Events for Mental Health Awareness month
October is Mental Health Awareness Month. Throughout October, online events will put the spotlight on research, resources, services and supports for people experiencing mental health challenges, as well as their carers.
Online mental health resources
The WayAhead Programs website is a great place to learn how to support somebody with mental health challenges. It has a suite of resources, an events calendar and information about being a mental health ally.
The Mental Health Australia website offers checklists for consumers and carers to help guide conversations with clinicians and service providers at the beginning of a new course of treatment or program.
Mental health reform
As a result of the recent Royal Commission, Victoria is now making major mental health reforms.
The Royal Commission’s final report sets out a 10-year vision for a future mental health system where people can access treatment close to their homes and in their communities. The Victorian Government has agreed to implement the final report’s 65 recommendations (as well as the Commission’s 9 interim recommendations). The recommendations address four key features of the future mental health and wellbeing system:
- a responsive and integrated system with the community at its heart
- a system tuned to promoting inclusion and addressing inequities
- re-established public confidence through prioritisation and collaboration
- contemporary and adaptable services.
COTA Victoria has been funded to keep older Victorians informed about the rollout of the reforms via our website and many community events. If you want to know more about these activities or participate in designing our events, please contact Nicky Barry, Team Leader of Information Outreach, via email or phone at 9655 2154 and leave a message.