Victorians with a mental illness should be able to live a fulfilling life.
That means participating in learning and education, the workforce, enjoying good physical health, stable housing and a life free from abuse and violence.
To achieve this we must also reduce the stigma around mental illness.
Victoria’s 10-year Mental health plan outlines our vision for all Victorians to experience their best possible mental health.
The services and initiatives we are investing in, as part of this plan, are already improving the mental health and wellbeing of Victorians, and driving better results for people with a mental illness, their families and carers.
We also recognise that mental health issues are complex, so we are investing in the services and support Victorians need, over the next decade.
For more information on health issues such as depression on the Better Health.
For more information on Healthy eating on the Better Health.
Adapting to increased demand
Almost half of us (45 per cent) will directly experience a mental health condition in our lifetime.
People with a mental illness often experience poorer health and wellbeing than their fellow Victorians. That’s one of the reasons we are investing to meet the increasing demand for mental health services and to tailor support services, so they are delivered at the right time and in the right place.
In the last financial year alone, the Victorian Government has invested $1.14 billion in clinical mental health services and $128 million in mental health community support services.
We are also striving to earlier and more connected support, while continuing to move towards more person-centred services. This means services that involve family members, helping them to understand the impact of trauma on mental health, and giving people the best chance at recovery.
In the Victorian Budget 2017-18, we have invested a record $325.7 million in mental health services to continue implementation of Victoria’s 10-year Mental health plan to save and improve lives. This includes significant investment to meet clinical services demand, provide additional inpatient services, and to employ more allied health staff for weekend inpatient coverage.
The 2017-18 budget also provides funding to build a Grampians Prevention and Recovery Care Centre, giving local patients the same options as those in Melbourne.
Further information on Community health services can be found on the Health.vic website.
