A podcast aimed at empowering individuals with lived experiences of mental ill-health has won a Mental Health Matters Award, in the Arts and Media category. 

The project, funded as part of COORDINARE – South Eastern NSW PHN’s Commonwealth Psychosocial Support (CPS) Community Grants, has gained widespread recognition and praise for its innovative approach to empowering individuals and reducing mental health stigma within the community. 

Prue Buist, CEO of COORDINARE, expressed her delight about the project's achievements: “We are thrilled to see how the ‘A Good Mind To’ podcast has resonated with the community and beyond.  

“This project exemplifies the power of storytelling in fostering understanding and breaking down barriers associated with mental health,” said Ms Buist. 

The podcast, which features the personal stories of 28 participants, was designed to give a voice to individuals who have often felt unheard. 

Phil Crawford from Coequal who was commissioned to develop the podcasts said: “The project aimed not only to share these stories but also to challenge societal perceptions and reduce the stigma surrounding mental ill-health. 

“The feedback we’ve received from listeners has been overwhelmingly positive,” added Mr Crawford. “Many have commented on how the podcast has deepened their understanding of mental health issues and inspired them to be more inclusive in their daily lives.” 

One listener said: “This podcast is well-made, with beautiful, important stories. As a clinical psychologist, I’ve recommended it to colleagues and students. The production is excellent, and the presenter gives space for each story to be told.” 

The ‘A Good Mind To’ podcast project has also achieved impressive reach across various platforms.  The podcast downloads are now up to nearly 6000 listens, while social media posts have reached over 12,151 people, generating nearly 1,000 reactions, comments, and shares.  

The podcast has also been featured in prominent publications such as Take 5 in the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, and on the popular website Man of Many. It won Best New Podcast at the 2024 Radio Today Podcast Awards, The Specialist Award for an indie podcast at the 2023 Australian Podcast Awards  and Best Non-Fiction Podcast at Sydney Webfest 2023. 

Ms Buist added, “These outcomes highlight the impact of community-driven initiatives and the importance of providing platforms for individuals to share their experiences. 

"COORDINARE’s commitment to mental health and community wellbeing continues to be reflected in its support for projects like ‘A Good Mind To’.

“By funding such initiatives, COORDINARE is helping to create more inclusive and supportive communities across South Eastern NSW,” she added. 

Listen to the 'A Good Mind To' podcast here.

The Mental Health Matters Awards winners were announced on 27 September.

Image by Sylvia Liber, Illawarra Mercury: from left Emma Korhonen and podcaster Phil Crawford.