World Mental Health Day aims to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world.
It’s an opportunity for people whose work relates to mental health to share and reflect on what needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for all people.
Homes Victoria continues to partner with the community housing sector to deliver long-term supported housing for Victorians living with mental illness who require ongoing support.
The new homes are part of the Victorian Government’s response to the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, which recognised that people experiencing mental illness or psychological distress have an increased likelihood of experiencing housing instability or homelessness and that stable housing was fundamental to a person’s mental health and wellbeing.
Homes Victoria, in partnership with the community housing sector, is working towards delivering 500 homes by the end of 2026.
Homes Victoria CEO Simon Newport said 325 homes were already planned, completed or underway.
“The Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System made it clear that there is a clear link between people who access mental health and wellbeing support services and those who were experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness.
"People with mental health and wellbeing concerns require stable, long-term housing to build their capacity and maintain a level of wellness. We have come a long way in a short amount of time but today, World Mental Health Day, is a good day to stop and reflect on the work we’ve completed and the work that is still to come.”
About Mental Health Supported Housing
The specialist housing partnership will provide people with a home as well as access to mental health and wellbeing supports tailored to their unique needs. This housing is being built for people on the Victorian Housing Register (VHR) who are eligible for relevant psychosocial supports.
The homes will be designed with help from those with lived experience of mental illness, incorporating preferred housing types such as independent and low-density units. The housing will feature natural light, flexible living spaces, private entrances and green landscaping– features that were identified as beneficial to having positive impacts on resident’s mental health.
This initiative is a collaborative effort between Homes Victoria, the Department of Treasury and Finance, and Community Housing Agencies specialising in the delivery and management of mental health supported housing.
This project is another initiative under the Big Housing Build and is supported by funding from the Social Housing Growth Fund- providing new housing stock that will benefit Victorians for generations.
Read more Homes Victoria news, including project updates and stories from our renters here.