By Mitchell Clarke
A localised mental health report has been submitted to the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System (RCVMHS).
The findings from two mental health workshops held by Bass MP Jordan Crugnale in Pakenham and Wonthaggi late last year coincide with October being mental health month.
“Mental health is a priority that needs addressing,” Ms Crugnale said.
“Here in the electorate of Bass it is no different. People are crying out – for help, for support, for appropriate programs and services across a myriad of settings.”
The key findings of the December workshops identified a lack of services in the Bass electorate, along with a need to improve service provision, increase accessibility and work to remove the stigma around mental health.
Ms Crugnale’s workshops aimed to gather further information and input from the community, facilitate local conversations and create a reference document with localised information.
Representatives from over 200 community groups and organisations were invited to attend, with local schools, men’s sheds, sporting clubs, councils, volunteers, health professionals and faith groups getting involved.
“The different perspectives, local knowledge and contributions from those who participated were invaluable,” Ms Crugnale said.
“Across Bass, we have incredible professionals, mental health practitioners and service providers keen to make a difference.”
The summary report has been described as a working document reporting on the findings from the workshops, where participants were posed five questions about mental health in their community over a roundtable setting.
Ms Crugnale intends to host an additional series of workshops across the electorate to discuss local implementation of the recommendations from the RCVMHS, once they are released next year.
“It’s a top priority of mine to help ensure everyone has access the mental health support they need,” she explained.
“I hosted these workshops late last year for that very reason, and now as we find ourselves amidst a pandemic, improving access to these critical services has never been so important.
“I look forward to working with the community to identify how we can implement the findings from the RCVMHS.
“I want to thank everyone who has participated so far. I’ve been deeply moved by their willingness to lend their voices to this issue and for all the generous contributions.”
