The Goulburn Mental Health and Wellbeing Steering Committee formed in early 2020, bringing together many parts of the mental health and wellbeing system.
The committee has been meeting monthly and collaborating to improve access, visibility and integration of mental health services across the Mitchell and Murrindindi shires.
The forum recognised there was no easy fix for mental health issues but acknowledged that strong relationships, and a commitment to working together and making a difference to the mental health and wellbeing of local communities were an important foundation for success.
Mental Health Reform Victoria chief executive Pam Anders presented at the forum. She acknowledged the challenges of the current system and outlined the 10-year journey to implement the royal commission into Victoria’s mental health system.
Ms Anders also spoke about services and settings working together, not just on provision of services when people are unwell but the importance of maintaining good mental health and wellbeing for everyone.
At the forum, the achievements of the steering committee were acknowledged, including supporting a variety of communications to encourage people to seek support, a local mental health service directory and working with mental health workers to support them with training and awareness.
For more information, email Lower Hume Primary Care Partnership’s Lee Coller at lee.coller@lhpcp.org.au