Lucy stands with her focus on a wall covered in research notes. Around her are a comfortable armchair, Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, LGBTIQ+ flags, a pot plant and many books. Lucy is placing a sticky note on the wall.

CONSULTING DIVERSE COMMUNITIES

to inform mental health policy

 

TACSI project with the Department of Health, Victoria (2022)

The Australian Centre for Social Innovation (TACSI) was commissioned by the Diverse Communities Team to consult with ‘diverse communities’ (as defined by the Department). The team heard from LGBTIQ+ people, people with disabilities and culturally and linguistically diverse people, as well as those working with them. Community members shared what they wanted the Department of Health to focus on in order to improve mental wellbeing. Lucy and the team planned and delivered 16 consultations, reaching 152 people and presented the findings to inform department policy that will guide funding for mental health support over the next 10 years. The advice from the communities, as well as the successful approach to inclusive consultation, is being shared throughout the Department of Health.