headspace has welcomed the opportunity to inform the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System. This submission reflects input from headspace National and the Victorian headspace Centre Network. Victorian representatives from our national youth and family and friends reference groups also provided feedback, enabling us to prioritise our key issues and recommendations.

headspace provides a comprehensive, diverse and accessible platform for young people, and have excellent brand recognition and trust in Victorian communities. From 2014 to 2018, 70,637 young Victorians were helped by headspace centres.

It is our view that Victoria’s mental health system has the fundamental building blocks to meet the needs of the community, but chronic underfunding, a lack of integration and system fragmentation have eroded the efficacy of the system over time. This aligns with the findings of the recent Victorian Auditor-General’s Review of Child and Youth Mental Health.

Real opportunities exist to ensure the system can meet demand, streamline access and transition between services utilising a ‘no wrong door’ approach and, build real continuity of care through dedicated integration of funding, alongside a much greater focus onconsumer and family/carer participation.

The Royal Commission process and recommendations will provide opportunities to leverage off previous headspace investments in Victoria and develop an enhanced system of care inclusive of education, employment, drug and alcohol, and general health systems

We are hopeful that the work of the Victorian Royal Commission can lead the way for further reform and improvement not only in Victoria, but also nationally.

Click here to review the full submission from headspace.