October 2nd, 2023Move to upskill state’s mental health workers

Victoria’s minister for mental health Gabrielle Williams has announced close to $12 million to upskill
the state’s mental health workforce and support community-led services.
The Mental Health Workforce Capability Projects for Diverse Communities initiative will establish a two-year partnership with National Disability Services, cohealth, Rainbow Health Australia and other mental health and wellbeing providers to help the workforce deliver more welcoming and inclusive services.
Aiming to increase the skills, knowledge and confidence of mental health practitioners, the partnership will see these organisations either co-design new education programs and resources or utilise existing programs to ensure the broader workforce is equipped to care for diverse communities.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas: “This is another important step on the road to implementing the recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System. I encourage our community-run organisations to apply so we can deliver new projects that will improve mental health outcomes for diverse groups in Macedon”
Existing programs include Rainbow Health’s Rainbow Tick – a world-first framework helping health organisations support the LGBTIQA+ community, with a tick awarded to signal they are a safe, inclusive and affirming service.
Continued investment to upskill and broaden the abilities of the mental health workforce also continues with the next round of the Labor Government’s Diverse Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Grants now open.

The state government says it’s continuing its reform of Victoria’s mental health system, investing
more than $6 billion since the Royal Commission in Victoria’s Mental Health System handed down its report – work is underway on 90 per cent of its recommendations.
Applications for the second round of the Diverse Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing
Grants close Wednesday, 1 November. To apply, please visit: health.vic.gov.au/diverse-
communities-grants-program.

Part of a total $9.6 million investment over four years, the $4.4 million in grants will provide funding for community-run organisations to develop and deliver new projects that will improve mental health outcomes for diverse groups.
To be successful, grant applicants will need to showcase that their idea engages with one of four areas:

• The mental health system and services – building their capability in servicing diverse
  communities
• Communities and people, especially hard to reach groups – increasing their access to
  support
• Government’s reforms and transformation of the system – strengthening diversity,
  equity and inclusion
• Non-health settings – benefiting diverse communities in those places e.g., workplaces,
  custodial settings