Narrator: In Victoria, we're working to transform our mental health system, so Victorians have better treatment, care and support closer to home.
We're investing in prevention to help improve lives and create stronger, healthier communities. With specialist support for young people facing mental health challenges // and programs to reduce isolation, we're helping you feel more connected to your community.
Errol: "Being part of the community? it's given me a lot more than what I actually thought it would. And the local connections, it's been a really, really big part of that.
"I felt last year, just lived. Now I actually enjoy life and I'm enjoying living my life."
"I'm not finished yet. The journey still going. I've still got a long way to go. but it's, as I said earlier, I can be alone and not be lonely anymore. And that's a real positive thing."
Narrator: We’re improving and expanding the range of services available - so it’s easier to get the support you need.
Whether it’s for yourself, a family member, or someone you care for.
And the best part? Most services are free, and you don’t need a referral…
Harry: "Essentially, there's a lot of people that have complex care needs that weren't getting the support that they needed. And I think that that's what the local is so special because it actually provides a space for people to get the support, care and I guess connections that they need to aid them in their recovery."
Narrator: And there’s more - we’re recognising the strength and knowledge of community led organisations to support the needs of diverse communities // and we’re working towards making our services more culturally safe for Aboriginal Victorians.
But that's not all.
We believe in caring for those who care for us.
That’s why we’re focusing on growing our workforce and making sure they have better support.
We've made it easier for skilled workers to move to regional Vic and we're investing in training and education.
Tiah: "The social and emotional wellbeing scholarship has given me many opportunities throughout my university studies. It's given me the ability to fully be able to focus on my studies and taken the financial stress of being a university student. One of like a big part of our culture, is to give back to community where possible. And I just think in being a recipient of this scholarship, it's allowed me to go get a degree and I can give back to my community working within an Indigenous organisation with young people, which is what I want to do."
Narrator: We know the incredible value that people with lived experience bring.
That's why we carry their voices in our policies, and we're also building a workforce that includes them.
Mike: "It's important to have a lived experience workforce in mental health because it makes a real difference when people enter a service or get to that point where they're seeking help.
And to be able to speak to people or know that there's people there that may have been through that door themselves before. It's really helpful and makes a big difference with people having a sense of hope as to where they're heading, if they're able to hear stories and experiences of recovery that peer workers have maybe learnt and experienced as well. So to be able to encourage and support people in that moment is really special to me and definitely gets me excited."
Narrator: We've also made legislative changes to turn our vision into reality with a new Mental Health and well-being Act that safeguards and protects the rights of consumers and establishes new entities to guide our way forward and hold the government accountable.
While we still have a way to go, we've set the foundation, and we're excited for the next stage of our reform journey.
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Reviewed 04 December 2024