How theatre can transform mental health promotion (with Ally Kelly)

A lot of the work we do in mental health focuses on helping people who are already unwell, but what if we could stop them getting unwell in the first place? That's what our guest today, Ally, is passionate about. She started a whole organisation called Mind Blank to give people and communities the tools they need to proactively take care of their mental health, and she uses her passion for theatre to make sure the information sticks. In today's ep, we hear about how Ally's lived experience led her to entrepreneurship, what she likes about focusing on preventive mental health, and the challenges and opportunities running your own organisation brings. This ep will especially resonate with folks who want to get involved in community education but are unsure what it could look like. Guest: Ally Kelly, CEO & Founder of Mind Blank LINKS Ally's organisation, Mind Blank, which uses creative arts and education to help people proactively take care of their wellbeing. Open-access journal article on arts-based programs for mental health promotion: "Effectiveness and mechanisms of change in participatory arts-based programmes for promoting youth mental health and well-being – a systematic review" THE END BITS Mental Work is the Australian podcast for mental health workers about working in mental health, with an early-career focus. Hosted by Bronwyn Milkins. Support the show by buying me a virtual coffee ☕🍵 Have a question, episode idea or just want to say hi? DM Bron on Instagram or email [email protected] Apply to be a guest / YouTube (with captions & transcript) / Website CREDITS Producer: Michael English Music: Home Disclaimer: Mental Work provides information and entertainment content. Mental Work is not a psychological service and being a listener or participant does not establish a therapeutic relationship. Content should not be considered a replacement for professional consultation or therapy. All views expressed are personal, subject to change, and do not represent those of any affiliated service or organisation. Efforts are made to ensure accuracy, but opinions may not always align with fact. Listeners are encouraged to thoughtfully assess the information presented and report any inaccuracies or concerns via email. Further information can be found here. Commitment: Mental Work believes in an inclusive and diverse mental health workforce. We honor the strength, resilience, and invaluable contributions of mental health workers with lived experiences of mental illness, disability, neurodivergence, LGBTIQA+ identities, and diverse culture. We recognise our First Nations colleagues as Traditional Custodians of the land and pay respect to Elders past, present, and emerging. Mental Work is recorded on Whadjuk Noongar land in Boorloo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.