MENTAL HEALTH REFORM IS ON THE MIND

31st July 2008

The day before submissions closed for the Victorian government’s consultation paper on mental health reform, ‘Because Mental Health Matters’, the Minister for Mental Health, The Honourable Lisa Neville visited Mind, one of Australia’s largest mental health providers, to open their new central office in Heidelberg.

Deinstitutionalisation of mental health in Victoria has seen rapid growth in services such as Mind, that support peoples’ recovery in the community, with staff at Mind’s central office expanding by more than 400% in the last six years. The new office refurbishment has been partially funded by the Department of Human Services.

Minister Neville said “The Brumby Government is taking action to ensure Victorians have the best mental health system, and the 2008/09 State budget includes a $128 million boost to the sector.

“For decades Mind has pioneered the development of community-based residential services and is well placed to continue as a key agency and partner in the Brumby Government’s new directions for mental health”.

A former client and now Respite Coordinator for Mind, Ruby, spoke at the opening about her experience with social anxiety and depression, which started when she was 16.  Ruby believes her outreach worker at Mind played a huge role in her recovery, helping her out of her black hole and opening her life up.

‘Because Mental Health Matters’ addresses key changes that aim to deliver support; early in life, early in illness and early in episode.  In particular it focuses on seven focus areas; prevention, early intervention, access, specialist care, complex clients, workforce and partnerships.

Mind CEO, Robyn Duff said “The work Mind does, supporting people in their recovery so they can rebuild their lives and live well in the community is incredibly important. In the past, the government investment in mental health services has too often led to a crisis-driven response and help has come too late to people who need it. ‘Because Mental Health Matters’ recognises this and is a real commitment by the Victorian Government to reform the current system and focus on recovery and provide earlier intervention.”

“This consultation paper announces a real shift in focus in mental health and we are excited about what this means in terms of real outcomes for people living with a mental illness.”

“The Mind Central Office opening provided a great opportunity for the government and non-government sectors to come together and celebrate the success of their ongoing partnerships and also provided a timely reminder about the importance of community recovery based services” added Ms Duff. 
                                                                        

Unveiling of the Mind Central Office plaque (L-R): Ruby, Minister Neville, Robyn Duff - Mind CEO, Bill Healy - Mind Chairperson