Victorians are being called on to contribute to the local mental health services reform, initiated in response to a recommendation from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System.
Minister for Mental Health, James Merlino said the development of new Local Adult and Older Adult Mental Health and Wellbeing Services would allow people to get the care they needed sooner and closer to their families and communities.
“The new services will act as a ‘front door’ to the reformed mental health system – connecting Victorians to the care they need in their own community, and focussing on prevention and early intervention for adults who are experiencing mental illness or psychological distress as well as treatment for alcohol and drug addiction,” Mr Merlino said.
“Creating community care starts within local communities – and Victorians are invited to share their thoughts on local services and the design of the treatment, care and support through the Engage Victoria website,” he said.
Mr Merlino said the Royal Commission recommended 50 to 60 new Local Adult and Older Adult Mental Health and Wellbeing Services be established across the State by the end of 2026.
The Minister said funding had been allocated in the Victorian Budget 2021/22 to start work on the first 20 of the new local services across Victoria, with six fast-tracked facilities to open in Benalla, Brimbank, Frankston, Greater Geelong, the Latrobe Valley and Whittlesea next year.
He said people could have a say on the reform through an online survey until 20 September.
Further information on the local mental health services reform can be accessed at this PS News link.
