5 Ways to Wellbeing coffee project

The 5 Ways to Wellbeing is a mental health initiative, which aims to support the wellbeing of individuals by encouraging everyday self-care practice. In line with this and Mental Health Month, Bendigo Community Health Service (BCHS) partnered with 10 local cafés to give out 10 free coffees everyday throughout October 2025.

BCHS promoted the cafe and initiative through their social media pages, and an additional 12 posts were sent from the partnering cafes. The social media posts had strong engagement reaching more than 71,000 views and over 1,000 online interactions.

A total of 296 coffees were distributed over the month. Customers reported that the initiative created positive social interactions. One recipient described it as “a good mental health moment,” while another said it “made her day a little brighter.” The café staff noticed that it created opportunities for people to start conversations about mental wellbeing.

Seventy per cent of participating cafés said they would take part again in the future.

Visit 5 Ways to Wellbeing for further information.

This story was prepared by: Bendigo Community Health Service