What the Royal Commission said
People with a lived experience of mental illness and psychological distress, as well as their carers, families and supporters, will be at the centre of Victoria's new mental health and wellbeing system.
Embedding lived experience in the leadership, design and delivery of reforms will ensure that implementation reflects what consumers and carers want and need, and benefits from their valuable experiences and perspectives.
The Royal Commission called on the Victorian Government to develop key roles across the mental health and wellbeing system for people with lived experience of mental illness or psychological distress.
The new Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission will play an important role. It will:
- elevate the leadership and support the full and effective participation of people with lived experience in decision-making about policies and programs, including those directly affecting them;
- develop and support the leadership capabilities of people with lived experience through learning and development opportunities;
- design and deliver initiatives to prevent and address stigma towards people living with mental illness or psychological distress; and
- design and deliver initiatives to develop awareness and understanding of the experiences and perspectives of people with lived experience of mental illness or psychological distress.
Update
Ensuring key roles across the mental health and wellbeing system for people with lived experience of mental illness or psychological distress is a key ongoing priority.
In 2021-22 we are:
- creating key senior executive roles for people with lived experience, this includes in the senior executive structure of the new Mental Health and Wellbeing Division of the Department of Health
- creating designated roles for people with lived experience to advise and lead in the design and implementation of the reform agenda
- establishing regional advisory bodies with lived experience leadership
- elevating the role of the Lived Experience Advisory Group
- establishing the Victorian Collaborative Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing, with one Co-Director with lived experience
- embedding lived experience in the leadership, design and delivery of Area Mental Health and Wellbeing Services.
Consistent with the Royal Commission's timeframe for implementation, some work related to the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission will commence once it is established (by end of 2022).
Reviewed 22 March 2022