Mental Health and AOD Supports – Voices of strength
BHN’s Mental Health Creative Showcase
BHN stands as a pillar of support in the Bayside region, empowering thousands of individuals each year through Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) services. In 2025, we provided free, life-changing care to 2,792 clients facing mental health challenges and supported 1,473 people on their journeys with AOD issues. Many of our team have lived and living experience in these areas, offering clients unique support and providing empathy, understanding and hope.
Creative voices,
powerful impact
During World Mental Health Week (5-13 October), our annual Mental Health Creative Showcase lit up Mental Health Day on 10 October. A platform for people with lived experiences of mental health challenges to express themselves creatively, the event’s heartwarming atmosphere was brought to life by our clients—artists, musicians and performers—who took the stage to share their journeys.
Their artwork moved and inspired us, and every poem, song and performance resonated with authentic, lived and living experience. It was a day where voices that are too often unheard rang loud and clear, reminding us of the connection between art and healing.
The Creative Showcase is a great way for people to express their creative skills and get a positive feeling at a time when they are going through a personal struggle. My presentation, Perfect Imperfection, focused on my thoughts that everyone (including me) has unique creative skills that can be expressed. It was a very positive experience, as I could see the audience connected with this concept. It also enabled me to connect with other presenters who demonstrated fantastic creative skills despite their personal struggles,” Colin, BHN Mental Health Service client.
Special thanks to our eight dedicated Mental Health and Wellbeing Trainees. Studying for their Certificate IV in Mental Health at RMIT, this dynamic group organised and hosted the Mental Health and Creative Showcase, turning passion into action and proving that the future of mental health support is bright.
Jad’s story – Clients leading the way
This year’s showcase highlighted the power of client-led recovery. By placing lived experiences at the centre, we saw how sharing personal journeys, talents and creativity can foster healing and strengthen community. One of those inspiring stories is Jad’s.
A young participant in our Early Intervention Psychosocial Support Response (EIPSR) program, Jad first came to BHN after experiencing his first psychotic episode and a period of inpatient care at The Alfred. In the beginning, he found it challenging to leave the house and relied heavily on his family for support.
With the consistent guidance of his case worker Sam, group support, and a personalised recovery plan, Jad gradually regained his independence. Within months, he was not only reconnecting with his community but also thriving in it –performing at local festivals, having his music played on the radio, and even receiving an invitation to audition for Australian Idol.
At this year’s showcase, Jad reached an important milestone in his recovery, performing his original song, Through the Rain, a moving reflection on his mental health journey.
In his own words: “BHN’s Mental Health Creative Showcase gave me the chance to express myself and share my story alongside others in similar situations. It felt amazing to get such a positive reaction from the crowd, and I loved seeing others express their experiences in different ways.
“Taking part in the EIPSR program and the Creative Showcase has been profound for me. They’ve given me safe spaces to reconnect with my community and build my confidence again.”
