What we are seeking
We are advocating for a Victorian Government investment of $50,000 over 2 years to deliver mental health first aid training to community leaders.
What it will deliver
Funding will help our community organisations to prepare for the implementation of Social Prescribing Trials.
It will deliver mental health training to community leaders from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, sporting leaders, multicultural leaders and leaders supporting our socio-economically disadvantaged communities.
This responds to the findings of the Royal Commission into mental health and the state’s commitment to establish and resource community collectives for mental health in each local government.
What you can do
To help us deliver this priority, you can write to our Lower House Member of Parliament for this electorate or any of our Upper House Members of Parliament for their commitment to deliver funding for this project.
Overview
Despite increasing investment in services, mental health conditions in Melbourne’s north are rising. Services are struggling with demand and workforce shortages, and costs to individuals, governments and society are escalating.
At the same time, service systems in Melbourne’s north are already stretched. The Austin Hospital is at capacity, and projected population growth in the region will create significant new demand for all health services. The high level of diversity and disadvantage across Banyule and the northern region requires advocacy to ensure that mental health and wellbeing services are available, accessible, affordable and culturally safe.
In Banyule, nearly 1 in 10 people reported having a mental health condition. We welcome the Victorian Government’s commitment to roll out self-prescribing trials to support residents experiencing isolation and loneliness.