Ballarat's Mental Health Week was launched online this year, on World Mental Health Day, with the theme of tuning in - host Mitch Rhook summed it up best as he introduced the stream, before telling his own story about his journey with mental health.

The three hour presentation included live and recorded performances from the Ballarat community, and heartfelt reflections from locals with a lived experience of mental health issues, as well as experts and support workers from a range of backgrounds.

It helped create an engaging and welcoming program, which allowed more voices to be heard.

A highlight was a live panel with Mirriyu Cultural Consulting's Bonnie Chew, mental health youth worker Alice Paton, and LGBTQIA+ advocate Jeremy Wiggins explaining how we can best look out for our neighbours who might be struggling, or making services more accessible for people.

Paul Hartwood, chair of the organising group made up of organisations from across the community, said he was overjoyed to see the launch's broad reach online through Facebook - more engagement means more discussions about mental health, which helps to destigmatise the topic.

READ MORE: Ready to recognise Mental Health Week 2020

"It has brought people together, who perhaps wouldn't have otherwise had reason to come together," he said.

"A big part of our inspiration was Deb from LanceTV, and the panel was her suggestion, and it was great - it came together quite late, we'd been planning the videos and Mitch's introductions but we pulled it together and I think a real feature of the show.

"I get a lot out of Mitch's work - the way he was able to sit at the helm was really heartening, he did a great job, to open up that way was brave."

Mr Hartwood added events like Mental Health Week are critical for people with a lived experience of mental illness and their loved ones, and the general community, to increase understanding.

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"I think the more that people understand, the less they fear," he said.

"You can relate, these people telling their story, they don't look any different to you or me in the street, they're just another person with a different story."

An art show will be exhibited online through the Ballarat Community Health website, and a fundraising auction will be held on October 22, supported by local businesses and individuals - to find out more, or watch the stream, head to the Ballarat Mental Health Week Facebook page.

If you or someone you know is in need of crisis support, phone Lifeline 13 11 14.

Help is also available, but not limited, via the following organisations. The key message is you are not alone.

Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 or beyondblue.org.au

Suicide Callback Service: 1300 659 467

Mensline: 1300 789 978 or mensline.org.au

Survivors of Suicide: 0449 913 535

Relationships Australia: 1800 050 321

headspace Ballarat (for 12-25s and parent support): 5304 4777

Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800

Soldier On: 1300 620 380

Ballarat Community Health: 5338 4500

QLife: 1800 184 527 (Support for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex people)

Family violence: 1800 RESPECT

Veterans support: Open Arms on 1800 011 046 or openarms.gov.au

Ballarat Mental Health Services: 5320 4100 or after hours on 1300 247 647

For Aboriginal crisis support: Yarning SafeNStrong, 1800 959 563 (noon to 10pm)

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