Our service officially kicks off

Independent Mental Health Advocacy was officially launched by the Minister for Mental Health, the Hon Martin Foley, at an event in Melbourne last night.

The potential of our service to support people subject to compulsory treatment to be heard was welcomed by speakers, and the 80 guests which included consumers who had advised on our set-up, and service providers.

They heard stories about the devastating impact on people who have been treated against their will, and the exciting potential for our service to make a difference.

Read about what the Minister and consumers spoke about at our launch.

Celebrating our launch (left to right) were the Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley; Manager Independent Mental Health Advocacy Helen Makregiorgos; Victoria Legal Aid Managing Director Bevan Warner.

Consumer academic Cath Roper (above right) said the launch of the service was 'precious and emotional, and the most significant event of my 20 years of advocacy.'

Introducing senior consumer consultant Wanda Bennetts

How to contact us

People subject to compulsory treatment can call Independent Mental Health Advocacy on 1300 947 820 between Monday and Friday, 9.30 am to 4.30 pm.

You can contact us to make a referral or to find out more about our service via email contact@imha.vic.gov.au.

We also have information about your rights on our website at www.imha.vic.gov.au.

If you want to receive updates about the service you can follow us on Twitter or subscribe to Advocacy Matters.

Community news: Tandem carers event

Tandem, the peak body for families and carers of people in Victoria experiencing mental ill health, is holding an event which will explore issues affecting people with a mental illness and the support they can receive through the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Keynote speaker will be Director, Mental Health at the National Disability Insurance Agency, Deb Roberts.

Date: October 8th 2015
Venue: Tandem, 1/37 Mollison Street, Abbotsford
Time: 10am – 12noon

RSVP: admin@tandemcarers.org.au or call 8803 5555 (press Option 3).