Hand in Hand Ballarat - "Let's Talk About Mental Health"

To acknowledge World Mental Health Day 2025, we are back with our "Let's Talk About Mental Health" event. We invite you to an evening of connection, conversation, and celebration. Together, we’ll shine a spotlight on the wellbeing of teachers, school teams, and everyone who plays a role in shaping the lives of young people.

Because here’s the truth:
✨ Teachers are the heartbeat of schools. When teachers thrive, students shine.

A huge thank you to ANZUK Education for sponsoring Let’s Talk About Mental Health 2025. ANZUK connects passionate educators with schools across Australia, UK and beyond, providing high-quality staffing solutions and support for teachers in Primary, Secondary, Early Years and school support roles. Their commitment to empowering educators aligns perfectly with our mission to celebrate and prioritise teacher and community wellbeing. We’re grateful for their support in helping make this event possible!

Why Attend?

• Inspiring Keynote: Hear from Mishma Kumar-Jonson – Mental Health Social Worker & Australian Social Worker of the Year 2024. Known for her out-of-the-box, practical, and engaging style, Mishma brings humour, heart, and fresh strategies for supporting wellbeing for teachers, school communities and workplaces. This is not your average PD session — it’s real, energising, and full of tools you can use tomorrow.

• Community Panel: A powerful local panel featuring Ballarat teachers, wellbeing leaders, and education representatives, facilitated by Mishma. Expect open, authentic conversation about the challenges and opportunities in our community.

• Celebrate Teachers & School Teams: From teachers and administration staff to canteen heroes, healthcare teams, and crossing supervisors — this event celebrates the people who keep our schools and communities strong.

• Connection & Networking: Enjoy time to connect, share, and recharge with others who care deeply about supporting youth.

Who Should Come?

This event is for teachers, school staff, parents, carers, mentors, coaches, community leaders, and anyone who supports youth. Whether you’re inside a classroom or shaping young lives in the community - this is for you.

Tickets:

🎟️ $15 each | $50 for 4
💡 For the price of two cappuccinos, you’ll gain practical tools, inspiring ideas, and an evening of laughter, learning, and connection.

Event Schedule

• 5.00pm Welcome to Country & Introduction to Hand in Hand Ballarat

• 5.10pm Open Parachute video

• 5.15pm Keynote, interactive discussions: Mishma Kumar-Jonson

• 5.50pm Break (afternoon tea) + Networking

• 6.00pm Panel Discussion with local educators, wellbeing leaders & Education department representative

• 6.25pm Closing thankyous & informal networking until 7.00pm

Why this event is so Special!

This is more than an event — it’s a movement to put teacher and community wellbeing at the centre of our community conversation. You’ll leave with practical strategies, renewed energy, and the reassurance that none of us are in this alone.

✨ Together, we can build brighter futures for our young people by supporting the people who support them every day.