Mind Works

Mind Works (formally the Geelong Mood Support Group, and before that the Geelong Bipolar Support Group) is a mutual support and self-help consumer based organisation which aims to promote well-being and to inform and educate those with mental health conditions, their carers and the public. It all stared way back in late 1989 when an open public mee... ting was facilitated by the Barwon Psychiatric Resource Centre. For the first five years, the Group rented the Barwon Psychiatric Resource Centre Hall at 117 Myers Street, Geelong for monthly evening meetings. Due to the increased need to have our own premises, paid staff, communication assets and equipment a joint proposal with the Schizophrenia Fellowship Geelong Branch Inc. was submitted to the Victorian Government Health and Community Services Department. The proposal was successful and in November 1994 we received recurrent and establishment funding. This was initially auspiced through the Joint Support Management Committee (comprising three members each from the Bipolar Support Group, the Schizophrenia Fellowship and two independent members). From 28th January 1996 both groups received direct funding thus allowing better budgeting control and more cost effective communication channels. On 21st October 1995 the Geelong Bipolar Support Group held its first ever seminar and bi-monthly support luncheon in addition to the monthly general meeting which were held at night. With increased membership we soon outgrew the Myers Street premises and were looking for something larger and more homely. We moved into 139 Yarra Street, Geelong in July 1998. It served us well for a decade but once again we outgrew it. We moved into our now current premises at 284 LaTrobe Terrace, Newtown on the 18th February 2008. It's significantly larger and more functional than Yarra St. We can now more adequately cater for our increasing number of activities and interest groups. The centre aims to provide Members with a welcoming, non-clinical environment for Members to enjoy throughout the ...Read More