Promoting Mental Health and Community Wellbeing

By Rob Moodie, CEO, VicHealth

Mental health problems are unfortunately very common and their human, social and economic consequences are great. Newer methods of treatment and rehabilitation are being developed, but there is increasing realisation of the serious limitations of focusing solely on treatment and rehabilitation of those affected by mental disorders. The fundamental challenge is to identify and invest in better ways of promoting mental health and wellbeing and preventing problems before they occur.

The potential in such an approach is significant. We know that social and economic factors in the environments in which we live, work, learn, play and build relationships with one another are among the most powerful influences on mental health. Since it is possible to modify many of these, addressing the growing mental health burden is clearly within our grasp.

VicHealth’s collaborative work in promoting mental health and wellbeing, particularly since 1999, has lifted its reputation throughout Victoria and at the National and International levels. The organisation has taken a leadership position, consulting widely and with experts, and using all the strategies necessary for effective mental health promotion – research, communication, policy analysis, evaluation, program and workforce development and community strengthening. The achievements, widely recognised not only throughout the Victorian community but in the global arena as well, demonstrate the dividends a long-term commitment to a health promotion organisation can yield.

Since the launch of VicHealth’s Mental Health Promotion Plan in 1999 we have had the opportunity to join others across the world to enhance understanding and develop joint projects to progress our work in this area. Through this work, field practice and new research, we are convinced of the ongoing need to respond to the social and economic factors influencing mental health and wellbeing.

One of the most important concepts to come out of our work in mental health promotion is the notion of community wellbeing and the role of cohesive, equitable communities in preventing mental ill health. To this end, we focus our work on:

1. breaking down social isolation, which includes giving people access to supportive relationships, involvement in group activities and civic engagement;
2. reducing violence and discrimination, which includes valuing diversity, ensuring emotional and physical security, and maximising opportunities for self determination and control of one’s life; and
3. improving access to economic resources for people facing disadvantage, which includes access to skill development, education, housing, work and income.

There are huge challenges in developing research and implementation capacity to underpin the testing of a number of interventions that promote mental health. The development of the new VicHealth Centre for the Promotion of Mental Health and Community Wellbeing is a very positive step in this direction. We remain committed to facilitating and developing partnerships to increase the capacity of organisations to promote mental health and wellbeing and look forward to a productive and collaborative relationship with the centre and its staff.