New partnership to improve mental health and wellbeing support

The partnership will bring together a network of metropolitan and regional health services and research institutions in response to recommendations made by the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System.

There will be a strong focus on improving people’s experience of the mental health system by providing best practice treatment and support, as well as listening to the voices of lived experience, their loved ones and people who work in the sector.

The RMH’s Acting Chief Executive Jackie McLeod welcomed this announcement and said the Collaborative Centre builds on the hospital’s existing strengths in mental health service delivery.

“We recognise the value lived experience has in improving our service through our strong consumer work and peer support services,” she said.

“The Collaborative Centre will build on our commitment to improving our practice through innovative programs and translational research initiatives, including lived experience-led programs, together with our partners.”

Professor Jane Gunn AO, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences said the initiative builds on the deep and enduring partnership between the University of Melbourne and the RMH as well as extensive networks throughout the state.

“Collaboration with a wide range of partners increases our ability to test new ideas, address gaps in evidence and translate research into effective models of care,” she said.

“Collectively we share a vision to place lived experience expertise and leadership at the centre of our work to improve people’s experience of the mental health and wellbeing system.”

Over the next six months, the RMH and the University of Melbourne, as part of the Collaborative Centre, will identify and begin work on early priorities for research and service delivery opportunities.