What we heard - Because mental health matters consultation

Following the release of the Because mental health matters consultation paper in May 2008, an extensive consultation period occurred between June and August 2008.  Over 1200 Victorians took the opportunity to attend public forums and express their views and over 240 people and organisations made written submissions, all of which have helped shape the strategy.

We heard from those with a mental illness, their families, friends, carers and those who work to support them.  We heard that that while there was much to be proud of in the Victorian mental health system, there was a need for a new direction and bolder reform.

We heard strong support for the a greater focus on prevention, promotion of positive mental health and earlier intervention – both earlier in life and earlier in illness – and for more sustained, flexible and comprehensive support delivered in the community.

The Because mental health matters consultation report reports in greater detail on what we heard over the course of the consultation period.

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Because mental health matters - consultation paper (PDF File 1.95MB) - May 2008

Because mental health matters - consultation report (PDF File 128KB) - August 2008