people to understand the risk factors around mental health and suicide.

Mind Blank also offer’s programs targeting mental health in the workplace. Workshop attendees can walk away knowing the value of self-care application, how to promote a speak-up culture and knowledge on the important pathways to seek help to encourage emotional and mental wellness. Practical application of any of the above skills has potential to increase individual’s chances of early intervention and their health and wellbeing.

The Human Rights Commission has outlined some important information relating to the laws and legislation's in this regarding mental health in the workplace. Here is a link to a practical guide for managers. 

The ACNC and Australia’s mental health charities

The ACNC is the Austrialian and Charities Not-for-Profit Commission. It is the governing body for Australia’s mental health charities. Mind Blank is registered as a health promotion charity and it is registered as a company limited by guarantee and DRG recipient.

Contact our team for more information.

 Meet Mind Blank's CEO & Founder Alison Kelly (Ally) 

Ally Kelly is the CEO & Founder of Mind Blank Ltd.  For years she has been grass roots social advocate and a firm believer in early intervention.  She has led the charity through seven years of service, for which her efforts were recognised in winning the 2017 Mental Health Matters Award for Mental Health Promotion.

Ally is an experienced senior manager in the non-profit sector. Previously, her roles outside of Mind Blank included work in the social services supporting marginalised community members and outreach services support to rough sleepers.

In 2018 Ally complete her Masters in Humanitarian studies majoring in research in social justice, inequality and humanitarian affairs. She believes that primary prevention offers the greatest hope for intervention recovery and therefore takes every opportunity to educate the community to recognise the early signs of mental illness, without stigmatising or discriminating.

As a survivor of past trauma Ally has had first-hand experience with PTSD. Her story and passion for the cause comes from a compassion that was triggered from being a carer for a parent who has been suicidal many times. 

“Statistics show that due to my history I am at higher risk of suicide and ongoing mental health issues. I refuse to accept this. I am living proof that as individuals we can change this reality. 

I created Mind Blank because I believe in my core that no –one needs to suffer in silence! I believe that there are some amazing service providers that exist, and that due to stigma people wait too long before they seek help. Often I hear of stories where people are finally ready for help, however  they stumble through the system. Crisis kicks in and an individual is put on a 6week to 6month waiting list, with no training on what to do in the meantime.

If you would like to know more about Mind Blank and what we do not hesitate to contact us. We welcome your ideas and support to continue to make a difference to the future generation of young Australians.”

Awards and Recognition 

Mind Blank uses evidence informed primary prevention programs as a suicide prevention approach. To see a full list of awards and program endorsements click here.

Our Mental Wellness Journey and Key Milestones

- 2018 Mind Blank is funded by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation to Chair the formation of the Goulburn Local Drug Action Team. 
- 2018 The Canberra Preventative Network Alliance is formed and Mind Blank works with MIEACT, Canberra PCYC to launch a primary school focused collaborative program package. 
- 2017 Mind Blank School Program wins Mental Health Award.
- 2017 Micheal Ward Walks for the cause raising $59,000.00 for the Mind Blank team.
- 2017 Grafton alliances commence. In order to take on this geographic area a Brisbane team is formed.
- 2017 TeamHEALTH alliance form expansion of services to the Top End of Australia.
- 2016 Youth in ACTion help support Canberra team formation and launch.
- 2016 Ally presented at the National Suicide Prevention Conference. 
- 2015 Ally moves to Qld to complete her post-graduates studies at the Griffith University.
- 2014 Mind Blank gets their first ever Victoria event booking.
- 2013-2015 Cultural Creations program launched to uses theatre to help at-risk migrant students. 
- In 2013 the University of Wollongong’s acknowledged CEO Ally Kelly’s achievements by featuring Mind Blank in the Graduation Ceremony video.
- 2013 Mind Blank CEO Ally Kelly was invited to speak at the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards.
- 2013 Mind Blank featured at the launch of Youth week at the NSW Parliament House.
- In 2012 a research project commenced at the University of Wollongong.
- Ally was invited as a guest speaker at Wesley Lifeforce National Networks Information Day in 2012.
- Mind Blank was a guest speaker for the Mental Health Professionals Network and the Australian Psychological Society Illawarra AGM.
- In October 2011 the first ever community partnership to place in alliance with the Shoalhaven Suicide Prevention Awareness Network.
- On 14th May 2011 Mind Blank piloted its first ever public mental wellness event titled “Understanding Depression Fill in the Blanks”.
- In March 2011 the Mind Blank Incorporated established. 
- Jan 2011 Ally moved back to Wollongong with determination to start kick start turning her dreams into reality. 
- In 2011 Ally was invited to join the Community Consultation Committee for the Grand Pacific Medicare Local as the Mental Health Youth Voice. 
- In Dec 2010, Ally graduated from University and visited Brisbane for the summer. Surviving the Brisbane floods allowed for a great platform for starting Mind Blank’s very first business plan.

Ally is available to Freelance as an Arts Manager, Keynote speaker and Consultant for creative projects. To find out more click here. 

Mind Blank programs have been developed to educate mental health, social and emotional well-being in Primary and Secondary schools settings. We have been running our services since 2011.  Our creative arts inspired workshops are in line with the education curriculum, and they are award winning programs. 

In October 2017 our team are humbled to have received the Mental Health Matters Award for Mental Health Promotion. This award is coordinated by WayAhead Mental Health Association and the NSW Mental Health Commission.  The ‘Mental Health Matters’ awards recognises the outstanding work of programs that provide excellent services for mental health.

Prior to this Mind Blank CEO Ally Kelly has received recognition in the community for her work with the Mind Blank charity: 

- Finalist - Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World Junior Business Chamber International - 2014
- Highly Commended - Illawarra Young Business Leader of the Year Illawarra Woman in Business – 2013
- Finalist - Young Business Leader of the Year Illawarra Business Chamber – 2013
- Runner up - Most Outstanding Member Asia Pacific Conference Junior Business Chamber International – 2013

For more information about our programs, enquire within.

What is Evidence Based Practice in Mental Health Promotion?  

The Black Dog Institute is leading current best practice through the Lifespan suicide prevention  model in Australia. Strategies include outlining nine evidence based practice focuses. There are three focuses that support mental health promotion that are inline with Mind Blank programs.

They are:

Promoting help-seeking, mental health and resilience in schools (1).

Mind Blank have successful engaging young people in developing greater understanding of mental health issues, where to seek help and increasing their ability to manage when dealing with such issues themselves or with family and friends.  An evaluation by the University of Wollongong highlighted the value of the Mind Blank program and the way it is delivered to students (and teachers) as highlighted in this quote

“Mind Blank’s approach has the ability to reduce levels of stigma surrounding mental health problems...audience members…increasingly engaged in discussion around the mental health problems of themselves or their peers. Young people have reported to be more comfortable with  the fact that they have mental health problems and feel more justified in seeking assistance. One teacher described a Mind Blank show at his school as a ‘life changing’ event for one of his troubled students.”

Engaging the community and providing opportunities to be part of the change (2) and Training the community to recognise and respond to suicidality (3).

Mind Blank workshops take place in Primary-Schools, High-Schools and Academic Intuitions engaging students and teachers. Vital parent and community tools will be distributed post program. These resources reinforce a whole picture of early intervention practice, offering parents and community members the chance to participate with vital knowledge.  

Through our partnered program approach Mind Blank teams will facilitate multiple conversations focusing on recognition of risk and early intervention aiming to reduce the detrimental effects of a poor mental health cycle. Topics covered include self-care, conflict resolution, communication and   help-seeking strategies and enhancing resilience. 

Equipping young people, teachers, parents and community members with skills and knowledge in knowing how to support individuals in times of need and where to seek help has potential to increase our chances of early intervention and ultimately reduce the risk of suicide attempts and suicide deaths.

 

Pro Tip 1:  When working with mental health and suicide prevention on stage or on film, make sure to use the guidelines outlined by Mindframe to abide by a harm prevention approach.

 

The Evidence - Why Are Early Intervention Programs Important?

Youth mental health in Australia costs $6.29 billion annually in lost productivity (Hosie, Vogl, Carden, Hoddinott & Lim, 2014)^.  National industry leaders such as ReachOut.com. and the Black Dog Institute are now confirming value in awareness raising preventative strategies in schools. Data from a National Headspace study (2016) shows that 52 per cent of young people who have identified as suffering from mental and emotional ill health over the last 12 months are too embarrassed to share their problems with anyone^.  Mind Blank program evaluations confirm reductions in stigma associated to seeking help. This is an early intervention approach.

Our business values are in line with priorities such as better awareness, prevention and early intervention in relation to suicide prevention.  The Australian Government’s Proposed National Strategy for Suicide Prevention supports the use of ‘expert providers’ and ‘evidence based workshops’ aimed to reduce risk factors and increase protective factors to support youths. The National Mental Health Commission and State Based Suicide Prevention Action Plans encourage early action, promotion, prevention and early intervention.

Theatre use in an educational setting can help students open up discussions from their shared experience, as well as assist with change.  Research evaluations have revealed that a majority of students experience joy and strong emotions when watching educational theatre, they are receptive to listen attentively and correctly identify the educational message being portrayed (Waters, Monks, Ayres & Thomson, 2012).

Mind Blank is recognised Australia wide for mental health awareness and education through delivering innovative programs in schools, communities, and workplaces. We advocate a holistic and balanced approach through strategic partnerships and collaborations. Our programs aim to reduce the risk of suicide  in rural and urban Australia. 

For more information about Mind Blank. Click here.

Identifying Signs Symptoms of Mental and Emotional Health

Our programs are designed to help workshop attendee’s identifying signs symptoms of ill health. We provide an environment where we follow an individuals story, exploring varying times in their life where they have been challenged by their mental and emotional health.

In a fun and safe environment me explore themes such as: depression, anxiety, bullying and suicide prevention. 

There is a wealth of information on various mental illnesses online. For examples of some content regarding signs and symptoms of mental ill health click here. 

Mental Health Help Seeking 

Mind Blank programs explore mental health help seeking as an underlying theme to our workshops. Our programs demonstrate pivotal times when a person may need support, and we discuss what services may be available in a time of need. If you or someone you know may require additional support with your mental and emotional health get help here. 

Mind Blank Tailored Programs

More information on our programs can be sourced below:

Mind Blank’s aim is to reduce the risk of suicide through interactive performances in schools and communities.  When we evaluate our programs we aim to help young people identify signs and symptoms of mental ill health and increase their knowledge on where to seek help in a time of need. Equipping young people, teachers, parents and community members with skills and knowledge in knowing how to support individuals in times of need and where to seek help has potential to increase our chances of early intervention and ultimately reduce the risk of suicide attempts and suicide deaths.

For more information about Mind Blank. Click here.

Program Evaluation and Suicide Prevention

There is a lot of stigma when it comes to suicide prevention and mental health education.  Australian run Orygen foundation, worked in the UK and conducted a comprehensive research review examining 99 studies from clinical educational, workplace and community settings. They focused on looking at interventions that aimed to reduce harm and suicidal ideation in young people. The outcomes of the program evaluation study showed that integrated approaches were the most promising models for further change.  Lead researcher Dr Jo Robinson comments “At a time when we’re seeing suicide rates around the world growing, this study shows us that we should feel hopeful that interventions specifically designed to reduce suicide risk in young people do work and can impact on suicide ideation and self-harm.”  The study highlights the importance of evidence based interventions and partnership to combat the growing epidemic.

More information on suicide prevention best practice. 

Mind Blanks Evaluation Framework and Evidence Based Practice Guidelines

1. Current survey evaluation practices run on three levels of feedback surveys (access below). These surveys are designed to encourage aspects of self-improvement, measuring attitudes and intentions for help seeking behaviours. An annual audit of survey questions takes place.  If and when the resources are  available collaborations will also run participant’s surveys and/or focus groups implemented on a pre-post and 6-month follow up basis. 

2. When it comes to program evaluations our team is guided by good governance and evidence based practice guidelines. In application, this is an ongoing effort to keep up to date with industry leaders, government officials and an ever-changing market space. 

3. We aim to continue to align with partnerships and collaborators to promote innovation and efficacy in program methodology and evaluation in the arts and health space.

4. The Mind Blank team aspires to contribute to and inform a current body of research analysing the benefits of art and health programs in Australia by sharing program outcomes.

5. When engaging in partnerships it is important to define ongoing evaluation intentions upfront to aim for longitudinal data collection (if and when appropriate).

The above framework is influenced by the National Arts and Health Framework as well as the interviews conducted in a research study (Kelly, 2018). It is intended as a strategic guide only and will require active review.

Program Evaluation Data 

What do we aim to measure when we evaluate our programs?

- reduction of mental health stigma

- increased knowledge of signs and symptoms

- change in attitude or desire to seek help if needed

- increased knowledge help seeking

This data is collected through a mix method approach. If you would like to access some of our 2018 program outcomes, click here to access Mind Blank’s 2018 Impact Report. For more samples of program evaluation outcomes: Click here. Program testimonies: Click here.

For more information about our work. Get in touch today.

For a Mind Blank representative to contact you please Click here.