Yarra Ranges residents can share their lived experiences, views and ideas to improve Victoria’s mental health system.
On Wednesday 17 April, the Royal Commission into Victoria’s mental health system opened an online portal to allow people to share written submission, images, audio or video content.
The commission is seeking input from those living with mental illness, caring for a loved one, working in the sector or with a general interest in mental health.
Contributions can be brief comments or longer, more formal submissions.
The submission process takes users through a series of questions on reducing stigma and discrimination, preventing suicide, early intervention and how people access and experience treatment and support.
The commission wants to create a future mental health system that meets the needs of all Victorians and every contribution will inform the Royal Commission’s reports.
The commission is also running community consultation sessions around rural, regional and metropolitan locations during April and May.
Penny Armytage is leading the Royal Commission as chair with support from commissioners Professor Bernadette McSherry, Professor Allan Fels AO and Dr Alex Cockram.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve the way we deal with mental health in Victoria,” she said.
“Through the first consultation sessions, we have already experienced the genuine goodwill felt towards the Royal Commission and the incredible willingness of people to share their experiences and insights, even when this can bring up painful memories.”
The Royal Commission will deliver its interim report in November this year, with the final report delivered in October 2020.
Formal submissions close on 5 July.
Visit www.rcvmhs.vic.gov.au or call 1800 00 11 34 for more information.
