Trauma service a step closer

The consortium selected to run the new Mental health Statewide Trauma Service (STS) has been announced, in response to a key recommendation of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System.

In a statement, the Victorian government announced the Mental Health STS will help “embed trauma-informed practice in the new mental health and wellbeing system”.

“The new service will bring together the very best mental health practitioners, trauma experts, peer workers, consumers and carers with lived experience to deliver better outcomes for Victorians living with trauma,” the government said.

The Mental Health Statewide Trauma Service consortium includes:

– Phoenix Australia (lead consortium agency)

– Victorian Aboriginal Childcare Agency (VACCA)

– Australian Psychological Society

– Mindful

– Foundation House – the Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture

– Berry Street

– Orygen

– SANE

– Royal Women’s Hospital – Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA House)

– Austin Health – Psychological Trauma Recovery Service, Mental Health Division

– The Bouverie Centre

– The Royal Melbourne Hospital – NorthWestern Mental Health

– Thorne Harbour Health

The government said the Department of Health will fund and work with the consortium to conduct trauma research, support the wellbeing and mental health workforce to provide trauma-informed care, create digital peer-led support platforms and coordinate adn facilitate access to trauma experts.

Acting Mental Health minister Colin Brooks said the service would bring together the very best Victoria, including in Brimbank, has to offer in trauma-informed mental health care and expertise.

“Recognising the effect trauma can have on mental health care is essential to providing all Victorians with the support and care they need,” he said.