Womens’ wellbeing key focus of new plan

WOMEN’S Health Loddon Mallee (WHLM), a local not-for-profit advocacy body for the health and wellbeing of women across the Loddon Mallee Region, has launched Her Mental Health Matters: A regional mental health and wellbeing strategy to help women, girls and gender diverse people thrive.

The strategy provides a framework for health services, local governments, community organisations and other associated stakeholders to address the gendered determinants of mental health and wellbeing around the region.

It serves to highlight the need to address gendered barriers to wellbeing and outlines the collaborative efforts needed by organisations and communities to drive change.

WHLM CEO Kellie Dunn said when women, girls and gender diverse people thrive, their communities will thrive too.

“This strategy is about ensuring everyone has the opportunity to live well, with access to the support and environments they need to flourish,” she said.

The strategy outlines five key priorities – enhancing local evidence to inform policy and practice, strengthening community connections to build social capital, addressing barriers to support through inclusive service design, empowering individuals to protect and improve their wellbeing, and embedding mental health in community settings.

“Local women’s voices, experiences and wisdom are central to this strategy, informing and guiding our advocacy work and key priorities to enhance mental health and wellbeing outcomes,” Ms Dunn said.

To read the strategy, visit the WHLM website.

WLHM also runs a range of free regular events, including workshops, webinars, presentations, gatherings and shared learning opportunities, details of which can be found on its website.