An electronic publication from the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet
Issue 9, November 2000 - February 2001 : ISSN 1329-3362
Conference abstracts and papers
12th National Health Promotion Conference: Inequalities in health
- reflecting back, stepping forward.
29 October - 1 November 2000, Hotel Sofitel, Melbourne, Victoria.
Shaun Coade
Victorian Koori Mental
Health Policy Project.
The 'Purro Birik' Koori Mental Health Policy Project commenced in October 1997. The establishment of the Project followed consultation between the Victorian Department of Health Services Mental Health Branch, and the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation Incorporated (VACCHO) on the mental health needs of Aboriginal people in Victoria.
The project set out to facilitate discussions between public mental health services and Aboriginal communities on local mental health issues, particularly in relation to developing ideas on best practice.
A major emphasis on the project has been on providing opportunities for Aboriginal communities to discuss mental health and related issues, to promote discussion between communities, and to further develop community analysis and recommendations for the improvement of services.
The project has been undertaken as a partnership between VACCHO and the Victorian Mental Health Branch and a three year commitment has been made to continue to work together on addressing the issues identified through the consultations.
This paper presents the results of the consultations with Aboriginal communities and public mental health services, and outlines the strategies identified to improve mental health services to Aboriginal people in Victoria.
