MEJ Charity Spotlight: Black Dog Institute and Canberra Blind Society

This month we are excited to spotlight two organisations making a real difference in our community – the Black Dog Institute  and Canberra Blind Society, both of which we have proudly supported with donations.

Black Dog Institute: Mullets for Mental Health

Our team is supporting Fenner Hall’s “Mullets for Mental Health” fundraiser for the Black Dog Institute, Australia’s only medical research institute dedicated to researching mental health for all ages.

Mental illness affects 1 in 5 Australians every year, with devastating impacts not only for those living with conditions like depression and anxiety, but for their families and communities too. Suicide is the most common cause of death in Australians aged 15-44 years – more common than deaths from motor vehicle accidents or skin cancer.

The Black Dog Institute’s research focuses on prevention, early intervention and treatment of depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and anxiety. On average, there is a 17 year gap for research evidence to reach clinical practice, but Black Dog Institute closes substantially this research to practice gap by having research, development, education and implementation teams working side-by-side.

Canberra Blind Society

For more than 65 years, Canberra Blind Society has provided a safe and welcoming environment through programs, community engagement and social events for people who are blind or have vision impairment in Canberra and the local region.

Beginning in a Deakin lounge room in the 1950s with a small group helping just four people who were blind, CBS has grown to offer extensive services from their Griffin Centre offices. They provide everything from Arts and Crafts groups and Sense-able Cooking classes to peer support sessions and exercise programs in safe, supportive environments.

CBS also developed the Vision Impaired Persons (VIP) Hospital Kit, which provides practical information and resources for people who are blind or have low vision when they are admitted to hospital. Through their Eyes for Life Canberra initiative, they offer counselling and support services to help people adapt to vision impairment and maintain their independence.

Both organisations demonstrate how dedicated research and grassroots community support can create lasting change. Whether it is funding breakthrough mental health treatments, or helping someone navigate daily life with vision impairment, these charities embody the values of innovation, compassion and community that we hold dear at MEJ.

We regularly spotlight local charities, giving our team a chance to celebrate and recognise the people and organisations that make a big difference in our community.

Keep an eye out for our next via our Facebook and LinkedIn pages.