Provider feedback and sector polls highlight concerns about the mental health and wellbeing of participants and workers. The impact of living with the COVID pandemic has increased incidence and service access needs, especially for people with disabilities.

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Bill 2022 currently tabled in Parliament will support the implementation of the Royal Commission recommendations aimed at reforming the system. This bill has been developed with input from key stakeholders including individuals with lived experiences of mental health conditions.

The recommendations arising from the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System were based on a system review carried out pre-COVID. To ensure current and emerging needs or concerns are also considered NDS is actively engaging with the Victorian Government to identify opportunities for how people with disabilities can be appropriately supported to manage their health needs.

Recent mental health system reforms include:

• First of six local adult and older adult mental health and wellbeing services to open by end of 2022 in Benalla/Wangaratta/Mansfield, Latrobe City, Frankston, Geelong/Queenscliff, Brimbank, and Whittlesea with additional sites planned to be in place by 2026
• Rural and regional incentive program opened to build the rural and regional mental health and wellbeing workforce
• Guidance to support the delivery of integrated treatment of mental health and wellbeing and AOD services
• Establishment of Victoria’s first Statewide Trauma Service with consortium tender applications now open
• Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission applications open including at least one person with lived experience of mental illness or psychological distress, and one family member, carer or supporter.

Upcoming event: Disability provider opportunity for input

Thursday 11 August, online workshop

NDS is seeking sector input on participant mental health needs and worker capacity to manage these. Our upcoming workshop will also provide more details on the mental health reforms and how they relate to disability services.

The meeting will include:

• Update on Victorian mental health reform progression
• Opportunity for providers to highlight the participant mental health needs and any barriers to accessing support
• Worker knowledge and skills needs to support increased participant mental health assessments and support
• NDS engagement plan for progressing disability sector-specific input into the mental health reforms

Register for the workshop: Victorian mental health reforms progression: Opportunity for disability sector input