Royal Commission into Mental Health to look at preventing mental illness and suicide

More than 8000 Victorians have made a submission on the terms of reference for the Royal Commission into Mental Health, which will look at suicide prevention.

Those who have experienced mental illness helped frame the guidelines. Picture: Simon Dean

The Royal Commission into Mental Health will investigate the best way to prevent suicide, support families of the mentally ill, and examine the ­system as a whole.

The terms of reference will also examine how to help those who suffer a mental ­illness and have alcohol or drug-abuse issues.

More than 8000 Victorians made a submission into shaping the terms of reference, and 20 “round tables” with mental-health experts and those who have experienced mental illness also helped frame the guidelines.

ANDREWS PROMISES ROYAL COMMISSION INTO MENTAL HEALTH

LABOR PROMISES HEALTH FUNDING BOOST

GOVERNMENT IN $52M MENTAL HEALTH FUNDING BOOST

The terms of reference will examine how to help those who suffer a mental ­illness.

The government made an election promise to launch a royal commission, citing the one in five Victorians who suffer a mental illness and the troubling rates of suicide.

The full terms of reference are how to:

MOST effectively prevent mental illness and suicide,

DELIVER the best mental-health outcomes and help Victorians navigate the system,

BEST support the needs of family and carers of people ­living with mental illness,

IMPROVE outcomes for those in the community at greater risk of experiencing poor mental health, and

BEST support people living with mental illness and problematic alcohol and drug use.

The commission will deliver a preliminary report by ­November 30 and a final ­report in October 2020.

The government will tomorrow announce the commissioners.

Premier Daniel Andrews and Mental Health Minister Martin Foley. Picture: AAP

Premier Daniel Andrews said the government drew on experts and those who experienced mental illness to help fix the mental health system.

Mental Health Minister Martin Foley said there were too many suicides linked to mental illness.

“We need a new approach to mental health, and a royal commission will help deliver a new system,” he said.

If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyondblue on 1300 224 636

Originally published as Royal Commission into Mental Health to look at preventing mental illness and suicide