Status: Partially delivered and in progress
What the Royal Commission said
The Royal Commission called for a mental health and wellbeing system that is safe, responsive and inclusive. One that will meet the needs of Victoria’s diverse population both now and into the future.
The Royal Commission recognised that this would be a whole-of-system effort. Coordination of funding, commissioning, design and delivery of services would be critical. Diversity would need to be reflected in the system's governance, leadership and workforce.
What we've achieved
Framework and Blueprint for Action
- We have developed and released a Diverse Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Framework and the First Blueprint for Action 2025-28 to ensure that more Victorians can access a safe and inclusive mental health and wellbeing system that reflects, embraces and responds to diversity.
- The Framework and Blueprint were developed through wide consultation with more than 500 community members, organisations, and peak bodies.
- Expert advice was also provided by a Diverse Communities Working Group, made up of 14 peak organisations and people with lived and living experience. Their input helped ensure the work reflects the needs, experiences, and perspectives of Victoria’s diverse communities.
Diverse Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Grants Program
- We have invested in community-led organisations by providing Diverse Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Grants to over 40 organisations. These grants support the mental health and wellbeing of multicultural communities, LGBTIQA+ people and people with disability.
- We have also continued funding for Switchboard’s Rainbow Door service. Rainbow Door is a specialist helpline for LGBTIQA+ people, offering information, advice, referrals, and peer support for people of all ages and identities.
- We have extended funding for the Healthy Equal Youth (HEY) project. HEY brings together a network of partner organisations specialising in support and services for LGBTIQA+ young people. See the HEY webpage <https://www.yacvic.org.au/get-involved/hey/> for more information.
What we're doing
- The First Blueprint for Action 2025-28 is a three‑year plan that sets out practical steps to improve how the mental health and wellbeing system responds to people’s needs. It focuses on building the skills and capabilities of organisations, and on reducing stigma and discrimination across services.
- We are working closely with community organisations and peak bodies to support communities to take part in the reforms. This helps ensure communities have an active role in designing and delivering the new mental health and wellbeing system.
- We are also improving how data is collected and recorded. This will help us better understand people’s experiences, particularly those from diverse communities, so services can continue to improve and respond more effectively.
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