discoverycollege

What is it About Medication? [Online]
2025-05-29 10:00 - 13:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | ONLINE via Zoom, Melbourne, Victora, 3189, Australia
An open dialogue about the role of medication in mental health.

This course is great if you are:
• Keen to hear real stories about medication and mental health
• Curious about how medication can help (or not help) different people
• Feeling unsure about decisions around taking medication
• Wanting to learn how to have better conversations about medication
This course explores …
We’ll look at how people understand and use medication in mental health – why some choose to, why some don’t, and the impacts it can have. We won’t look at specific medications, but you’ll hear both lived and professional perspectives and get the chance to reflect on your own views. By the end, you’ll leave with new insights and ideas you can apply for yourself, someone you support, or in your work.
Learning objectives
By participating in this course, you will:
• Have an opportunity to hear different perspectives about medication in mental health
• Have an opportunity to consider our own views on medication in mental health
• Explore how we have more compassionate conversations about medication in mental health
What’s in a course?
These aren’t your typical courses.They’re interactive, open, and filled with activities, group discussions, and meaningful conversations that invite curiosity and connection.
Our courses are supportive and respectful spaces, where people learn from each other through real stories, professional insights, and lived experience. You’re welcome to take part in whatever way feels comfortable for you.
The course is free and open to everyone.

Resources on medication

Taking the Edge Off: Let’s talk about drugs and alcohol [In-Person]
2025-07-17 20:00 - 2025-07-18 01:00 | Westall Community Hub, 35 Fairbank Road, Clayton South, Victoria, 3169, Australia
A conversation about drugs and alcohol in relation to mental health.

This course is great if you are:
• Keen to learn about the connection between substances and mental health
• Interested in hearing both lived and professional experiences around substance use
• Open to exploring and challenging assumptions about addiction
• Wanting to have more compassionate conversations about drugs and alcohol
This course explores …
We’ll think about the emotional, physical, cultural, and societal aspects of drug and alcohol use, and what they mean in relation to mental health. Together, we’ll hear different lived and professional perspectives, reflecting on how substance use can affect people in different ways. We’ll also explore how to have more open and supportive conversations, whether you’re navigating your own experiences or supporting someone else.
Learning objectives
By participating in this course, you will:
• Explore what shapes our understanding of substance use
• Consider the purpose of substance use from different perspectives
• Reflect on the impact of substance use on people’s lives
• Learn how to have more open and compassionate conversations about substance use
What’s in a course?
These aren’t your typical courses. They’re interactive, open, and filled with activities, group discussions, and meaningful conversations that invite curiosity and connection.
Our courses are supportive and respectful spaces, where people learn from each other through real stories, professional insights, and lived experience. You’re welcome to take part in whatever way feels comfortable for you.
The course is free and open to everyone.

If you have trouble enrolling, click THIS LINK to let us know you want to join the course via email and we can help you enrol!

Resources on addiction + substance use

Tuh-MAY-toh/Tuh-MAH-toh: Different perspectives on spirituality in mental health [Online]
2025-08-21 14:00 - 16:30 | ONLINE via Zoom, Melbourne, Victora, 3189, Australia
Different perspectives on spirituality in mental health.

This panel is great if you are:
• Curious about how spirituality can shape our experiences of mental health
• Interested in hearing different perspectives and personal stories
• Keen to reflect on your own beliefs and how they influence your wellbeing.
This panel explores …
We’ll examine the many ways spirituality – whatever that word means to you – can intersect with mental health. Together, we’ll consider how spiritual beliefs and practices can influence how we think, feel, and heal. By hearing a range of voices and experiences, you’ll have the chance to reflect on your own understanding and connect with diverse perspectives.
Learning objectives
By participating in this course, you will:
• Considered the connection between spirituality and mental health from different perspectives
• Discussed the role and value of spirituality in mental health
• Reflected on why conversations about spirituality and mental health can be challenging
• Learned ways to have more meaningful conversations about mental health
What’s in a panel?
Our panels run a little bit differently to our courses. They’re still interactive, open, and filled with meaningful conversations that invite curiosity and connection but without group activities.
Our learning spaces are supportive and respectful spaces, where people learn from each other through real stories, professional insights, and lived experience. You’re welcome to take part in whatever way feels comfortable for you.
The course is free and open to everyone.

Making Sense of Your Senses [Online]
2026-03-03 10:00 - 12:00 | ONLINE via Zoom, Melbourne, Victora, 3189, Australia
An exploration of the relationship between our senses and mental health.

This course is great if you are:
• Wanting to explore how our senses affect health and wellbeing
• Curious about how sensory preferences differ from person to person
• Keen to learn how your home or workplace environment can support wellbeing
• Interested in how sensory understanding can improve relationships
This course explores …
We’ll look at the connection between our eight senses and mental health, and how sensory experiences can influence mood and wellbeing. We’ll learn about sensory modulation and take part in practical activities to discover your own sensory preferences – and how they differ for others. Together, we’ll reflect on how environments shape our experiences, and how small changes can make a big difference.
Learning objectives
By participating in this course, you will:
• Build awareness of your own sensory experiences
• Reflect on how external environments influence internal wellbeing
• Begin to explore sensory theory (including the “cups model”)
• Consider how sensory choices can impact health and wellbeing
What’s in a course?
This is a short online mini course, designed as a taster of the in-person day course (coming soon!).
These aren’t your typical courses. They’re interactive, open, and filled with activities, group discussions, and meaningful conversations that invite curiosity and connection.
Our courses are supportive and respectful spaces, where people learn from each other through real stories, professional insights, and lived experience. You’re welcome to take part in whatever way feels comfortable for you.
The course is free and open to everyone.

Resources on sensory stuff

Taking the Edge Off: Let’s talk about drugs and alcohol [Online]
2026-05-29 00:00 - 03:00 | ONLINE via Zoom, Melbourne, Victora, 3189, Australia
A conversation about drugs and alcohol in relation to mental health.

This course is great if you are:
• Keen to learn about the connection between substances and mental health
• Interested in hearing both lived and professional experiences around substance use
• Open to exploring and challenging assumptions about addiction
• Wanting to have more compassionate conversations about drugs and alcohol
This course explores …
We’ll think about the emotional, physical, cultural, and societal aspects of drug and alcohol use, and what they mean in relation to mental health. Together, we’ll hear different lived and professional perspectives, reflecting on how substance use can affect people in different ways. We’ll also explore how to have more open and supportive conversations, whether you’re navigating your own experiences or supporting someone else.
Learning objectives
By participating in this course, you will:
• Explore what shapes our understanding of substance use
• Consider the purpose of substance use from different perspectives
• Reflect on the impact of substance use on people’s lives
• Learn how to have more open and compassionate conversations about substance use
What’s in a course?
These aren’t your typical courses. They’re interactive, open, and filled with activities, group discussions, and meaningful conversations that invite curiosity and connection.
Our courses are supportive and respectful spaces, where people learn from each other through real stories, professional insights, and lived experience. You’re welcome to take part in whatever way feels comfortable for you.
The course is free and open to everyone.

Resources on addiction + substance use

That Anxious Feeling [Online]
2026-08-11 10:00 - 12:00 | ONLINE via Zoom, Melbourne, Victora, 3189, Australia
An exploration of ways to understand, manage and support anxiety.

This course is great if you are:
• Curious about how anxiety affects people differently
• Keen to understand the physical, emotional and thinking experiences of anxiety
• Interested in hearing lived experience and professional perspectives on anxiety
• Wanting to explore how anxiety can change over time
This course explores …
We’ll look at what anxiety is, where it comes from, and how it impacts people’s lives. Together we’ll explore the physical, behavioural, and thinking experiences of anxiety, as well as common beliefs around it. By hearing different perspectives, you’ll have the chance to reflect on your own understanding and learn how anxiety can shift over time.
Learning objectives
By participating in this course, you will:
• Explore definitions of anxiety and its origins
• Understand the physical, behavioural and thinking experiences of anxiety
• Reflect on common beliefs and assumptions about anxiety
What’s in a course?
These aren’t your typical courses. They’re interactive, open, and filled with activities, group discussions, and meaningful conversations that invite curiosity and connection.
Our courses are supportive and respectful spaces, where people learn from each other through real stories, professional insights, and lived experience. You’re welcome to take part in whatever way feels comfortable for you.
The course is free and open to everyone.

Resources on anxiety

Breaking the Taboo: Giving a voice to the topic of suicide [In-Person]
2026-09-10 10:00 - 15:30 | Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale, Melbourne, Victoria, 3171, Australia
Giving a voice to the topic of suicide.

This course is great if you are:
• Wanting to have more open and compassionate conversations about suicide
• Curious about the experiences and stories of people affected by suicide
• Keen to understand the impact of suicide from different perspectives
• Interested in learning how language and approach can shape conversations
This course explores …
We’ll examine the experiences and perspectives around suicide, and how these shape the ways we respond. Together, we’ll consider the impact of language and explore compassionate ways to have conversations about suicide. By hearing diverse viewpoints, you’ll reflect on your own understanding and gain insight into supporting others or engaging in meaningful discussions safely.
Learning objectives
By participating in this course, you will:
• Understand the importance and impact of language when discussing suicide
• Explore different perspectives and stories about suicide
• Reflect on the impact of suicide from multiple viewpoints
• Learn ways to have more compassionate and open conversations about suicide
What’s in a course?
These aren’t your typical courses. They’re interactive, open, and filled with activities, group discussions, and meaningful conversations that invite curiosity and connection.
Our courses are supportive and respectful spaces, where people learn from each other through real stories, professional insights, and lived experience. You’re welcome to take part in whatever way feels comfortable for you.
The course is free and open to everyone.

Resources on suicidality

Do You Hear What I Hear? And other ways of thinking about psychosis [In-Person]
2026-10-06 10:00 - 15:00 | Bunjil Place, 2 Patrick NE Dr, Narre Warren, Melbourne, Victoria, 3805
An exploration of different ways of thinking about psychosis.

This course is great if you are:
• Wanting to explore different ways of understanding psychosis
• Curious about the experience of hearing, seeing, feeling, or believing things that others may not
• Keen to hear from people with lived and living experience of psychosis
• Interested in how we can talk about psychosis in open and compassionate ways
This course explores …
This course asks the question “How can we think about the experiences sometimes called psychosis?”
To answer it, we’re going to talk with each other and explore stories from people who have lived or living experience of psychosis, as well as people who have helped support someone with psychosis.
We’ll participate in activities that help us understand what psychosis can look and feel like, but we’re also going to talk about how complicated it is, and how there are different ways of thinking about it (and how not everyone agrees).
You will hear some different things that people have found helpful on their journey, but this course doesn’t provide you with a list of strategies to try or models to understand. We want this course to start a conversation about psychosis – and we’d love to see you there!
A note on language: We want to acknowledge that the word ‘psychosis’ describes a group of experiences, but it isn’t the only way to describe them. Lots of people don’t use this word because it doesn’t match their experience or beliefs. We will explore that in this course and take some time to unpack what this means.
Learning objectives
By participating in this course, you will:
• Understand that there are multiple ways of thinking about psychosis
• Recognise that the experience of psychosis is different for each person
• Identify some experiences related to psychosis
• Consider the idea of psychosis as an unshared reality
• Engage with people’s stories to explore diverse perspectives
What’s in a course?
These aren’t your typical courses. They’re interactive, open, and filled with activities, group discussions, and meaningful conversations that invite curiosity and connection.
Our courses are supportive and respectful spaces, where people learn from each other through real stories, professional insights, and lived experience. You’re welcome to take part in whatever way feels comfortable for you.
The course is free and open to everyone.

Resources on psychosis + unshared realities
