The Department of Health is developing a new Mental Health and Wellbeing Outcomes and Performance Framework, as recommended by the Royal Commission into Victorian Mental Health Services. This framework will outline the intended impact of the mental health reform, and outline the changes that need to occur, and how we’ll know if we’re moving in the right direction. People with lived and living experience of supporting people who go through mental health challenges need to be in the center of this redesign. This is to ensure that the Department of Health are measuring how mental health services are assisting carers, kin, family (by birth or by choice), friends and supporters, to progress towards the goals that matter the most to you. The framework provides an overview of what is needed in the system and how to measure progress to the outcomes of a better system.

With the assistance of over 200 stakeholders from across the sector, including people with lived and living experience, a draft set of outcomes has been developed – a set of aspirational goals for mental health reform. The next phase of work is determining what needs to be measured – and how – in order to accurately track whether the reform is achieving the intended progress. The Department of Health is seeking feedback on the draft Mental Health and Wellbeing Outcomes and Performance Framework. The Framework aims to support the best possible mental health and wellbeing outcomes for all Victorians by providing outlining what the reforms should achieve. It will provide a way to understand and measure the impact of our reforms and the difference they make to people’s lives. In line with the Royal Commission’s vision, the Department is prioritising the input and expertise of people with lived and living experience to design the important framework that helps to measure outcomes. If you have any questions about the Outcomes and Performance Framework, feel free to contact [email protected].

Engagement Details

• Online - One-off opportunity - Workshop
• Wednesday 21st September, 1pm to 4pm (3hrs)

Engagement Purpose

The purpose of the workshop is to:

• Examine the Mental Health Outcomes & Performance Framework
• Engage people with lived and living experience to discuss and guide the Department on what they should be measuring, to reach the desired outcomes stated in the Framework.

Lived Experience Recruitment Needs

The Department of Health project team is looking for contributions from seven (7) Tandem Register participants, with experience in one or more of the following:

• Experience of (or interest in) data collection and usage – from either the policy side of data collection and usage OR the hands-on collection/collectee side of data collection and usage
• Engagement with the Mental Health and Wellbeing Outcomes Framework Workshops held in April and May 2022 is great, but not required

Please note, the workshop will include participants with lived and living experience recruited outside of the Tandem Participation Register, including participating members from our partner, VMIAC Consumer Register.

All participants will be provided with appropriate support around the workshop, and given the opportunity to provide insights anonymously after the workshop if they do not feel comfortable sharing in the workshop setting.

Remuneration

• Lived experience engagement ‘Co-design/Co-produce’ half day rate = $218
• Half day rate (up to 4 hours) to cover any pre-session preparation, participation (3hr workshop) and post-session feedback/evaluation

Accessibility

To notify any access needs or considerations to enable diverse and inclusive participation in this opportunity please contact Elissa Stanovic, Tandem Participation Register Coordinator on 03 8803 5555 or email [email protected]

Support

• In-session peer support will be provided on the day
• Optional small group pre-briefing with a member of the Department of Health Project Team may be arranged, likely Monday 19 September, for any questions you may have, or for a more detailed run- through of the framework beforehand
• Optional small group post-session debriefing to be scheduled with Elissa Stanovic, Tandem Participation Register Coordinator

Please send your simplified expression of interest (EOI) with subject line EOI – MHWB Outcomes and Performance Framework Workshopin a reply email to [email protected]>by 10am, Friday 16 September 2022 including:

• Your full name*
• Preferred pronouns (he/him - she/her - they/them)*
• Email address*
• Phone number*
• Current availability to participate as follows:
• Online Workshop - Wednesday 21st September, 1pm to 4pm (3hrs)
• A few words (up to 150 words) about your interest in the Outcomes and Performance Framework Workshop and why you would like to contribute to this area of mental health and wellbeing reform
• Optional inclusion: If you identify with any intersectional identities and communities including First Nations peoples, Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, LGBTIQA+, non-binary, and gender diverse communities, Disability, All Abilities communities, Neurodiverse communities, if you live in a metro, rural or regional area

*Note: Your name, email address and phone number will be provided the Department of Health for all engagement communication such as official invitations and online meeting links, engagement updates and any pre-reading, evaluation and feedback as required

Contact

If you have any questions about this Register engagement opportunity, please do not hesitate to contact:

Elissa Stanovic, Tandem Participation Register Coordinator

Email [email protected]

Phone (03) 8803 5555

If you have any questions about the Outcomes and Performance Framework, feel free to contact [email protected]

The Tandem Support and Referral Line provides support, information and referral to the family members, friends and carers of people living with mental health challenges

Call us on 1800 314 325

You can call us for free from 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday, to:

• Speak with someone who understands your situation
• Seek general advice, advocacy and information on services to meet your needs
• Seek support with NDIS access and plan issues

Please note that we are not a crisis service. If you or someone else may be at risk of suicide please contact:

• Lifeline 13 11 14
• Suicide Helpline 1300 651 251
• Kid's Help Line 1800 55 1800

Who can call the Tandem Support and Referral Line?

Family members or friends who are supporting a person with mental health issues are eligible to use Tandem’s Support and Referral Service.

Tandem member(in addition to Tandem Participation Register membership), you also have access to individual advocacy, support and referral through an Advocate.

This may include:

• Assisting family and friends to understand their rights and responsibilities under relevant legislation and service policies and procedures.
• Empowering members to advocate effectively on their own behalf; and
• Providing family and friends with appropriate referrals.

Family, friends, and carers can access this support and referral service by becoming a member of Tandem

For more information please call 1800 314 325 or email [email protected]

The Advocate can advise on the use of the Nominated Persons and Advance Statement components of the Mental Health Act