By Breanna Taylor
The Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System will run series of community consultations, visiting Pakenham on 9 April.
The consultations are aiming to give voice to those living with mental health issues as well as their carer’s, helping them to understand the shortcomings in the current system and to create a positive vision for the future of mental health services.
The labour government has held more than 20 roundtables across the state to hear from experts in the system, and is encouraging Victorians affected by mental health issues to be fairly represented by having their say online in a new website recently launched.
The feedback provided by the community on what is most important to them was carefully reviewed and considered by government in shaping the final terms of reference. Overall, 8,000 Australians participated showing the gravity of mental health related issues on the community and the widespread importance to provide support and services.
Minster for mental health, Martin Foley has acknowledged the significance of the project saying, “One in five Victorians will experience mental illness this year, and too many of those will lose their lives to suicide. We need a new approach to mental health, and a Royal Commission will help deliver a new system.”
“We need to hear from all the experts in the system, especially people with mental health issues and their carers. I encourage all Victorians to go online and learn more about how they can have their voice heard.”
The government recently appointed respected public policy expert Penny Armytage as the chair of the Royal Commission. Ms Armytage is joined by associate professor Alex Cockram, professor Allan Fels AO and professor Bernadette McSherry.
If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or BeyondBlue on 1300 224 636.
More information can be found at www.rcvmhs.vic.gov.au.
