The Victorian Mental Health Interprofessional Leadership Network (VMHILN) was a community of practice that united existing and emerging leaders from the lived experience, nursing, allied health and medical workforces in Victorian Area Mental Health Services (AMHS)
VMHILN was a Victorian DH initiative that began in 2015. We had collective wisdom, a range of skills and experiences and a joint commitment to leading innovation and change.
Our vision was to be a thriving, influential and highly valued network that actively leads change in AMHS and influences broader policy reform to improve the experiences of all those who utilise or work within mental health services.
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We had bi-monthly meetings to share innovations, ideas, knowledge and resources.
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We provided access to leadership professional development opportunities for members.
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We shared our leadership skills and knowledge and provided opportunities for networking across disciplines, AMHS and the wider sector.
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We connected our members with policy makers.
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We led cross-sector collaborations and projects revising a number of Chief Psychiatrist guidelines.
The VMHILN ceased to operate as a Network as of November 2022. There are many people that have been a part of the VMHILN since its beginning in 2015. Many still are current members. The Network also has alumni members, who were instrumental in the early days, including holding roles on the Network steering group.
Network History
In 2014 the Victorian DHHS invested considerable resources into the implementation of the VMHIL Project. Area Mental Health Services nominated teams of four individuals; one each from Nursing, Allied Health, Lived Experience and Medical, to form an interprofessional leadership team.
These newly established teams participated in a specifically designed leadership program that focused on developing collaborative leadership. All three cohorts finished the program in 2016, and have since developed into a Network of interprofessional leaders across Victoria.
Network members recognise that their commitment to, and involvement in, this initiative can provide them with unique experiences that support, develop and connect them as mental health leaders. There are significant advantages in being a member, and thus being in a position to collectively shape mental health service delivery.
