Strengthening Victoria's mental health workforce

Work is underway to ensure Victoria has a skilled, adaptable and available mental health workforce that meets the needs of people with a mental illness and their families.

Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley recently released the Victorian Mental Health Workforce Strategy, which outlines the Labor Government’s plan to attract, develop and retain mental health staff.

The strategy focuses on how to best equip and skill the workforce to help those in most need, with an emphasis on Aboriginal mental health and rural and regional mental health services.

“Our workforce strategy is a key element to our 10-year mental health plan and prepares Victoria to have the most equipped workers that meet the needs of Victorians with a mental illness,” said Foley.

The cornerstone of the strategy is the statewide Centre for Mental Health Workforce Learning and Development.

The centre will work to improve access to learning and development opportunities to build the skills of mental health workers, in areas such as the ability to respond to diversity, complex needs and trauma.

“We want to ensure those in need get the support they deserve, that’s why we made a record investment towards suicide prevention and we will now work across government to ensure we better respond to mental health issues,” said Foley.

The strategy outlines the government’s plan to build safe and supportive work environments and cultures.

It will also build the capacity for all workers across government, including the broader health networks, education, justice and family services to respond to mental health issues in the community.

The strategy can be downloaded at www.mentalhealthplan.vic.gov.au.

If you need help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Image credit: ©iStockphoto.com/Daniel Laflor