Some of the best conversations start over a hot cuppa—and that’s exactly what Cups That Care is about. This ground-up, collaborative project brought together participants from Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals and our Creative Therapies program to design biodegradable café cups that spark conversations about mental health.
Now popping up in select cafés across Victoria, each cup carries more than a design—it carries courage, lived experience, and a message of hope. With every sip, café-goers are invited to pause, reflect, and reach out for support.
From Workshop to Cup: The Creative Journey
Workshops across Local Services were designed to be inclusive and welcoming, focusing on expression over perfection. At the Benalla, Wangaratta and Mansfield Local Service, icebreakers like “monster-making”—folding paper into quirky creatures—helped participants loosen up and stir their imagination.
“If you look closely at our cups, you’ll even spot some of those monsters,” said Nicola, workshop facilitator. “Participants wanted people to interact with the cups—exploring the details while taking in the messages.”
At Frankston Local, participants opted for a more minimalist, symbolic design. Three colours representing emotional states—high, low, and stuck—layered to reflect recovery.
The start and the finishing touches on the Frankston design
Each participant added a phrase they wished they had heard during tough times: I see you, You are not alone, I hear you, and Let me help you.
“The final touch was perhaps the most powerful: golden handprints pressed onto the cup, facing inward as a gesture of unity.”
“It was incredible to witness,” Karina reflected. “Everyone literally put their hands in paint and left their mark. It symbolised different journeys coming together with a shared purpose. Once the words and handprints went on, it was no longer just art—it was a statement of courage and unity.”
At the East Gippsland Local Service, with many participants experiencing isolation, connection was key. “The highlight for me was seeing were the shared laughter, the chatter, and the sense of camaraderie,” said Sharryn, workshop facilitator. “You could really feel belonging develop.”
Cups That Care participants, Frankston Local Service: Hayley, Bec, Emma and Amanda
As part of the process, participants reflected on their lived experiences, sharing what it took to seek help and the messages they hoped would encourage others to reach out, “The focus was always on meaning, not artistic ability. From the start, they wanted bold, eye-catching designs that would spark conversation,” Nicola added.
The finished artworks
The final cup artwork from the Benalla-Wangaratta-Mansfield workshop
The final cup artwork from the Frankston workshop
The final cup artwork from the East Gippsland workshop
Brewing Courage and Connection
For many participants living with anxiety, depression, grief, or isolation, simply walking into the workshop space took courage and openness—especially as they had never met one another before. Yet each discovered purpose and meaning in the experience.
Emma, from the Frankston workshop, now in her second year of recovery from drug and alcohol, she said the workshops crystallised the sense of common ground she felt with the women beside her.
“We shared some really vulnerable moments. For me, female friendships can be difficult because as women we often put on a façade—‘I’m fine, everything’s okay’—even when inside we’re screaming. In these workshops, we could drop that mask and really let our guard down. The space felt safe because of the women holding it.”
Hayley, who had already been part of the Creative Therapy program at Frankston, described her journey as life-changing.
“From the very beginning, art therapy gave me a way to find the words I didn’t have to understand my mental health struggles and what was happening inside me. To find my voice, I had to push through barriers—I had to learn how to speak up for myself and share what I wanted.”
“This opportunity has helped me articulate my passion in life: to work with women and help them find their fire, their flame. That’s what these workshops gave me—a reminder of my purpose.”
Emma, Frankston Local Service
“This process helped me realise I’ve been part of something that’s not just about me, but about helping other women and the wider community.”
Hayley, Frankston Local Service
For others, the impact was just as profound. Ness, from the Benalla, Wangaratta and Mansfield Local Service, was moved to tears when she saw the cups come to life: “To even be asked to come along and join something like this was a very special experience. To raise awareness for people who can’t articulate how they are feeling has been so rewarding. People don’t talk about how they’re feeling enough, and hopefully this cup will encourage that.”
Rebecca, also from Wangaratta, echoed her words: “I hope it helps at least one person reach out for help to the awesome services at the Mental Health and Wellbeing Local.”
Cups That Care at a Café Near You
Now, the finished cups are making their way into local cafés. Soon, patrons will sip their coffee or tea from these cupfuls of art and hope.
“I couldn’t be happier and prouder of their creations and efforts!” said Local Services Graphic Designer Jackie, who came up with the collaborative project idea. “This project has longevity. It’s not just about one workshop— for participants it’s about the impact of seeing their cup in someone else’s hands and knowing their work will go on to help others reach out for support.
“That’s something participants can carry with them long after the paint dries.”